20-F

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from/to

or

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report:

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)

7-1, KONAN 1-CHOME, MINATO-KU,

TOKYO 108-0075 JAPAN

(Address of principal executive offices)

J. Justin Hill, Vice President, Investor Relations

Sony Corporation of America

550 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Telephone: 212-833-6722, Facsimile: 212-833-6938

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be 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
Common Stock**	New York Stock Exchange

* American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts.

        Each American Depositary Share represents one share of Common Stock.

** No par value per share.

        Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of American Depositary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

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, 2012		March 31, 2012
Title of Class	(Tokyo Time)		(New York Time)
Common Stock		1,004,638,164
American Depositary Shares				66,940,684

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

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  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

þ  Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer ¨  Non-accelerated filer

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

US GAAP  þ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨ Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17  ¨ Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨ No  þ

Cautionary Statement

Statements made in this release 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. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those statements using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “could” or “should,” and words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance, events or conditions. From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other materials released to the public. These statements are based on management’s assumptions, judgments and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Sony cautions investors that a number of important risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on them. Investors also should not rely on any obligation of Sony to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Sony disclaims any such obligation. Risks and uncertainties that might affect Sony include, but are not limited to:

(i) the global economic environment in which Sony operates and the economic conditions in Sony's markets, particularly levels of consumer spending;

(ii) foreign exchange rates, particularly between the yen and the U.S. dollar, the euro and other currencies in which Sony makes significant sales and incurs production costs, or in which Sony’s assets and liabilities are denominated;

(iii) Sony’s ability to continue to design and develop and win acceptance of, as well as achieve sufficient cost reductions for, its products and services, including liquid crystal display (“LCD”) televisions, game platforms and smartphones, which are offered in highly competitive markets characterized by intense price competition, continual new product and service introductions, rapid development in technology and subjective and changing consumer preferences;

(iv) Sony’s ability and timing to recoup large-scale investments required for technology development and production capacity;

(v) Sony’s ability to implement successful business restructuring and transformation efforts under changing market conditions;

(vi) Sony’s ability to implement successful hardware, software, and content integration strategies for all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, and to develop and implement successful sales and distribution strategies in light of the Internet and other technological developments;

(vii) Sony’s continued ability to devote sufficient resources to research and development and, with respect to capital expenditures, to prioritize investments correctly (particularly in the electronics business);

(viii) Sony’s ability to maintain product quality;

(ix) the effectiveness of Sony’s strategies and their execution, including but not limited to the success of Sony’s acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic investments (in particular the recent acquisition of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB);

(x) Sony’s ability to forecast demands, manage timely procurement and control inventories; (xi) the outcome of pending legal and/or regulatory proceedings;

(xi) shifts in customer demand for financial services such as life insurance and Sony’s ability to conduct successful asset liability management in the Financial Services segment;

(xii) the impact of unfavorable conditions or developments (including market fluctuations or volatility) in the Japanese equity markets on the revenue and operating income of the Financial Services segment; and

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(xiii) risks related to catastrophic disasters or similar events, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and its aftermath as well as the floods in Thailand. Risks and uncertainties also include the impact of any future events with material adverse impact.

Important information regarding risks and uncertainties is also set forth elsewhere in this annual report, including in “Risk Factors” included in “Item 3. Key Information,” “Item 4. Information on the Company,” “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” “Legal Proceedings” included in “Item 8. Financial Information,” Sony’s consolidated financial statements referenced in “Item 8. Financial Information” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

In this document, Sony Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries are together referred to as “Sony.” In addition, sales and operating revenue are referred to as “sales” in the narrative description except in the consolidated financial statements.

As of March 31, 2012, Sony Corporation had 1,267 consolidated subsidiaries (including variable interest entities). It has applied the equity accounting method with respect to its 95 affiliated companies.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers	6
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable	6
Item 3. Key Information	6
A. Selected Financial Data	6
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness	7
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds	7
D. Risk Factors	7
Item 4. Information on the Company	23
A. History and Development of the Company	23
Principal Capital Investments	25
B. Business Overview	25
Products and Services	26
Sales and Distribution	29
Sources of Supply	32
After-Sales Service	32
Patents and Licenses	32
Competition	32
Government Regulations	34
C. Organizational Structure	36
D. Property, Plant and Equipment	37
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments	39
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects	39
A. Operating Results	39
Operating Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March  31, 2012 compared with the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2011	39
Operating Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March  31, 2011 compared with the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2010	53
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources	78
C. Research and Development	80
D. Trend Information	81
Issues Facing Sony and Management’s Response to those Issues	81
E. Off-balance Sheet Arrangements	84
F. Contractual Obligations, Commitments, and Contingent Liabilities	87
Critical Accounting Policies	89
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	98
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	98
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees	99
A. Directors and Senior Management	99
B. Compensation	105
C. Board Practices	108
D. Employees	111
E. Share Ownership	113
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions	114
A. Major Shareholders	114
B. Related Party Transactions	114
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel	114
Item 8. Financial Information	114
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information	114
Legal Proceedings	114
Dividend Policy	115
B. Significant Changes	115

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Item 9. The Offer and Listing	115
A. Offer and Listing Details	115
Trading Markets	115
Trading on the TSE and the NYSE	116
B. Plan of Distribution	116
C. Markets	116
D. Selling Shareholders	117
E. Dilution	117
F. Expenses of the Issue	117
Item 10. Additional Information	117
A. Share Capital	117
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association	117
C. Material Contracts	126
D. Exchange Controls	126
E. Taxation	127
F. Dividends and Paying Agent	130
G. Statement by Experts	130
H. Documents on Display	130
I. Subsidiary Information	130
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	130
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities	132
A. Debt Securities	132
B. Warrants and Rights	132
C. Other Securities	132
D. American Depositary Shares	132
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies	133
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds	133
Item 15. Controls and Procedures	133
Item 16. [Reserved]	134
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert	134
Item 16B. Code of Ethics	134
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services	134
Audit and Non-Audit Fees	134
Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures	135
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees	135
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers	136
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant	136
Item 16G. Disclosure About Differences in Corporate Governance	136
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure	141
Item 17. Financial Statements	141
Item 18. Financial Statements	141
Item 19. Exhibits	142
Signatures	143

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Item  1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not Applicable

Item  2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not Applicable

Item  3. Key Information

A. Selected Financial Data

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2008			2009			2010			2011			2012
	(Yen in millions, yen per share amounts)
Income statement data:
Sales and operating revenue		8,871,414			7,729,993			7,213,998			7,181,273			6,493,212
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		100,817			(25,109	)		(30,235	)		14,062			(121,697	)
Operating income (loss)		475,299			(227,783	)		31,772			199,821			(67,275	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		567,134			(174,955	)		26,912			205,013			(83,186	)
Income taxes		203,478			(72,741	)		13,958			425,339			315,239
Net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		369,435			(98,938	)		(40,802	)		(259,585	)		(456,660	)
Data per share of Common Stock:
Net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders*
— Basic		368.33			(98.59	)		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)
— Diluted		351.10			(98.59	)		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)
Cash dividends declared Interim		12.50			30.00			12.50			12.50			12.50
		(11.26 cents	)		(31.89 cents	)		(14.38 cents	)		(14.84 cents	)		(16.08 cents	)
Cash dividends declared Fiscal year-end		12.50			12.50			12.50			12.50			12.50
		(11.92 cents	)		(13.01 cents	)		(13.55 cents	)		(15.66 cents	)		(15.70 cents	)
Depreciation and amortization**		428,010			405,443			371,004			325,366			319,594
Capital expenditures (additions to fixed assets)		335,726			332,068			192,724			204,862			295,139
Research and development costs		520,568			497,297			432,001			426,814			433,477
Balance sheet data:
Net working capital (deficit)***		986,296			(190,265	)		64,627			(291,253	)		(775,019	)
Long-term debt		729,059			660,147			924,207			812,235			762,226
Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity		3,465,089			2,964,653			2,965,905			2,547,987			2,028,891
Common stock		630,576			630,765			630,822			630,921			630,923
Total assets***		12,515,176			11,983,480			12,862,624			12,911,122			13,295,667
Number of shares issued at fiscal year-end (thousands of shares of common stock)		1,004,443			1,004,535			1,004,571			1,004,637			1,004,638
Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity per share of common stock		3,453.25			2,954.25			2,955.47			2,538.89			2,021.66

* Refer to Note 22 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

** Depreciation and amortization includes amortization expenses for intangible assets and deferred insurance acquisition costs.

*** Total amounts for the previous fiscal years have been revised. Refer to Note 2 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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	Average*		High		Low		Period-end
	(Yen)
Yen exchange rates per U.S. dollar:
Fiscal year ended March 31
2008		114.31		124.09		96.88		99.85
2009		100.62		110.48		87.80		99.15
2010		92.93		100.71		86.12		93.40
2011		85.71		94.68		78.74		82.76
2012		79.00		85.26		75.72		82.41
2012
January		—		78.13		76.28		76.34
February		—		81.10		76.11		81.10
March		—		83.78		80.86		82.41
April		—		82.62		79.81		79.81
May		—		80.36		78.29		78.29
June (through June 22)		—		80.52		78.21		80.52

The noon buying rate for yen in New York City as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on June 22, 2012 was 80.52 yen = 1 U.S. dollar.

* The average yen exchange rates represent average noon buying rates of all the business days during the respective year.

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not Applicable

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable

D. Risk Factors

Sony realigned its reportable segments from the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 to reflect modifications to the organizational structure as of April 1, 2011, primarily repositioning the operations of the previously reported Consumer, Professional & Devices (“CPD”) and Networked Products & Services (“NPS”) segments. In connection with this realignment, the operations of the former CPD and NPS segments are included in two newly established segments, the Consumer Products & Services (“CPS”) segment and the Professional, Device & Solutions (“PDS”) segment. The CPS segment includes televisions, home audio and video, digital imaging, personal and mobile products, and the game business. The equity results of S-LCD Corporation (“S-LCD”) through the third quarter ended December 31, 2011 were included within the CPS segment. Sony sold its entire equity interest in S-LCD in January 2012. The PDS segment includes professional solutions, semiconductors and components.

On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s (“Ericsson”) 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”), which changed its name to Sony Mobile Communications AB upon becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Accordingly, the Sony Ericsson segment that had been presented as a separate segment was renamed as the Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) segment during the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2012.

The Pictures, Music, Financial Services and All Other segments remain unchanged.

Sony plans to further change its business segment classification to reflect its reorganization as of April 1, 2012. Sony expects to report its operating results in line with new business segments from the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. Please note that the following Risk Factors section is based on the business segment classification that applies to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

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This section contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the Cautionary Statement appearing on page 2 of this annual report. Risks to Sony are also discussed elsewhere in this annual report, including without limitation in the other sections of this annual report referred to in the Cautionary Statement.

Sony must overcome increasingly intense competition, especially in the CPS segment.

Sony produces consumer products that compete against products sold by competitors, including new entrants, on the basis of several factors such as price and function. In order to produce products that appeal to changing and increasingly diverse consumer preferences, and to overcome the fact that a relatively high percentage of consumers already possess products similar to those that Sony offers, Sony must develop superior technology, anticipate consumer tastes and rapidly develop attractive products with competitive selling prices. Sony faces increasingly intense pricing pressure from competitors, retailer consolidation, and shorter product cycles in a variety of consumer product categories. Sony’s operating results depend on Sony’s ability to continue to efficiently develop and offer products at competitive prices, through multiple sales channels, that meet changing and increasingly diverse consumer preferences. If Sony is unable to effectively anticipate and counter the ongoing price erosion that frequently affects its consumer products, if there is a change in existing business models, or if the average selling prices of its consumer products decrease faster than Sony is able to reduce its manufacturing costs, Sony’s operating results and financial condition may be adversely impacted.

To remain competitive and stimulate customer demand, Sony must successfully manage frequent introductions and transitions of new products, semiconductors, components, and services.

Due to the highly volatile and competitive nature of the consumer electronics, network services and mobile communication industries, Sony must continually introduce, enhance and stimulate customer demand for products, semiconductors such as image sensors, components, services and technologies in both mature and developing markets. The successful introductions and transitions of new products, semiconductors, components, and services depend on a number of factors, such as the timely and successful completion of development efforts, market acceptance, Sony’s ability to manage the risks associated with new products and production ramp-up issues, the availability of application software for new products, the effective management of purchase commitments and inventory levels in line with anticipated product demand, the availability of products in appropriate quantities and costs to meet anticipated demand, and the risk that new products, semiconductors, components, and services may have quality or other issues in the early stages of introduction. To remain competitive, it is also important for Sony to respond to technology innovation and changing consumer demand for its products and services that integrate and enhance functions of existing products and services. In addition, new and upgraded products, semiconductors, components and services have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on the sales of Sony’s existing products, semiconductors, components and services in which Sony has competitive strength. For example, innovation in technologies such as high-resolution image sensors, high-speed online and wireless communications, mobile product operating systems (“OS”), high-capacity data memory and storage and network services has led to consumer demand for products such as smartphones and tablets that combine the functions of multiple existing products and services, including mobile phones, portable music players, compact digital cameras, home video cameras, PCs, portable game hardware, and application software including web browsers. Accordingly, if Sony cannot properly manage frequent introductions and transitions of new products, semiconductors, components and services, Sony’s operating results and financial condition may be adversely impacted.

Sony is subject to competition from firms that may be more specialized or have greater resources.

Sony has several business segments in different industries with many product and service categories, which cause it to face a broad range of existing and new competitors ranging from large multinational companies to highly specialized entities that focus on only a few businesses. In addition, outsourced manufacturing services partners may enter and compete with Sony in markets in which they currently supply products to Sony. Furthermore, current and future competitors may have greater financial, technical, labor and marketing resources available to them than those available to the businesses of Sony, and Sony may not be able to fund or invest in

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certain areas of its businesses to the same degree as its competitors or match competitor pricing. In addition, the businesses within Sony’s Financial Services segment may not be able to compete effectively, especially against established competitors with superior financial, marketing and other relevant resources. A failure to efficiently anticipate and respond to these established and new competitors may adversely impact Sony’s operating results.

Sony’s investments in research and development may not yield the results expected.

Sony’s businesses operate in intensely competitive markets characterized by changing consumer preferences and rapid technological innovation. Due to advanced technological innovation and the relative ease of technology imitation, new products and services tend to become standardized more rapidly, leading to more intense competition and ongoing price erosion. In order to strengthen the competitiveness of its products in this environment, Sony continues to invest heavily in research and development. For example, within Sony’s game business, developing and providing products that maintain competitiveness over an extended life cycle require large-scale investment in research and development, particularly during the development and introductory period of a new platform. However, these investments may not yield the innovation or the results expected quickly enough, or competitors may lead Sony in technological innovation, hindering Sony’s ability to commercialize, in a timely manner, new and competitive products and services that meet the needs of the market, which consequently may adversely impact Sony’s operating results as well as its reputation.

Sony’s business restructuring and transformation efforts are costly and may not attain their objectives.

Sony continued to implement restructuring initiatives in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 that focused on a review of the Sony group’s investment plan, the realignment of its manufacturing sites, the reallocation of its workforce, and headcount reductions. As a result of these restructuring initiatives, a total of 54.8 billion yen in restructuring charges has been recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. While Sony anticipates recording approximately 75 billion yen of restructuring charges for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, significant additional or future restructuring charges may be recorded due to reasons such as the impact of economic downturns or exiting from unprofitable businesses. Restructuring charges are recorded primarily in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative (“SGA”) expenses and other operating (income) expense, net and thus adversely affect Sony’s operating income (loss) and net income (loss) attributable to Sony’s stockholders (Refer to Note 19 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements). Sony plans to continue rationalizing its manufacturing operations, shifting and consolidating manufacturing to lower-cost countries, utilizing outsourced manufacturing, reducing SGA expenses at sales companies, and outsourcing its support functions and information processing operations to external partners. In addition, Sony continues to undertake business process optimization and enhance profitability through horizontal platforms such as global sales and marketing, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, quality, and R&D.

Due to internal or external factors, efficiencies and cost savings from the above-mentioned and other restructuring and transformation initiatives may not be realized as scheduled and, even if those benefits are realized, Sony may not be able to achieve the level of profitability expected due to market conditions worsening beyond expectations. Such possible internal factors may include, for example, changes in restructuring and transformation plans, an inability to implement the initiatives effectively with available resources, an inability to coordinate effectively across different business groups, delays in implementing the new business processes or strategies, or an inability to effectively manage and monitor the post-transformation performance of the operation. Possible external factors may include, for example, increased burdens from regional labor regulations, labor union agreements and Japanese customary labor practices that may prevent Sony from executing its restructuring initiatives as planned. The inability to fully and successfully implement restructuring and transformation programs may adversely affect Sony’s operating results and financial condition. Additionally, operating cash flows may be reduced as a result of the payment for restructuring charges.

Sony’s acquisitions and joint ventures within strategic business areas may not be successful.

Sony actively engages in acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic investments in order to acquire new technologies, efficiently develop new businesses, and enhance its business competitiveness. Sony may sell its

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equity interest in a joint venture or buy out the joint venture partner’s equity due to the achievement of its original objectives or other reasons. For example, in February 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson, a joint venture that manufactures and sells mobile handsets, and made the company a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. In January 2012, Sony sold its entire equity interest in S-LCD, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) panel manufacturing joint venture, to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and terminated the joint venture.

Sony may incur significant expenses to acquire and integrate businesses. Additionally, Sony may not achieve strategic objectives, planned revenue improvements and cost savings, and may not retain key personnel of the acquired businesses. Sony’s operating results may also be adversely affected by the assumption of liabilities related to any acquired businesses.

Sony currently has investments in several joint ventures and strategic partnerships and may engage in new investments in the future. If Sony and its partners are unable to reach their common financial objectives successfully, due to changes in the competitive environment or other reasons, Sony’s operating results may be adversely affected. Sony’s operating results may also be adversely affected in the short- and medium-term during a partnership, even if Sony and its partners remain on course to achieve their common financial objectives. In addition, by participating in joint ventures or other strategic investments, Sony may encounter conflicts of interest, may not maintain sufficient control over these relationships, including over cash flow, and may be faced with an increased risk of the loss of proprietary technology or know-how. Sony’s reputation may be harmed by the actions or activities of a joint venture that uses the Sony brand. Sony may also be required to provide additional funding or debt guarantees to a joint venture, or dissolve a joint venture, whether as a result of significant or persistent underperformance, or otherwise.

Sony may not be able to recoup the capital expenditures or investments it makes to increase production capacity.

Sony continues to invest in production equipment in the CPS and PDS segments. One example is an additional investment by Sony in image sensor fabrication facilities to meet the increasing demand for image sensors. Sony invested approximately 120 billion yen to increase its image sensor fabrication capacity for the year ended March 31, 2012. If unforeseen market changes and corresponding decline in demand result in a mismatch between sales volume and anticipated production volumes, or if unit sales prices decline due to market oversupply, Sony may not be able to recover its capital expenditures or investments, in part or in full, or the recovery of these capital expenditures or investments may take longer than expected. As a result, the carrying value of the related assets may be subject to an impairment charge, which may adversely affect Sony’s profitability.

Increased reliance on external business partners may increase financial, brand image, reputational and other risks to Sony.

With the increasing necessity of pursuing quick business development and high operating efficiency with limited managerial resources, Sony increasingly relies on third-party suppliers and business partners for parts and components, software and network services. Sony also relies on other business partners to provide software technologies, such as the Android OS for mobile products, and services. As a result of this reliance on third-party suppliers and business partners, Sony’s products or services may be affected by quality issues caused by the failure of third-party parts and components, software, or network services. Moreover, third-party parts and components, software and network services used in Sony products or services may be subject to copyright or patent infringement claims. Third-party business partners may also give priority to competitor products and services over Sony’s and discontinue support, or otherwise change business terms for Sony’s products and services. Such issues resulting from reliance on third-party suppliers and business partners for parts and components, software, and network services may adversely affect Sony’s operating results, brand image or reputation. Sony has also become more reliant upon outsourced manufacturing services for product and component supply in the CPS segment, particularly in the television business. If Sony cannot adequately manage

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these outsourcing relationships, or if natural disasters or other events affect Sony’s business partners, Sony’s production operations may be adversely affected. Sony may not be able to achieve target volume or quality levels, and may face a risk of the loss of proprietary technology or know-how. Sony also consigns activities including certain procurement, logistics, sales, data processing, human resources, accounting, and other services, to external business partners. Sony’s operations may be affected if the external business partners do not comply with applicable laws or regulations, or if they infringe third-party intellectual property rights, or if they are subject to business or service interruption caused by accidents, natural disasters or bankruptcies.

Sony must efficiently manage its procurement of parts and components, the market conditions for which are volatile, and control its inventory of products, parts, and components, the demand for which is volatile.

In the CPS and PDS segments, Sony uses a large volume of parts and components, such as semiconductors including chipsets for mobile products, and LCD panels, for its products. Fluctuations in the availability and pricing of parts and components can adversely affect Sony’s operating results. For instance, shortages of parts or components may result in sharply higher prices and an increase in the cost of goods sold. Also, shortages of critical parts or components, particularly where Sony is substantially reliant on one supplier, may result in a reduction or suspension of production at Sony’s manufacturing sites. Additionally, the prices of parts or components fluctuate with the prices of underlying basic or raw materials, such as petrochemical products, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements, which can also affect the cost of goods sold.

Sony places orders for parts and components in line with production and inventory plans determined in advance based on its forecast of consumer demand, which is highly volatile and difficult to predict. Inaccurate forecasts of consumer demand or inadequate management can lead to a shortage or excess of inventory, which can disrupt production plans and result in lost sales opportunities or inventory adjustments. Sony writes down the value of its inventory when the underlying parts, components or products have become obsolete, when inventory levels exceed the amount expected to be used, or when the value of the inventory is otherwise recorded at a value higher than net realizable value. In the past, for example, Sony has experienced a shortage of certain semiconductors and LCD panels, which resulted in Sony’s inability to meet consumer demand for its PCs and audio visual products, as well as a surplus in certain semiconductors and LCD panels that resulted in inventory write-downs when the prices of these parts and components fell. More recently, Sony has been faced with shortages of certain parts and components as a result of the damage to its suppliers caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the massive earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan in March 2011 and the floods in Thailand that began in the second half of 2011 (the “Floods”). Such lost sales opportunities, inventory adjustments, or shortages of parts and components have had and may in the future have an adverse impact on Sony’s operating results and financial condition.

Sony’s sales and profitability are sensitive to economic, employment and other trends in Sony’s major markets.

Sony’s sales and profitability are sensitive to economic, employment and other trends in each of the major markets in which Sony operates. These markets may be subject to significant economic downturns, having an adverse impact on Sony’s operating results and financial condition. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, 32.4 percent, 19.5 percent and 18.7 percent of Sony’s sales were attributable to Japan, Europe and the U.S., respectively. Additionally, Sony’s operating results are increasingly impacted by Sony’s ability to realize its growth goals in emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.

Sony’s operating results depend on the demand from consumers and commercial customers and the performance of retailers, wholesalers and distributors. An actual or expected deterioration of economic conditions in any of Sony’s major markets, such as the recent debt crises in Europe, may depress consumer confidence and spending, resulting in an actual decline in consumption. Commercial customers and other business partners may experience deterioration in their own businesses mainly due to cash flow shortages, difficulty in obtaining financing and reduced end-user demand, resulting in reduced demand for Sony’s products and services. Commercial customers’ difficulty in fulfilling their obligations to Sony may also have an adverse

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impact on Sony’s operating results and cash flows. Sony’s suppliers are also susceptible to similar conditions that may impact their ability to fulfill their contractual obligations and may adversely impact Sony’s operating results if products and services cannot be obtained at competitive prices.

Global economic conditions may also affect Sony in other ways. For example, further restructuring charges, higher pension and other post-retirement benefit costs or funding requirements, and additional asset impairment charges, among other factors, have had and may in the future have an adverse impact on Sony’s operating results, financial condition and cash flows.

Foreign exchange rate fluctuations can affect Sony’s operating results due to sales and expenses in different currencies.

Exchange rate fluctuations affect Sony’s operating profitability because many of Sony’s products are sold in countries other than the ones in which they were developed and/or manufactured. For example, within the CPS and PDS segments, research and development and headquarters’ overhead costs are incurred mainly in yen, and manufacturing costs, including material costs, are mainly incurred in the U.S. dollar and yen. Sales are dispersed and recorded in Japanese yen, the U.S. dollar, euro, Chinese renminbi, and local currencies of other areas, including emerging markets. Since the currency in which sales are recorded may not be aligned with the currency in which the expenses are incurred, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, particularly fluctuations of the euro exchange rate against the yen and the U.S. dollar may affect Sony’s operating results. In addition, as Sony’s businesses have expanded in China and other areas, including emerging markets, the impact of fluctuations of foreign currencies in these areas against yen and the U.S. dollar has increased. If the values of foreign currencies including the U.S. dollar and euro fluctuate significantly more than expected in the foreign exchange markets, Sony’s operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected. Mid- to long-term changes in exchange rate levels may interfere with Sony’s global allocation of resources and hinder Sony’s ability to engage in research and development, procurement, production, logistics, and sales activities in a manner that is profitable after the effect of such exchange rate changes.

Although Sony hedges most of the net short-term foreign currency exposure resulting from import and export transactions shortly before they are projected to occur, such hedging activity cannot entirely eliminate the risk of adverse short-term exchange rate fluctuations.

Foreign exchange rate fluctuations can affect financial results because a large portion of Sony’s sales and assets are denominated in currencies other than the yen.

Sony’s consolidated statements of income are prepared from the local currency denominated financial results of Sony Corporation’s subsidiaries around the world, which are then translated into yen at the monthly average currency exchange rate. Sony’s consolidated balance sheets are prepared using the local currency denominated assets and liabilities of Sony Corporation’s subsidiaries around the world, which are translated into yen at the market exchange rate at the end of each financial period. A large proportion of Sony’s consolidated financial results, assets and liabilities is accounted for in currencies other than the Japanese yen. For example, only 32.4 percent of Sony’s sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 were recorded in Japan. Accordingly, Sony’s consolidated financial results and the assets and liabilities in Sony’s businesses (excluding the Financial Services segment) that operate internationally may be materially affected by changes in the exchange rates of foreign currencies when translating into Japanese yen. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations have had and may in the future have an adverse impact on Sony’s operating results and financial condition, especially when the yen strengthens significantly against the U.S. dollar, the euro or other foreign currencies.

The significant volatility and disruption in the global financial markets or a ratings downgrade may adversely affect the availability and cost of Sony’s funding.

The global financial markets may experience significant levels of volatility and disruption, generally putting downward pressure on financial and other asset prices and impacting credit availability. Historically, Sony’s

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primary sources of funds are cash flows from operations, the issuance of commercial paper and other debt securities such as term debt as well as borrowings from banks and other institutional lenders. There can be no assurance that such sources will continue to be available at acceptable terms. If market disruption and volatility occur, and if Sony cannot raise sufficient funds through the issuance of commercial paper or term debt, Sony may draw down funds from contractually committed lines of credit from financial institutions or seek other sources of funding, including the sale of assets, in order to repay commercial paper and term debt as they become due, and to meet other liquidity needs. There can be no assurance that under such market conditions such funding sources will be available at acceptable terms or sufficient to meet Sony’s requirements. In turn, any such funding disruptions could have a material adverse impact on Sony’s operating results, financial condition and liquidity.

Similarly, fluctuations in foreign exchange markets and the global financial markets may affect foreign currency translation adjustments and pension liability adjustments, both of which are included in the accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of equity, and the impact of deterioration in equity may have an adverse effect on the assessment of Sony’s credit ratings. A downgrade in Sony’s credit ratings may result in an increase in Sony’s cost of funding and may have an adverse impact on Sony’s ability to access commercial paper or mid- to long-term debt markets, with a corresponding adverse effect on Sony’s operating results, financial condition and liquidity.

Sony is subject to the risks of operations in different countries.

Sony’s operations are conducted in many countries around the world, and these international operations can create challenges. For example, in the CPS and PDS segments, production and procurement of products, parts and components in China and other Asian countries increases the time necessary to supply products to other markets worldwide, which can make it more difficult to meet changing customer demand. Further, in certain countries, Sony may encounter difficulty in planning and managing operations due to unfavorable political or economic factors, such as cultural and religious conflicts, non-compliance with expected business conduct, local regulations, trade policies and taxation laws, and a lack of adequate infrastructure. Moreover, changes in local regulations, trade policies, taxation laws, local content regulations, business or investment permit approval requirements, foreign exchange controls, import or export controls, or the nationalization of assets or restrictions on the repatriation of returns from foreign investments in major markets and regions may affect Sony’s operating results. For example, a labor dispute or a change of labor regulations or policies may significantly change local labor environments. Such a condition in China or another country in which Sony or a partner manufactures could cause interruption in production and shipping of Sony’s products and parts, a sharp rise in local labor costs, or a shortage of well-trained employees, which may adversely affect Sony’s operating results. If international or domestic political and military instability disrupts Sony’s business operations or those of its business partners, or depresses consumer confidence in those regions, Sony’s operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected. In addition, the time required to recover from disruptions, whether caused by these factors or other causes, such as natural disasters or pandemics, may be greater in certain countries. Moreover, as emerging markets are becoming increasingly important to its operations, Sony becomes more susceptible to the above-mentioned risks, which may have an adverse impact on its operating results and financial condition.

Sony’s success depends on the ability to recruit and retain skilled technical employees and management professionals.

In order to continuously develop, design, manufacture, market, and sell successful electronics products, including networked products as well as software, including game, video and music content, in increasingly competitive markets, Sony must attract and retain key personnel, including its executive team, other management professionals, creative talent and skilled employees such as hardware and software engineers. However, there is high demand for such skilled employees, and Sony may be unable to attract or retain qualified employees to keep up with future business needs. If this should happen, it may adversely affect Sony’s operating results and financial condition.

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Sony may not be successful in integrating its business strategies and operations across different business units to increase the competitiveness of hardware, software, entertainment content and network services.

Sony believes that integrating its hardware, software, entertainment content and network services is essential for differentiating itself in the marketplace and will lead to revenue growth and profitability. However, this strategy depends on the continuing development (both inside and outside of Sony) of network services technologies, strategic and operational coordination and prioritization among Sony’s various business units and sales channels, and the standardization of technological and interface specifications across Sony’s networked products and business groups and industry-wide. Furthermore, in such a competitive business environment, which continuously changes with new entrants, it is critical for Sony to continuously introduce enhanced and competitively priced hardware that is seamlessly connected to network platforms, with user interfaces that are innovative and attractive to consumers. Sony also believes that it is essential to be able to provide competitive and differentiated content-based service offerings that include Sony and third-party licensed audio, video and game content from major motion pictures and television studios, music labels, game publishers and book publishers. If Sony is not successful in implementing this strategy, it may adversely affect Sony’s reputation, competitiveness and profitability.

Sony’s online activities are subject to laws and regulations that can increase the costs of operations or limit its activities.

Sony engages in a wide array of online activities, including entertainment network services, financial services, and sales and marketing of electronics and entertainment products, and is thus subject to a broad range of related laws and regulations including, for example, those relating to privacy, consumer protection, data retention and data protection, content regulation, defamation, age verification and other online child protections, the installation of “cookies” (software that allows website providers to target online audiences and track their performance metrics) or other software on the end-user’s computers or other devices, pricing, advertising to both children and adults, taxation, copyright and trademark, promotions, and billing. The application of such laws and regulations created to address online activities, and those passed prior to the popular use of the Internet that may be applied to online activities, varies among jurisdictions, may be unclear or unsettled in many instances, and is subject to change. Sony may incur substantial costs necessary to comply with these laws and regulations and may incur substantial penalties, other liabilities, or damage to its reputation if it fails to comply with them. Compliance with these laws and regulations also may cause Sony to change or limit its online activities in a manner that may adversely affect operating results. In addition, Sony’s failure to anticipate changes to relevant laws and regulations, changes in laws that provide protections that Sony relies on in conducting its online activities, or judicial interpretations narrowing such protections, may subject Sony to greater risk of liability, increase the costs of compliance, or limit Sony’s ability to engage in certain online activities.

Sales of Sony’s consumer products including game hardware are particularly sensitive to the seasonality of consumer demand.

Sony’s game business offers a relatively small range of hardware, including PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation Portable), PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®Vita and a significant portion of overall demand is weighted towards the year-end holiday season. Sony’s other consumer products are also dependent upon demand during the year-end holiday season. As a result, changes in the competitive environment, changes in market conditions, delays in the release of consumer products, including highly anticipated game software titles and insufficient supply of hardware during the year-end holiday season can adversely impact Sony’s operating results.

The sales and profitability of Sony’s game business, including network services, depend on the penetration of its gaming platforms which is sensitive to software line-ups, including software produced by third-party developers and publishers.

In Sony’s game business, the penetration of gaming platforms is a significant factor driving sales and profitability, which is affected by the ability to provide customers with sufficient software line-ups, including software produced by third-party developers and publishers, and network services. Software line-ups and

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network services affect not only software sales and profitability, as in many other content businesses, but also affect the penetration of gaming platforms, which can affect hardware and network services sales and profitability. There is no assurance that game software developers and publishers will continue to develop and release software regularly or at all, and discontinuance or delay of software development may adversely affect Sony’s operating results.

Sony’s content businesses, including the Pictures and Music segments, game and other businesses, are subject to digital theft and illegal downloading, which have become increasingly prevalent with the development of new technologies and the availability of high-speed Internet connections.

The development and declining prices of digital technology along with the increased penetration and speed of Internet connections and the availability of content in digital formats have created risks with respect to Sony’s ability to protect the copyrighted content of the Pictures and Music segments, game business and other businesses from digital theft and counterfeiting. In particular, advances in software and technology that enable the duplication, transfer or downloading of digital media files from the Internet and other sources without authorization from the owners of the rights to such content have adversely impacted and continue to threaten the conventional copyright-based business model by making it easier to create, transmit, and redistribute high quality, unauthorized digital media files. The availability of unauthorized content significantly contributes to a decrease in legitimate product sales and puts pressure on the price of legitimate product, which may adversely affect Sony’s operating results. Sony has incurred and will continue to incur expenses to help protect its intellectual property, to develop new services for the authorized digital distribution of motion pictures, television programs, music, and video games, and to combat unauthorized digital distribution of its copyrighted content. These initiatives will increase Sony’s near-term expenses and may not achieve their intended result.

Operating results for Sony’s Pictures and Music segments vary according to worldwide consumer acceptance and the availability of competing products and entertainment alternatives.

Operating results for the Pictures and Music segments can fluctuate depending primarily upon worldwide consumer acceptance of their products, which is difficult to predict. Moreover, the Pictures segment must invest substantial amounts in motion picture and television productions and broadcast programming before learning the extent to which these products will earn consumer acceptance. Similarly, the Music segment must make significant upfront investments in artists before being able to determine how that artist and the artist’s recordings will be received by the consumer. The commercial success of Sony’s Pictures and Music segments’ products depends upon consumer acceptance of other competing products released at or near the same time, and the availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure activities, including many online options. Underperformance of a motion picture or television production, especially an “event” or “tent-pole” film, may have an adverse effect on the Pictures segment’s operating results in the year of release or exhibition, and in future years given the high correlation between a product’s initial release or exhibition and subsequent revenue from other distribution markets, such as home entertainment and television. In a similar manner, the underperformance of a recorded music release may have an adverse effect on the Music segment’s operating results in the fiscal year of release.

Increases in the costs of producing, acquiring, or marketing entertainment content may adversely affect operating results in Sony’s Music and Pictures segments.

The success of Sony’s Music segment is highly dependent on finding and establishing artists, songwriters and music publishing catalogs that appeal to customers over the long term. If the Music segment is unable to find and establish new talented artists and songwriters, its operating results may be adversely affected. Competition with other entertainment companies to identify, sign and retain such talent is intense as is the competition to sell their music. In the Pictures segment, high demand for top talent continues to contribute to increases in the cost of producing motion picture and television products. Competition with other entertainment companies to acquire motion picture and television products is intense, and could result in increased acquisition-related spending. Overall increases in production and acquisition costs of the Pictures segment’s products, as well as increases in the costs to market these products, may adversely impact the segment’s operating results.

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The continuing decline in physical media sales of audio and video content and the adoption of new technologies by consumers may adversely affect operating results in Sony’s Music and Pictures segments.

Industry-wide trends such as the general maturation of physical media formats, including CD, DVD and Blu-ray Disc™ formats, the shift to online distribution of audio and video content, the deteriorating financial condition of some major retailers and increased competition for retailer shelf space have contributed to and may continue to contribute to an industry-wide decline in the worldwide sales of physical media formats. In addition, rapid changes in technology and the adoption of new technology by consumers have impacted the timing and manner in which consumers acquire and view entertainment products. While newer models for selling entertainment content have emerged, such as kiosk and mail order rentals, legal digital distribution through the Internet, and distribution of entertainment content to mobile phones and other portable electronic devices, these revenue streams have not been sufficient to offset the decline in physical media sales that have affected and may continue to affect the operating results of Sony’s Music and Pictures segments and disc manufacturing business.

Operating results of Sony’s Pictures segment may be adversely affected by changes in advertising markets or by the failure to renew, or renewal on less favorable terms of, television carriage contracts (broadcasting agreements).

The Pictures segment’s television operations, including its worldwide television networks, derive substantial revenues from the sale of advertising on a variety of platforms, and a decline in overall spending within the advertising market may have an adverse effect on the segment’s sales and operating results. The strength of the advertising market can fluctuate in response to the economic prospects of specific advertisers or industries, advertisers’ current spending priorities and the economy in general, and this may adversely affect the growth rate of the segment’s advertising sales. The Pictures segment also recognizes sales from the licensing of its image-based software, including its motion picture and television content, to U.S. and international television networks, where a decline in the networks’ ability to generate advertising and subscription revenues may adversely impact the license fees paid by these networks to the Pictures segment. The Pictures segment also depends on third-party cable, satellite and other distribution systems to distribute its worldwide television networks. The failure to renew or renewal on less favorable terms of television carriage contracts (broadcasting agreements) with these third-party distributors may adversely affect the Pictures segment’s ability to generate advertising and subscription sales through its worldwide television networks.

Sony’s Pictures segment is subject to labor interruption.

The Pictures segment and certain of its suppliers are dependent upon highly specialized union members, including writers, directors, actors and other talent, and trade and technical employees, who are covered by union contracts and are essential to the development and production of motion pictures and television programs. A strike by one or more of these unions, or the possibility of a strike, work slowdown or work stoppage caused by uncertainties about, or the inability to reach agreement on, a new contract could delay or halt production activities. Such a delay or halt, depending on the length of time involved, could cause a delay or interruption in the release of new motion pictures and television programs and thereby may adversely affect operating results and cash flows in the Pictures segment. An inability to reach agreement on one or more of these union contracts or renewal on less favorable terms may also increase costs within Sony’s Pictures segment and have an adverse effect on operating results.

Sony’s Financial Services segment operates in highly regulated industries, and new rules, regulations and regulatory initiatives by government authorities may adversely affect the flexibility and the operating results of the Financial Services segment.

Sony’s Financial Services segment operates in industries subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision, including the Japanese insurance and banking industries. Future developments or changes in laws, regulations, or policies and their effects are unpredictable and may lead to increased compliance costs or limitations on operations in the Financial Services segment. Due to Sony’s common branding strategy, compliance failures in any of its businesses within Sony’s Financial Services segment may have an adverse

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impact on the overall business reputation of the Financial Services segment. Furthermore, additional compliance costs may adversely affect the operating results of Sony’s Financial Services segment. In addition, Sony Corporation’s ability to receive funds from its affiliate Sony Financial Holdings in the form of financial support or loans is restricted by guidelines issued by regulatory agencies in Japan. If these regulations change in the future, it may further reduce Sony Corporation’s ability to receive funds for its use.

Declines in the value of equity securities may have an adverse impact on the operating results and financial condition of Sony’s Financial Services segment.

In the Financial Services segment, Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Sony Life”) holds equity securities and hybrid bond securities that are affected by changes in the value of the equity market index. Declines in equity prices may result in impairment losses and losses on the sales of the equity securities held by Sony Life. In addition, reductions in gains or increases in losses on the sales of equity securities, as well as reductions in unrealized gains or increases in unrealized losses in respect of such hybrid bond securities may adversely affect the operating results and financial condition of Sony’s Financial Services segment. Declines in the yield of Sony Life’s separate account assets may result in additional policy reserves being recorded and the accelerated amortization of deferred acquisition costs, since U.S. GAAP requires the review of actuarial assumptions used for the valuation of policy reserves concerning minimum death guarantees for variable life insurance and the amortization of deferred acquisition costs. Additional policy reserves and accelerated amortization of deferred acquisition costs may have an adverse impact on Sony’s operating results.

Changes in interest rates may significantly affect the operating results and financial condition of Sony’s Financial Services segment.

Sony engages in asset liability management (“ALM”) in an effort to manage the investment assets within the Financial Services segment in a manner appropriate to Sony’s liabilities, which arise from the insurance policies Sony underwrites in both its life insurance and non-life insurance businesses and the deposits, borrowings and other liabilities in its banking business. ALM considers the long-term balance between assets and liabilities in an effort to ensure stable returns. Any failure to appropriately conduct Sony’s ALM activities, or any significant changes in market conditions beyond what Sony’s ALM may reasonably address, may have an adverse effect on the financial condition and operating results of its Financial Services segment. In particular, because Sony Life’s liabilities to policyholders generally have longer durations than its investment assets, which are concentrated in long-term Japanese national government bonds, lower interest rates tend to reduce yields on Sony Life’s investment portfolio while guaranteed yields (assumptions used for calculation of policy reserve provisions) remain generally unchanged on outstanding policies. As a result, Sony Life’s profitability and long-term ability to meet policy commitments may be adversely affected.

The investment portfolio within Sony’s Financial Services segment exposes Sony to a number of additional risks other than the risks related to declines in the value of equity securities and changes in interest rates.

In Sony’s Financial Services segment, generating stable investment income is important to its operations, and Sony’s investments are concentrated in long-term Japanese national government bonds, although Sony also has investments in a variety of asset classes, including shorter-term Japanese national government bonds, Japanese local government and corporate bonds, foreign government and corporate bonds, Japanese stocks, loans and real estate. In addition to risks related to changes in interest rates and the value of equity securities, the Financial Services segment’s investment portfolio exposes Sony to a variety of other risks, including foreign exchange risk, credit risk and real estate investment risk, any or all of which may have an adverse effect on the operating results and financial condition of the Financial Services segment. For example, mortgage loans account for 89.7 percent of the total loan balance or 39.7 percent of the total assets of Sony Bank Inc. (“Sony Bank”) as of March 31, 2012. An increase in non-performing loans or a decline in the prices of real estate, the collateral for these mortgage loans provided by Sony Bank, may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of Sony Bank’s loan portfolio and increase credit-related costs for Sony Bank.

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Differences between actual and assumed policy benefits and claims may require Sony’s Financial Services segment to increase policy reserves in the future.

Sony’s life insurance and non-life insurance businesses establish policy reserves for future benefits and claims based on the Insurance Business Act of Japan and related regulations. These reserves are calculated based on many assumptions and estimates, including the frequency and timing of the event covered by the policy, the amount of benefits or claims to be paid and the investment returns on the assets these businesses purchase with the premiums received. These assumptions and estimates are inherently uncertain, and Sony cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that Sony will be required to pay for, or the timing of payment of, actual benefits and claims, or whether the assets supporting the policy liabilities will grow at the level Sony assumes prior to the payment of benefits or claims. The frequency and timing of an event covered by a policy and the amount of benefits or claims to be paid are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Sony’s control, including:

• changes in trends underlying Sony’s assumptions and estimates, such as mortality and morbidity rates;

• the availability of sufficient reliable data and Sony’s ability to correctly analyze the data;

• Sony’s selection and application of appropriate pricing and rating techniques; and

• changes in legal standards, claim settlement practices and medical care expenses.

If the actual experience of Sony’s insurance businesses becomes significantly less favorable than its assumptions or estimates, its policy reserves may be inadequate. Any changes in regulatory guidelines or standards with respect to the required level of policy reserves may also require that Sony establish policy reserves based on more stringent assumptions, estimates or actuarial calculations. Such events may result in a need to increase provisions for policy reserves, which may have an adverse effect on the operating results and financial condition of the Financial Services segment. Furthermore, actual insurance claims that are higher than the estimated provision for policy reserves due to the occurrence of catastrophic events such as earthquakes or pandemic diseases in Japan may have an adverse effect on the operating results and financial condition of the Financial Services segment.

Sony’s physical facilities and information systems are subject to damage as a result of catastrophic disasters, outages, malfeasance or similar events. Such an unexpected catastrophic event may also lead to supply chain and production disruptions as well as lower demand from commercial customers, resulting in an adverse impact on Sony’s operating results.

Sony’s headquarters and many of Sony’s most advanced device manufacturing facilities, including those for semiconductors, are located in Japan, where the risk of earthquakes is relatively high compared to other parts of the world. In addition, offices and facilities used by Sony, its service providers and business partners, including those used for data center operation, research and development, material procurement, manufacturing, motion picture and television program production, logistics, sales and services are located throughout the world and are subject to possible destruction, temporary stoppage or disruption as a result of unexpected catastrophic events such as natural disasters, pandemic diseases, terrorist attacks, large-scale power outages and large-scale fires. If any of these facilities or offices were to experience a significant loss as a result of any of the above events, it may disrupt Sony’s operations, delay production, interrupt shipments and postpone the recording of sales, and result in large expenses to repair or replace these facilities or offices. In addition, if Sony’s suppliers are damaged by such catastrophic events, Sony may be exposed to supply shortages of raw materials, parts or components, which may result in a reduction or suspension of production, interruption of shipment and delays in product launches. Sony may also be exposed to price increases for raw materials, parts and components, and lower demand from commercial customers.

For example, the Floods and the Great East Japan Earthquake caused damage to certain fixed assets including buildings, machinery and equipment as well as inventories at manufacturing sites and warehouses. In addition, production at several manufacturing facilities was forced to cease temporarily or was reallocated to other facilities. Sony was also adversely impacted by the postponement of certain product launches as well as by significantly lower demand from commercial customers resulting from industry-wide supply chain disruptions.

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Another major earthquake in Japan, especially in Tokyo where Sony headquarters are located, the Tokai area where many of Sony’s product manufacturing sites are located, or the Kyushu area, where Sony’s semiconductor manufacturing sites are located, could cause greater damage to Sony’s business operations than the Great East Japan Earthquake, which may adversely affect Sony’s operating results and financial condition.

Moreover, as network and information systems have become increasingly important to Sony’s operating activities, the impact that network and information system shutdowns may have on Sony’s operating activities increases. Shutdowns may be caused by events similar to those described above or other unforeseen events, such as software or hardware defects, computer viruses and computer hacking. For example, Sony’s network services, online game business and websites of certain subsidiaries experienced a series of cyber-attacks that resulted in a temporary interruption in services during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Similar events in the future may result in the disruption of Sony’s major business operations, delays in production, shipments and recognition of sales, and large expenditures necessary to enhance, repair or replace such facilities and network and information systems. Furthermore, Sony may not be able to obtain sufficient insurance in the future to cover the resulting expenditures and losses, and insurance premiums may increase. These situations may have an adverse impact on Sony’s operating results and financial condition.

Sony’s brand image, reputation and business may be harmed and Sony may be subject to legal claims if there is loss, disclosure, misappropriation, or alteration of, or unauthorized access to, its customers’ or its business partners’ or its own information, or other breaches of its information security.

Sony makes extensive use of information technology, online services and centralized data processing, including through third-party service providers. The secure maintenance and transmission of customer information is a critical element of Sony’s operations. Sony’s information technology and other systems that maintain and transmit such information, or those of service providers or business partners, and the security of such information possessed by Sony or its business partners may be compromised by a malicious third-party or a manmade or natural event, or impacted by advertent or inadvertent actions or inactions by Sony employees, or those of a third-party service provider or business partner. As a result, customer information may be lost, disclosed, misappropriated, altered or accessed without consent. For example, Sony’s network services, online game business and websites of certain subsidiaries have been subject to cyber-attacks by groups and individuals with a wide range of motives and expertise, resulting, in some instances, in unauthorized access to and the potential or actual theft of customer information.

In addition, Sony, third-party service providers and other business partners process and maintain proprietary Sony business information and data related to Sony’s business, commercial customers, suppliers and other business partners. Sony’s information technology and other systems that maintain and transmit this information, or those of service providers or business partners, and the security of such information possessed by Sony or its business partners may also be compromised by a malicious third party or a manmade or natural event, or impacted by advertent or inadvertent actions or inactions by Sony employees or those of a third-party service provider or business partner. As a result, Sony’s business information and customer, supplier, and other business partner data may be lost, disclosed, misappropriated, altered, or accessed without consent.

Further, the confidentiality, integrity and availability of products and services provided by Sony or its service providers or business partners may be compromised by malicious third parties or manmade or natural events, or impacted by advertent or inadvertent actions or inactions by Sony employees or those of a third-party service provider or business partner. For example, Sony’s websites have been subjected to denial-of-service and other attacks.

Any such loss, disclosure, misappropriation, or alternation of, or access to, customers’, business partners’ or other information, or other breach of Sony’s information security including that of its products and services can result in legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, and may have a serious impact on Sony’s brand image and reputation and adversely affect Sony’s businesses, operating results and financial condition. Furthermore, the loss, disclosure misappropriation, or alteration of, or access to, Sony’s business information or adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of its products or services may adversely affect Sony’s businesses, operating results and financial condition.

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Sony’s business may suffer as a result of adverse outcomes of current or future litigation and regulatory actions.

Sony faces the risk of litigation and regulatory proceedings in different countries in connection with its operations. Legal proceedings, including regulatory actions, may seek to recover very large indeterminate amounts or to limit Sony’s operations, and the possibility that they may arise and their magnitude may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. For example, legal proceedings, including regulatory actions, may result from antitrust scrutiny of market practices for anti-competitive conduct. A substantial legal liability or adverse regulatory outcome and the substantial cost to defend the litigation or regulatory proceedings may have an adverse effect on Sony’s business, operating results, financial condition, cash flows and reputation.

Sony is subject to financial and reputational risks due to product quality and liability issues.

Sony products, such as consumer products, non-consumer products, parts and components, semiconductors, software as well as network services are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complicated as rapid advancements in technologies occur and as demand increases for mobile products and online services. This trend may increase product quality and liability exposure. Sony’s efforts to manage the rapid advancements in technologies and increased demand towards mobile products and online services as well as to control product quality may not be successful. As a result, Sony may incur expenses in connection with, for example, product recalls, and after-sales services. In addition, allegations of safety issues related to Sony products, or lawsuits, regardless of merit, may adversely impact Sony’s brand image and reputation as a producer of high-quality products and services, and, therefore, its operating results and financial condition may suffer. These issues are relevant to Sony products sold directly to customers and also to products of other companies that are equipped with Sony’s components, such as semiconductors.

Sony’s operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected by its employee benefit obligations.

Sony recognizes the unfunded pension obligation as consisting of (i) the Projected Benefit Obligation (“PBO”) less (ii) the fair value of pension plan assets in accordance with the accounting guidance for defined benefit plans. Actuarial gains and losses are amortized and included in pension expenses in a systematic manner over employees’ average remaining service periods. Any decrease of the pension plan asset value due to low returns from investments or increases in the PBO due to a lower discount rate, increases in rates of compensation and changes in certain other actuarial assumptions may increase the unfunded pension obligations and may result in an increase in pension expenses recorded as cost of sales or as a selling, general and administrative expense.

Sony’s operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected by the status of its Japanese and foreign pension plans. Specifically, adverse equity market conditions and volatility in the credit markets may have an unfavorable impact on the value of Sony’s pension plan assets and its future estimated pension liabilities, the majority of which relate to the Japanese plans, which have approximately 30 percent of pension plan assets invested in equity securities. As a result, Sony’s operating results or financial condition could be adversely affected.

Further, Sony’s operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected by future pension funding requirements pursuant to the Japanese Defined Benefit Corporate Pension Plan Act (“Act”). Under the Act, Sony is required to meet certain financial criteria including periodic actuarial revaluation and annual settlement of gains or losses of the plan. In the event that the actuarial reserve required by law exceeds the fair value of pension plan assets and that the fair value of pension assets may not be recovered within a certain moratorium period permitted by laws and/or special legislative decree, Sony may be required to make an additional contribution to the plan, which may reduce cash flows. Similarly, if Sony is required to make an additional contribution to a foreign plan to meet any funding requirements in accordance with local laws and regulations in each country, Sony’s cash flows might be adversely affected. If Sony is required to increase cash contributions to its pension plans when actuarial assumptions, such as an expected long-term rate of return of the pension plan assets, are updated for purposes of determining statutory contributions, it might become an adverse factor on Sony’s cash flow for a considerable number of years.

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Further losses in jurisdictions where Sony has established valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, the inability for Sony to fully utilize its deferred tax assets, exposure to additional tax liabilities or changes in Sony’s tax rates could adversely affect net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders and Sony’s financial condition.

Sony is subject to income taxes in Japan and numerous other jurisdictions, and in the ordinary course of Sony’s business there are many situations where the ultimate tax determination can be uncertain, sometimes for an extended period. The calculation of Sony’s tax provision and the carrying value of tax assets and liabilities requires significant judgment and the use of estimates, including estimates of future taxable income.

Deferred tax assets are evaluated on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. In certain jurisdictions, Sony has established valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards, where it has concluded that the deferred tax assets are not more likely than not to be realized. A large net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s shareholders was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 due to the recording of a non cash tax expense related to the establishment of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, predominantly in the U.S. As of March 31, 2012, Sony had valuation allowances principally in the following jurisdictions: (1) Sony Corporation and its national filing group in Japan, as well as for local taxes in a number of Japanese subsidiaries; (2) Sony Americas Holding Inc. and its consolidated tax filing group in the U.S.; (3) Sony Mobile Communications AB in Sweden; and (4) Sony Europe Limited in the U.K. In jurisdictions where valuation allowances have been established, no tax benefit will be recorded against any continuing losses and as a result, net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders and Sony’s financial condition could be adversely affected.

Additionally, deferred tax assets could expire unused or otherwise not be realizable, if Sony is unable to implement tax planning strategies or generate sufficient taxable income in the appropriate jurisdiction in the future (from operations and/or tax planning strategies) to utilize them, or if Sony enters into transactions that limit its legal ability to use them. As a result, Sony may lose any associated cash tax reduction available in future periods. If it becomes more likely than not that any of Sony’s remaining deferred tax assets without valuation allowances will expire unused and are not available to offset future taxable income, or otherwise will not be realizable, Sony will have to recognize an additional valuation allowance, increasing income tax expense. Net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders and Sony’s financial condition could be adversely affected when the deferred tax assets expire unused or in periods in which an additional valuation allowance is recorded.

A key factor in the evaluation of the deferred tax assets and the valuation allowance is the determination of the uncertain tax positions related to the adjustments for Sony’s intercompany transfer pricing. Sony is subject to income taxes in Japan and numerous other jurisdictions, and in the ordinary course of Sony’s business there are many transactions, including intercompany charges, where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Sony is subject to continuous examination of its income tax returns by tax authorities and, as a result, Sony regularly assesses the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes. Significant judgment is required in making these assessments and, as additional evidence becomes available in subsequent periods, the ultimate outcomes for Sony’s uncertain tax positions and, accordingly, its valuation allowance assessments may potentially have an adverse impact on net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders and Sony’s financial condition.

In addition to the above, Sony’s future effective tax rates may be unfavorably affected by changes in both the statutory rates and the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory rates or by other factors such as changes in tax laws and regulations or their interpretation, including limitations or restrictions on the use of net operating loss and income tax credit carryforwards.

Sony could incur asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets.

Sony has a significant amount of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. A decline in financial performance, market capitalization or changes in estimates and assumptions used in the impairment analysis, which in many cases require significant judgment, could result in impairment charges. Sony tests goodwill and intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite life for impairment during the fourth

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quarter of each fiscal year and assesses whether factors or indicators, such as unfavorable variances from established business plans, significant changes in forecasted results or volatility inherent to external markets and industries, have become apparent that would require an interim test. The recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets held and used and long-lived assets to be disposed of is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets or asset groups may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group with their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value of the asset or asset group is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value.

When determining whether an impairment has occurred or calculating such impairment for goodwill, an intangible asset or other long-lived asset, fair value is determined using the present value of estimated cash flows or comparable market values. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates, determination of appropriate comparable entities and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. Changes in estimates and/or revised assumptions impacting the present value of estimated future cash flows may result in a decrease in the fair value of a reporting unit, where goodwill is tested for impairment, or a decrease in fair value of intangible assets, long-lived assets or asset groups. The decrease in fair value could result in a non-cash impairment charge. Any such charge may adversely affect Sony’s operating results and financial condition.

Sony may be accused of infringing others’ intellectual property rights and be liable for significant damages.

Sony’s products incorporate a wide variety of technologies. Claims have been and may be asserted against Sony that such technology infringes the intellectual property owned by others. Such claims might require Sony to enter into settlement or license agreements, to pay significant damage awards, and/or to face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting Sony from marketing or selling certain of its products, which may have an adverse effect on Sony’s business, operating results, financial condition and reputation.

Sony may not be able to continue to obtain necessary licenses for certain intellectual property rights of others or protect and enforce the intellectual property rights on which its business depends.

Many of Sony’s products are designed under the license of patents and other intellectual property rights owned by third parties. Based upon past experience and industry practice, Sony believes that it will be able to obtain or renew licenses relating to various intellectual properties useful in its business that it needs in the future; however, such licenses may not be available at all or on acceptable terms, and Sony may need to redesign or discontinue marketing or selling such products as a result. Additionally, Sony’s intellectual property rights may be challenged or invalidated, or such intellectual property rights may not be sufficient to provide Sony with competitive advantages. Such events may adversely impact Sony’s operating results and financial condition.

Sony is subject to a wide range of regulations related to social responsibility, such as environmental, occupational health and safety, and certain human rights regulations that can increase the costs of operations, limit its activities, or affect its reputation.

Sony is subject to a broad range of social responsibility laws and regulations covering issues related, inter-alia, to the environment, occupational health and safety, labor practices and human rights. These include laws and regulations relating to air pollution; water pollution; the management, elimination or reduction of the use of hazardous substances; energy efficiency of certain products; waste management; recycling of products, batteries and packaging materials; site remediation; worker and consumer health and safety; and human rights issues such as those related to the procurement and production processes. For example, Sony is currently required to comply with:

• Environmental regulations enacted by the EU, such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (“RoHS”) Directive, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“WEEE”) Directive, the ecodesign requirements for Energy-related Products (“ErP”) Directive and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (“REACH”) regulation;

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• Regulations or governmental policies related to climate change issues such as carbon disclosure, greenhouse gas emission reduction, carbon taxes and energy efficiency for electronics products;

• “Cap and trade” and other systems for reducing emissions (such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Obligation to Reduce Absolute Green House Gas Emissions and Emissions Trading System”); and

• Laws and regulations related specifically to purchasing activities, including raw materials procurement, in respect of the environment, human rights, labor and armed conflict.

Additionally, there is growing consumer focus on labor practices, including the working environment, and environmental initiatives at manufacturers of consumer electronics components and products, particularly in the Asian region.

These social responsibility laws and regulations may become more significant, and additional social responsibility laws and regulations may be adopted in the future. Such new laws and regulations may result in an increase in Sony’s cost of compliance. Additionally, if Sony is not perceived as having responded to existing and new laws and regulations in these varied areas, it may result in fines, penalties, legal judgments or other costs or remediation obligations, and may adversely affect Sony’s operating results and financial condition. In addition, such a finding of non-compliance, or the perception that Sony has not responded appropriately to growing consumer concern for such issues, whether or not legally required to do so, may adversely affect Sony’s reputation. Sony’s operating results and financial condition may also be adversely affected if consumers therefore choose to purchase products of other companies.

Holders of American Depositary Shares have fewer rights than shareholders and may not be able to enforce judgments based on U.S. securities laws.

The rights of shareholders under Japanese law to take actions, including voting their shares, receiving dividends and distributions, bringing derivative actions, examining Sony’s accounting books and records, and exercising appraisal rights are available only to shareholders of record. Because the depositary, through its custodian agents, is the record holder of the shares underlying the American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), only the depositary can exercise those rights in connection with the deposited shares. The depositary will make efforts to vote the shares underlying ADSs in accordance with the instructions of ADS holders and will pay the dividends and distributions collected from Sony. However, ADS holders will not be able to bring a derivative action, examine Sony’s accounting books and records, or exercise appraisal rights through the depositary.

Sony Corporation is incorporated in Japan with limited liability. A majority of Sony’s directors and corporate executive officers are non-U.S. residents, and a substantial portion of the assets of Sony Corporation and the assets of Sony’s directors and corporate executive officers are located outside the U.S. As a result, it may be more difficult for investors to enforce against Sony Corporation or such persons, judgments obtained in U.S. courts predicated upon civil liability provisions of the federal and state securities laws of the U.S. or similar judgments obtained in other courts outside Japan. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Japanese courts, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of civil liabilities predicated solely upon the federal and state securities laws of the U.S.

Item  4. Information on the Company

A. History and Development of the Company

Sony Corporation was established in Japan in May 1946 as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, a joint stock company (Kabushiki Kaisha) under Japanese law. In January 1958, it changed its name to Sony Kabushiki Kaisha (“Sony Corporation” in English).

In December 1958, Sony Corporation was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (the “TSE”). In June 1961, Sony Corporation issued American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) in the U.S.

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In March 1968, Sony Corporation established CBS/Sony Records Inc. in Japan, as a 50-50 joint venture company between Sony Corporation and CBS Inc. in the U.S. In January 1988, the joint venture became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, and in April 1991, changed its name to Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (“SMEJ”). In November 1991, SMEJ was listed on the Second Section of the TSE.

In September 1970, Sony Corporation was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

In August 1979, Sony Corporation established Sony Prudential Life Insurance Co., Ltd. in Japan, as a 50-50 joint venture company between Sony Corporation and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. In April 1991, the joint venture changed its name to Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Sony Life”). In March 1996, Sony Life became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, and in April 2004, with the establishment of Sony Financial Holdings Inc. (“SFH”), a financial holding company, Sony Life became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SFH.

In July 1984, Sony Magnescale Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, was listed on the Second Section of the TSE. The subsidiary changed its name to Sony Precision Technology Inc. in October 1996 and then to Sony Manufacturing Systems Corporation in April 2004. In April 2012, Sony Manufacturing Systems was merged into Sony EMCS Corporation.

In July 1987, Sony Chemicals Corporation, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, was listed on the Second Section of the TSE. The subsidiary changed its name to Sony Chemical & Information Device Corporation in July 2006.

In January 1988, Sony Corporation acquired CBS Records Inc., a music business division of CBS Inc. in the U.S. The acquired company changed its name to Sony Music Entertainment Inc. in January 1991 and then to Sony Music Holdings Inc. in December 2008.

In November 1989, Sony Corporation acquired Columbia Pictures Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S. In August 1991, Columbia Pictures Entertainment, Inc. changed its name to Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (“SPE”).

In November 1993, Sony established Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (“SCEI”) in Japan.

In January 2000, acquisition transactions by way of a share exchange were completed such that three subsidiaries which had been listed on the TSE — SMEJ, Sony Chemicals Corporation (currently Sony Chemical & Information Device Corporation), and Sony Precision Technology Inc. (which was merged into Sony EMCS Corporation) — became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sony Corporation.

In June 2001, Sony Corporation issued shares of subsidiary tracking stock in Japan, the economic value of which was intended to be linked to the economic value of Sony Communication Network Corporation. All shares of the subsidiary tracking stock were terminated and converted to shares of common stock of Sony Corporation in December 2005. The subsidiary was listed on the Mother’s market of the TSE in December 2005 (and has been traded on the First Section of the TSE since January 2008) and was renamed So-net Entertainment Corporation (“So-net”) in October 2006. Sony Corporation continues to hold a majority of the shares of So-net.

In October 2001, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”), a 50-50 joint venture company between Sony Corporation and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (“Ericsson”) of Sweden, was established. In February 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson. As a result of the acquisition, Sony Ericsson became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony and changed its name to Sony Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Mobile”).

In October 2002, Aiwa Co., Ltd. (“Aiwa”), then a TSE-listed subsidiary, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. In December 2002, Aiwa was merged into Sony Corporation.

In June 2003, Sony Corporation adopted the “Company with Committees” corporate governance system in line with the revised Japanese Commercial Code then effective. (Refer to “Board Practices” in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”)

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In April 2004, Sony Corporation established SFH, a financial holding company, in Japan. Sony Life, Sony Assurance Inc. (“Sony Assurance”), and Sony Bank Inc. (“Sony Bank”) became subsidiaries of SFH.

In April 2004, S-LCD Corporation (“S-LCD”), a joint venture between Sony Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. of Korea for the manufacture of amorphous thin film transistor (“TFT”) liquid crystal display (“LCD”) panels, was established in Korea. Sony’s stake in S-LCD is 50 percent minus 1 share. In January 2012, Sony sold all of its shares of S-LCD to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

In August 2004, Sony combined its worldwide recorded music business, excluding its recorded music business in Japan, with the worldwide recorded music business of Bertelsmann AG (“Bertelsmann”), forming a 50-50 joint venture, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT (“SONY BMG”). In October 2008, Sony acquired Bertelsmann’s 50 percent equity interest in SONY BMG. As a result of the acquisition, SONY BMG became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. In January 2009, SONY BMG changed its name to Sony Music Entertainment (“SME”).

In October 2007, SFH was listed on the First Section of the TSE in conjunction with the global initial public offering of shares of SFH by Sony Corporation and SFH.

In December 2009, Sharp Display Products Corporation (“SDP”), a joint venture between Sony Corporation and Sharp Corporation for the production and sale of large-sized LCD panels and modules, was established. Sony’s ownership in SDP is 7 percent. In June 2012, Sony sold all of its shares in SDP to SDP.

Sony Corporation’s registered office is located at 7-1, Konan 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan, telephone +81-3-6748-2111.

The agent in the U.S. for purposes of this Item 4 is Sony Corporation of America (“SCA”), 550 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 (Attn: Office of the General Counsel).

Principal Capital Investments

In the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, Sony’s capital expenditures (additions to “Property, plant and equipment” on the balance sheets) were 192.7 billion yen, 204.9 billion yen and 295.1 billion yen, respectively. Sony’s capital expenditures are expected to be approximately 210 billion yen during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. For a breakdown of principal capital expenditures and divestitures (including interests in other companies), refer to “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” The funding requirements of such various capital expenditures are expected to be financed by cash provided principally by operating and financing activities or the existing balance of cash and cash equivalents.

Sony invested approximately 150 billion yen in the semiconductor business during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, in addition to 50 billion yen during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. In September 2010, Sony announced its investment plan of approximately 40 billion yen in Sony Semiconductor Corporation’s Kumamoto Technology Center to increase production capacity for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) image sensors. This investment started in the second half of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and was completed during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony invested approximately 100 billion yen in Sony Semiconductor Corporation’s Nagasaki Technology Center, to further increase the production capacity for CMOS image sensors. As a result of these two investment plans, Sony’s total production capacity for charged coupled devices (“CCDs”) and CMOS image sensors increased to approximately 50,000 wafers per month as of March 31, 2012.

B. Business Overview

Sony is engaged in the development, design, manufacture, and sale of various kinds of electronic equipment, instruments, and devices for consumer, professional and industrial markets as well as game hardware and software. Sony’s primary manufacturing facilities are located in Asia including Japan. Sony also utilizes third-party contract manufacturers for certain products. Sony’s products are marketed throughout the world by sales subsidiaries and unaffiliated distributors as well as direct sales via the Internet. Sony is engaged in the

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development, production and acquisition, manufacture, marketing, distribution and broadcasting of image-based software, including motion picture, home entertainment and television products. Sony is also engaged in the development, production and acquisition, manufacture, and distribution of recorded music. Further, Sony is also engaged in various financial services businesses, including life and non-life insurance operations through its Japanese insurance subsidiaries and banking operations through a Japanese Internet-based banking subsidiary. In addition to the above, Sony is engaged in a network services business and an advertising agency business in Japan.

Sony realigned its reportable segments from the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, to reflect modifications to the organizational structure of its electronics businesses as of April 1, 2011. On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson, and the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Accordingly, the Sony Ericsson segment that had been presented as a separate segment was renamed the Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) segment during the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2012. The business overview of Sony is presented in accordance with the realigned segments: Consumer Products & Services (“CPS”), Professional, Device & Solutions (“PDS”), Pictures, Music, Financial Services, and Sony Mobile and All Other. For further details, please refer to “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”

Products and Services

Consumer Products & Services

The following table sets forth Sony’s CPS segment sales to outside customers by product categories. Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage contribution of each product category to the segment total.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010				2011				2012
	(Yen in millions)
Televisions		1,005,773	(27.6	)		1,200,491	(31.8	)		840,359	(27.4	)
Home Audio and Video		302,678	(8.3	)		285,297	(7.6	)		241,885	(7.9	)
Digital Imaging		664,502	(18.3	)		642,570	(17.0	)		497,957	(16.3	)
Personal and Mobile Products		809,369	(22.3	)		828,375	(22.0	)		722,301	(23.6	)
Game		840,711	(23.1	)		798,405	(21.2	)		744,285	(24.3	)
Other		15,104	(0.4	)		16,472	(0.4	)		14,427	(0.5	)
CPS Total		3,638,137	(100.0	)		3,771,610	(100.0	)		3,061,214	(100.0	)

Televisions:

“Televisions” includes LCD televisions.

Home Audio and Video:

“Home Audio and Video” includes Blu-ray Disc™ players/recorders, home theater, home audio systems and DVD-Video players.

Digital Imaging:

“Digital Imaging” includes compact digital cameras, home-use video cameras and interchangeable single-lens cameras.

Personal and Mobile Products:

“Personal and Mobile Products” includes PCs and memory-based portable audio devices.

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Game:

SCEI develops, produces, markets and distributes PlayStation^®3 (“PS3”), PlayStation^®Vita (“PS Vita”), PSP^® (PlayStation^®Portable) (“PSP”) and PlayStation^®2 (“PS2”) hardware, related package software and Sony Entertainment Network (“SEN”) service. Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (“SCEA”) and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd. (“SCEE”) market and distribute PS3, PS Vita, PSP and PS2 hardware, and develop, produce, market and distribute related package software and PSN service locally in the U.S. and Europe. SCEI, SCEA and SCEE enter into licenses with third-party software developers and publishers.

Professional, Device & Solutions

The following table sets forth Sony’s PDS segment sales to outside customers by product categories. Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage contribution of each product category to the segment total.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010				2011				2012
	(Yen in millions)
Professional Solutions		295,360	(27.3	)		287,394	(26.9	)		280,645	(29.0	)
Semiconductors		299,715	(27.7	)		358,396	(33.6	)		375,891	(38.9	)
Components		476,097	(44.1	)		410,090	(38.5	)		297,108	(30.7	)
Other		9,812	(0.9	)		10,694	(1.0	)		13,959	(1.4	)
PDS Total		1,080,984	(100.0	)		1,066,574	(100.0	)		967,603	(100.0	)

Professional Solutions:

“Professional Solutions” includes broadcast- and professional-use products, and other B2B business.

Semiconductors:

“Semiconductors” includes CMOS image sensors, CCDs, system LSIs, small- and medium-sized LCD panels and other semiconductors. Sony transferred its small- and medium-sized LCD panels business to Japan Display Inc. on March 30, 2012.

Components:

“Components” includes batteries, audio/video/data recording media, storage media, optical pickups, chemical products*, and optical disk drives.

* Chemical products include materials and components for electronic devices such as anisotropic conductive films.

Pictures

Global operations in the Pictures segment encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies, including 3D. SPE distributes entertainment in more than 159 countries.

SPE’s motion picture production organizations include Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Classics. Sony Pictures Digital Production operates Sony Pictures Imageworks, a digital production studio, and Sony Pictures Animation, a developer and producer of animated films. SPE also manages a studio facility, Sony Pictures Studios, which includes post production facilities, at SPE’s world headquarters in Culver City, California.

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Sony Pictures Television (“SPT”) develops and produces television programming for broadcast, cable and first-run syndication, including scripted series, unscripted “reality” or “light entertainment,” daytime serials, game shows, animated series, made for television movies and miniseries and other programming. SPT also produces content for the Internet and mobile devices and operates Crackle, a multi-platform video entertainment network focusing on premium video content. Internationally, SPT produces local language programming in key markets around the world, some of which are co-produced with local partners, and sells SPE-owned formats in approximately 75 countries. SPT also owns or has investments in television networks with 120 channel feeds, which are available in more than 159 countries worldwide.

Music

Music includes SME, SMEJ, and a 50 percent owned U.S. based joint venture in the music publishing business, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (“Sony/ATV”). SME, a global entertainment company, excluding Japan, is engaged primarily in the development, production and distribution of recorded music in all commercial formats and genres; SMEJ is a Japanese domestic recorded music business that produces recorded music and music videos through contacts with many artists in all music genres; Sony/ATV is a U.S.-based music publishing business that owns and acquires rights to musical compositions, exploiting and marketing these compositions and receiving royalties or fees for their use.

Financial Services

In the Financial Services segment, on April 1, 2004 Sony established a wholly-owned subsidiary, SFH, a holding company for Sony Life, Sony Assurance and Sony Bank, with the aim of integrating various financial services including insurance and savings and loans, and offering individual customers high value-added products and high-quality services. On October 11, 2007, in conjunction with the global initial public offering of shares of SFH, the shares of SFH were listed for trading on the First Section of the TSE. Following this global offering, SFH remains a consolidated subsidiary of Sony Corporation, which is the majority shareholder of SFH.

Sony conducts insurance and banking operations primarily through Sony Life, a Japanese life insurance company, Sony Assurance, a Japanese non-life insurance company, and Sony Bank, a Japanese Internet-based bank, which are all wholly-owned by SFH. Aside from SFH, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony divested a leasing and a portion of its credit card business in Japan conducted through Sony Finance International Inc. (“SFI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. In November 2010, the leasing business was transferred to a newly established joint venture, the majority of which is held by a third-party leasing company, and has been accounted for under the equity method. Of SFI’s credit card businesses, some portions were divested during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and the “Sony Card” business was transferred to Sony Bank in May 2011, completing the restructuring of SFI’s credit card businesses.

Sony Mobile Communications

On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson and the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony and changed its corporate name. Sony Mobile undertakes product research, development, design, marketing, sales, production, distribution and customer services for mobile phones, accessories and applications.

All Other

All Other consists of various operating activities, including a Blu-ray Disc, DVD and CD disc manufacturing business, So-net (a subsidiary operating an Internet service provider business and various medical-related Internet services for healthcare professionals mainly in Japan), and a mobile phone original equipment manufacturing (“OEM”) business in Japan for wireless device customers. Sony’s products and services are generally unique to a single operating segment.

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Sales and Distribution

Consumer Products & Services and Professional, Device & Solutions

Sony’s electronics products and services, excluding those in the game business, are marketed throughout the world under the trademark “Sony,” which has been registered in approximately 200 countries and territories.

In most cases, sales of Sony’s electronics products are made to sales subsidiaries of Sony Corporation located in or responsible for sales in the countries and territories where Sony’s products and services are marketed. These subsidiaries then sell those products to unaffiliated local distributors and dealers or through direct sales via the Internet. In some regions, sales of certain products and services are made directly to local distributors by Sony Corporation.

Sales of electronics products and services are particularly seasonal and also vary significantly with the timing of new product introductions and economic conditions of each country. Sales for the third quarter ending December 31 of each fiscal year are generally higher than other quarters of the same fiscal year due to demand in the year-end holiday season.

Japan:

Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc. markets consumer electronics products mainly through retailers. Sony Business Solutions Corporation markets professional electronics products and services. For electronic components, Sony sells products directly to wholesalers and manufacturers.

United States:

Sony markets its electronics products and services through Sony Electronics Inc. and other wholly-owned subsidiaries in the U.S.

Europe:

In Europe, Sony’s electronics products and services are marketed through sales subsidiaries including Sony Europe Limited, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has branches in European countries, and CJSC Sony Electronics in Russia.

China:

Sony markets its electronics products and services through Sony (China) Limited, Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited and other wholly-owned subsidiaries in China.

Asia-Pacific:

In Asia-Pacific, Sony’s electronics products and services are marketed through sales subsidiaries including Sony Taiwan Limited, Sony India Private Limited and Sony Electronics of Korea Corporation.

Other Areas:

In overseas areas other than the U.S., Europe, China and Asia-Pacific, Sony’s electronics products and services are marketed through sales subsidiaries including Sony Gulf FZE in the United Arab Emirates, Sony Brasil Ltda., Sony de Mexico S.A.de C.V. and Sony of Canada Limited.

PS3, PS Vita, PSP and PS2 hardware and related software are marketed and distributed by SCEI, SCEA, SCEE and subsidiaries in Asia. SEN is mainly operated by SNEI.

Hardware sales in the game business are dependent on the timing of the introduction of attractive software and a significant portion of overall demand is weighted towards the year-end holiday season.

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Pictures

SPE generally retains all rights relating to the worldwide distribution of its internally produced motion pictures, including rights for theatrical exhibition, home entertainment distribution, pay and free television exhibition and other markets. SPE also acquires distribution rights to motion pictures produced by other companies and jointly produces and distributes films with other studios or production companies. These rights may be limited to particular geographic regions, specific forms of media or periods of time. SPE uses its own distribution service businesses, Sony Pictures Releasing and Sony Pictures Classics, for the U.S. theatrical release of its films and for the theatrical release of films acquired from and produced by others.

Outside the U.S., SPE generally distributes and markets its films through one of its Sony Pictures Releasing International subsidiaries. In certain countries, however, SPE has joint distribution or sub-distribution arrangements with other studios, or arrangements with independent local distributors or other entities.

The worldwide home entertainment distribution of SPE’s motion pictures and television programming (and programming acquired or licensed from others) is handled through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (“SPHE”), except in certain countries where SPE has joint distribution or sub-distribution arrangements with other studios, or arrangements with independent local distributors. Product is distributed on DVD, Blu-ray, and various digital formats.

The worldwide television distribution of SPE’s motion pictures and television programming (and programming acquired or licensed from others) is handled through SPT. SPE’s library of television programming and motion pictures is licensed to broadcast and cable networks, including free and pay television, first-run and off-network syndication and digital distribution throughout the world.

SPE’s television networks are distributed to multiple distribution platforms such as cable, satellite platforms, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) systems, and mobile operators for delivery to viewers around the world. These networks generate advertising and subscription revenues.

Music

SME and SMEJ produce, market, and distribute CDs, DVDs, digital formats and other audio and audio/visual configurations. SME and its affiliates conduct business in countries other than Japan under “Columbia Records,” “Epic Records,” “RCA Records,” “Jive Records,” and other labels. SMEJ conducts business in Japan under “Sony Records,” “Epic Records,” “Ki/oon Records,” “SMEJ Associated Records,” “Defstar Records,” and other labels.

Sony owns and acquires rights to musical compositions, exploits and markets these compositions, receives royalties or fees for their use and conducts its music publishing business through a joint venture with a third-party investor in countries other than Japan primarily under the Sony/ATV name.

Financial Services

Sony Life conducts its life insurance business primarily in Japan. Sony Life’s core business is providing death protection and other insurance products to individuals, primarily through a consulting-based sales approach utilizing its experienced team of Lifeplanner^® sales employees and Partner independent sales agents. Sony Life provides tailor-made life insurance products that are optimized for each customer. As of March 31, 2012, Sony Life employed 4,045 Lifeplanner^® sales employees. As of the same date, Sony Life maintained an extensive service network including 91 Lifeplanner^® retail offices and 27 regional sales offices in Japan. Sony Life also has one representative office in Beijing and Taipei, which opened in October 2008 and July 2009 respectively, for the purpose of researching the financial and life insurance market in China and Taiwan, respectively. In addition, Sony Life’s life insurance business also includes sales in the Philippines through Sony Life’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Sony Life Insurance (Philippines) Corporation. As part of its plan to expand its sales of individual annuity products, Sony Life established a Japanese joint venture company with AEGON N.V. The 50-50 joint venture, known as AEGON Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. was established in August 2009 and began operations in Japan in December 2009.

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Sony Assurance has conducted a non-life insurance business in Japan since October 1999. Sony Assurance’s core business is providing automobile insurance products and medical and cancer insurance products to individual customers, primarily through direct marketing via the Internet and the telephone. The direct marketing business model employed by Sony Assurance enables it to improve operating efficiency and lower the costs of marketing and maintaining its insurance policies, creating savings which it passes on to policyholders in the form of competitively priced premiums.

Sony Bank has conducted banking operations in Japan since June 2001. As an Internet bank focusing on the asset management and borrowing needs of individual customers, Sony Bank offers an array of products and services including yen and foreign currency deposits, investment trusts, mortgages and other individual loans. By using Sony Bank’s transaction channel, the “MONEYKit” service website, account holders can invest and manage assets according to their life plans over the Internet. As part of its plan to respond to its customers’ diverse asset management needs, Sony Bank launched online securities brokerage services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sony Bank Securities Inc., in October 2007. In May 2011, Sony Bank launched a credit card business in Japan by taking over the “Sony Card” business from SFI. On June 1, 2011, Sony Bank acquired SFI’s entire 57% equity interest in SmartLink Network, Inc. (“SLN”), resulting in SLN becoming a consolidated subsidiary of Sony Bank. SLN is an industry-leading provider of credit card settlement services to members of its Internet network. Sony Bank also has a representative office in Sydney, which opened in August 2011, for the purpose of researching the Australian financial market.

Sony Mobile Communications

Along with certain of its global corporate functions in London, Sony Mobile has sales and marketing operations in many major regions of the world, as well as manufacturing in China and product development sites in China, Japan, Sweden and the United States. Sony Mobile brings its products to market through direct and indirect distribution channels, such as third-party cellular network carriers and retailers, as well as through its website.

All Other

Sony DADC Corporation (“Sony DADC”) offers Blu-ray Disc, DVD and CD disc media replication services as well as digital and physical supply chain solutions to business customers in the entertainment, education, and information industries. So-net provides Internet broadband network services to subscribers as well as creates and distributes content through its portal services to various electronics product platforms (e.g., PCs, mobile phones). For example, it distributes a medical Internet portal service to physicians and healthcare professionals and an online game service via PC and other platforms. The OEM business of Sony EMCS Corporation manufactures mobile phones for wireless device customers.

Sales to Outside Customers by Geographic Area

The following table shows Sony’s consolidated sales to outside customers in each of its major markets for the periods indicated. Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage contribution of each region to total worldwide sales and operating revenue.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010				2011				2012
	(Yen in millions)
Japan		2,099,297	(29.1	)		2,152,552	(30.0	)		2,104,669	(32.4	)
United States		1,595,016	(22.1	)		1,443,693	(20.1	)		1,211,849	(18.7	)
Europe		1,644,698	(22.8	)		1,539,432	(21.4	)		1,268,258	(19.5	)
China		485,512	(6.7	)		562,048	(7.8	)		495,101	(7.6	)
Asia-Pacific		708,061	(9.8	)		726,364	(10.1	)		636,489	(9.8	)
Other Areas		681,414	(9.5	)		757,184	(10.6	)		776,846	(12.0	)
Total		7,213,998	(100.0	)		7,181,273	(100.0	)		6,493,212	(100.0	)

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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. Sony still maintains its general policy of multiple suppliers for important parts and components and, in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony continued activities to optimize the number of its suppliers by category to achieve efficiencies and to minimize procurement risk when possible.

When raw materials, parts and components become scarce, the cost of production rises. For example, LCD panels and memory devices, which are used in multiple applications, can influence Sony’s performance when the cost of such parts and components fluctuates substantially. With regard to raw materials, the market price of copper has the potential to proportionately affect the cost of parts that utilize copper, such as printed circuit boards and power cables. The price of gold, which is used in applications involving a range of semiconductor products, may also fluctuate and impact the cost of those items. In addition, the price of rare earth elements, such as neodymium, may impact the cost of magnetic parts to be used for products such as camera modules and disc drives, and the price of tantalum may have a similar impact on the cost of capacitors used in a wide range of consumer electronics products.

After-Sales Service

In the CPS and PDS segments, Sony provides repair and servicing functions in the areas where its products are sold. Sony provides these services through its own call centers, service centers, factories, authorized independent service centers, authorized servicing dealers and subsidiaries.

In line with industry practices of the electronics and game businesses, almost all of Sony’s consumer-use products that are sold in Japan carry a warranty, generally for a period of one year from the date of purchase, covering repairs, free of charge, in the case of a malfunction in the course of ordinary use of the product. In the case of broadcast- and professional-use products, Sony maintains support contracts with customers in addition to warranties. Warranties outside of Japan generally provide coverage for various periods of time depending on the product and the area in which it is marketed.

To further ensure customer satisfaction, Sony maintains customer information centers in its principal markets.

Patents and Licenses

Sony has a number of Japanese and foreign patents relating to its products. 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, such as those for optical disc-related and Digital TV products. With respect to optical disc-related products, Sony products that employ DVD player functions, including PS3 and PS2 hardware, are substantially dependent upon certain patents that relate to technologies specified in the DVD specification and are licensed by MPEG LA LLC, Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation and Nissim Corp. Sony products that employ Blu-ray Disc player functions, including PS3 hardware, and that also employ DVD player functions, are substantially dependent upon certain patents that relate to technologies specified in the Blu-ray Disc specification and are licensed by MPEG LA LLC, AT&T Inc. and One-Blue, LLC, in addition to the patents that relate to technologies specified in the DVD specification, as described above. Sony’s Digital TV products are substantially dependent upon certain patents that relate to technologies specified in the Digital TV specification and are licensed by Thomson Licensing Inc. Sony considers its overall license position beneficial to its operations.

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. Refer to “Risk Factors” in “Item 3. Key Information.”

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Consumer Products & Services and Professional, Device & Solutions segments

Sony believes that its product planning and product design expertise, the high quality of its products, its record of innovative product introductions and product improvements, its price competitiveness derived from reductions in manufacturing and indirect costs, and its extensive marketing and servicing efforts are important factors in maintaining its competitive position. Sony believes that the success of the game business is determined by the availability of attractive software titles and related content, the computational power and reliability of secured systems, and the ability to create new experiences via network services, downloadable content, and peripherals.

Pictures

SPE faces intense competition from all forms of entertainment and other leisure activities to attract the attention of audiences worldwide. SPE competes with other motion picture studios and, to a lesser extent, with production companies to obtain story rights and talent, including writers, actors, directors and producers, which are essential to the success of SPE’s products. In motion picture production and distribution, SPE faces competition to obtain exhibition and distribution outlets and optimal release dates for its products. In addition, SPE faces intense competition from other entertainment companies to acquire motion picture and television products from third parties. Competition in television production and distribution is also intense because available broadcast time is limited and the audience is increasingly fragmented among broadcast and cable networks and other outlets both in the U.S. and internationally. Furthermore, broadcast networks in the U.S. continue to produce their own shows internally. This competitive environment may result in fewer opportunities to produce shows for U.S. networks and a shorter lifespan for ordered shows that do not immediately achieve favorable ratings. SPE’s worldwide television networks compete for viewers with broadcast and cable networks, Internet and other forms of entertainment. The growth in the number of networks around the world has increased the competition for advertising and subscription revenues, acquisition of programming, and distribution by cable, satellite and other distribution systems.

Music

Success is dependent to a large extent upon the artistic and creative abilities of artists, producers and employees and is subject to the vagaries of public taste. The Music segment’s future competitive position depends on its continuing ability to attract and develop artists who can achieve a high degree of public acceptance.

Financial Services

In the Financial Services segment, Sony faces strong competition in the financial services markets in Japan. In recent years, the regulatory barriers between the life insurance and non-life insurance industries as well as among the insurance, banking and securities industries have been relaxed, resulting in new competitive pressures.

Sony Life competes not only with traditional insurance companies in Japan but also with other companies including online insurance companies, foreign-owned life insurance companies and a number of Japanese cooperative associations.

Sony Assurance competes against insurers that sell their policies through sales agents as well as insurers that, like Sony Assurance, primarily sell their policies through direct marketing via the telephone and the Internet. Competition in Japan’s non-life insurance industry has intensified in recent years, in part due to a number of new market entrants, including foreign-owned insurers.

Some of the competitors in the life insurance and non-life insurance businesses have advantages over Sony including:

• greater financial resources and financial strength ratings;

• greater brand awareness;

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• more extensive marketing and sales networks, including through tie-ups with other types of financial institutions;

• more competitive pricing;

• larger customer bases; and

• a wider range of products and services.

Sony Bank has focused on providing retail asset management and lending services for individuals, and faces significant competition in Japan’s retail financial services market. Sony Bank competes with Japan’s traditional banking institutions, regional banks, trust banks, non-bank companies, and Japan’s full-service and online brokerage firms.

Sony Life, Sony Assurance and Sony Bank may also compete with Japan Post Group, which provides banking and insurance services to individuals. Japan Post Group has numerous post office locations throughout Japan and has enhanced its banking and insurance services in recent years.

In the Financial Services segment, it is important to maintain a strong and healthy financial foundation for the business as well as to meet diversifying customer needs. Sony Life has maintained a high solvency margin ratio, relative to the Japanese domestic criteria that require the maintenance of a minimum solvency margin ratio. Sony Assurance also has maintained a high solvency margin ratio relative to the above-mentioned Japanese domestic criteria. Sony Bank has maintained an adequate capital adequacy ratio relative to the Japanese domestic criteria concerning this ratio.

Sony Mobile Communications

Sony Mobile manufactures and sells mobile handsets, primarily focusing on the smartphone market, specifically products using the Android operating system as a platform. The smartphone market is growing quickly, with smartphones using the Android operating system outperforming the market in overall volume growth. The smartphone market features a fiercely competitive selling environment from established and multinational vendors and from new suppliers of lower-cost products. Many of the retailers and carriers who distribute Sony Mobile’s products also distribute the products of competing mobile handset companies. Sony Mobile believes that its product design capabilities, technological innovation, price competitiveness, user experience and the ecosystem that supports such an experience are key factors in establishing and maintaining a competitive position.

All Other

Sony DADC is facing intense price competition as well as contraction of the worldwide physical media markets, as storage of digital content shifts from physical media to online servers. In such an environment, Sony DADC faces the challenges of expanding its digital media services to meet customers’ requirements by taking advantage of digital media innovations as well as the development of digital telecommunication networks and the expansion of Internet services. So-net faces competition in the Internet service provider business from other service providers in Japan, including telecommunications companies that possess their own telecommunication lines. Rapid technological advancement has created many new opportunities but it has also increased the rate at which new and more efficient services must be brought to market to earn customer approval. Customer price elasticity is high, and users are able to change Internet service providers with increasing ease. In the medical Internet service and online game service, competition may become more intense due to the possibility of new entrants and drastic changes in the market environment. Some of So-net’s current competitors have a stronger financial position, larger customer base, and better name recognition.

Government Regulations

Sony’s business activities are subject to various governmental regulations in the different countries in which it operates, including regulations relating to various business/investment approvals, trade affairs including

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customs, import and export control, competition and antitrust, anti-bribery, advertising and promotion, intellectual property, broadcasting, consumer and business taxation, foreign exchange controls, personal information protection, product safety, labor, human rights, conflict, occupational health and safety, environmental and recycling requirements.

In Japan, Sony’s insurance businesses are subject to the Insurance Business Act and approvals and oversight from the Financial Services Agency (“FSA”). The Insurance Business Act specifies the types of businesses insurance companies may engage in, imposes limits on the types and amounts of investments that can be made and requires insurance companies to maintain specified reserves and a minimum solvency margin ratio. Particularly, life insurance companies must maintain a premium reserve (for the portion of other than unearned premiums), an unearned premium reserve, a reserve for refunds with respect to certain insurance contracts of life insurance companies specified in such regulations, and a contingency reserve in amounts no lower than the amounts of the “standard policy reserve” as set forth by the regulatory guidelines. The FSA maintains a solvency standard, which is used by Japanese regulators to monitor the financial strength of insurance companies. The methods for calculating total solvency margin and total risk were revised to increase the strictness of margin inclusion, and make risk measurement stricter and more sensitive and are mandatory from the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Non-life insurance companies are also required to provide a policy reserve. The primary purpose of the Insurance Business Act and related regulations is to protect policyholders, not shareholders. Sony Bank is also subject to regulation by the FSA under the Banking Act of Japan, including the requirement that it maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio in accordance with capital adequacy guidelines adopted by the FSA based on the Basel II agreement, and new guidelines to be adopted based on the Basel III agreement in the near future. The FSA has broad regulatory powers over insurance and banking businesses in Japan, including the authority to grant or revoke operating licenses and to request information and conduct onsite inspections of books and records. Sony’s subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment are subject to the Japanese Insurance Business Act and Banking Act that require insurance and business companies to maintain their financial credibility and to secure protection for policy holders and depositors in view of the public nature of insurance and banking services. As such, lending and borrowing between subsidiaries in the Financial Service segment and the other companies within Sony Group is limited. In addition, Sony’s telecommunication businesses in Japan are subject to approvals and oversight from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, under the Telecommunication Business Act and other regulations related to the Internet businesses and communication methods in Japan.

Social Responsibility Regulations Such as Environmental and Human Rights Regulations

Sony monitors and evaluates new environmental requirements that may affect its operations. For example, in Europe, Sony is required to comply with a number of environmental regulations enacted by the EU such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (“RoHS”) Directive, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“WEEE”) Directive and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (“REACH”) regulation. Similar regulations are being formulated in other areas of the world, including China and South American countries.

Sony has taken steps to address new regulations or governmental policies related to climate change including carbon disclosure, green house gas emission reduction, carbon taxes and energy efficiency for electronics products. For example, Sony has established an internal risk management system in response to the EU directive on energy-related products and their energy efficiency (“ErP”). Moreover, Japan has already introduced a regulation for cargo owners such as Sony to exert efforts to control energy consumption and CO₂ emissions from their logistics operations. Additionally, Sony recognizes that emissions reduction programs and trading systems are already established or being considered for legislation in various countries and regions. For example, EU-ETS (European Union), Carbon Price Mechanism (Australia) and CRC (UK) are already established, and although Sony is not subject to the scope of application of EU-ETS and Australia’s Carbon Price Mechanism, Sony group companies in the UK are responding to CRC. In Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s cap and trade system, “Obligation to Reduce Absolute Green House Gas Emissions and Emissions Trading System,” went into force in April 2010. This regulation requires large-sized sites in the Tokyo

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metropolitan area to reduce their average emissions over a five-year period to below a certain quantity and establishes an emission trading scheme to allow regulated entities to meet emission quantity targets set by law. Sony Corporation and Sony Life are subject to this regulation.

Sony also monitors and evaluates newly adopted laws and regulations that may affect its operations applicable to purchasing activities including the procurement of raw materials, with respect to environmental, occupational health and safety, human rights, labor and armed conflict issues. For example, Sony’s business activities may be subject to the laws and regulations established by Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, when it comes into effect.

Also refer to “Risk Factors” in “Item 3. Key Information.”

C. Organizational Structure

The following table sets forth the significant subsidiaries owned, directly or indirectly, by Sony Corporation.

Name of company	Country of incorporation	(As of March 31,  2012) Percentage owned
Sony EMCS Corporation	Japan	100.0
Sony Semiconductor Corporation	Japan	100.0
Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc.	Japan	100.0
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.	Japan	100.0
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.	Japan	100.0
Sony Financial Holdings Inc.	Japan	60.0
Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd.	Japan	100.0
Sony Americas Holding Inc.	U.S.A.	100.0
Sony Corporation of America	U.S.A.	100.0
Sony Electronics Inc.	U.S.A.	100.0
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC	U.S.A.	100.0
Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.	U.S.A.	100.0
Sony Music Entertainment	U.S.A.	100.0
Sony Europe Limited	U.K.	100.0
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.	U.K.	100.0
Sony Global Treasury Services Plc	U.K.	100.0
Sony Mobile Communications AB	Sweden	100.0
Sony Electronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.	Singapore	100.0

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D. Property, Plant and Equipment

Sony has a number of offices, plants and warehouses throughout the world. Most of the buildings and land in/on which such offices, plants and warehouses are located are owned by Sony.

The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 2012 with respect to plants used for the production of products mainly for electronics products and services with floor space of more than 500,000 square feet:

Location	Approximate floor space		Principal products produced
	(square feet)
In Japan:
Nagasaki (Sony Semiconductor Corporation — Nagasaki TEC)		2,267,000	CMOS image sensors and other semiconductors
Kumamoto (Sony Semiconductor Corporation — Kumamoto TEC)		2,122,000	CCDs, CMOS image sensors, LCDs and other semiconductors
Kagoshima (Sony Semiconductor Corporation — Kagoshima TEC)		1,767,000	CCDs, LCDs and other semiconductors
Kohda, Aichi (Sony EMCS Corporation — Tokai TEC — Kohda Site)		877,000	Home-use video cameras, compact digital cameras and Memory Sticks
Inazawa, Aichi (Sony EMCS Corporation — Tokai TEC — Inazawa Site)		842,000	LCD televisions
Shimotsuke, Tochigi (Sony Energy Devices Corporation — Tochigi Plant)		803,000	Magneto-optical disc and batteries
Kanuma, Tochigi (Sony Chemicals & Information Device Corporation — Kanuma Plant)		793,000	Magnetic tapes, adhesives and electronic components
Koriyama, Fukushima (Sony Energy Devices Corporation — Koriyama Plant)		590,000	Batteries
Kosai, Shizuoka (Sony EMCS Corporation — Tokai TEC — Kosai Site)		548,000	Broadcast- and professional-use video equipment
Kisarazu, Chiba (Sony EMCS Corporation — Kisarazu TEC)		541,000	Blu-ray Disc players/recorders, audio equipment and video conference systems
Minokamo, Gifu (Sony EMCS Corporation — Tokai TEC — Minokamo Site)		539,000	Home-use video cameras, compact digital cameras, digital SLR cameras, mobile phones and video conference systems

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Location	Approximate floor space		Principal products produced
	(square feet)
Outside of Japan:
Terre Haute, Indiana, U.S.A. (Sony DADC US Inc.)		2,428,000	Blu-ray Disc-ROMs, CDs, DVDs and UMDs (Universal Media Disc)
Huizhou, China (Sony Precision Devices (Huizhou) Co., Ltd.)		1,665,000	Optical pickups and LCDs
Wuxi, China (Sony Electronics (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., Sony Digital Products (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. and Sony (China) Ltd.)		1,380,000	Batteries and compact digital cameras
Penang, Malaysia (Sony EMCS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. — PG TEC)		1,022,000	Optical disc drives, batteries and audio equipment
Tuas, Singapore (Sony Electronics (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.)		810,000	Batteries
Bangi, Malaysia (Sony EMCS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. — KL TEC)		797,000	LCD televisions, TV components, Blu-ray Disc players/Recorders and DVD-players/recorders
Guangzhou, China (Sony Electronics Huanan Co., Ltd.)		707,000	Optical pickups
Beijing, China (Sony Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.)		688,000	Mobile phones

In addition to the above facilities, 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 main building, with a total floor space of approximately 1,753,000 square feet, in Tokyo, Japan, where administrative functions and product development activities are carried out. SCEI has its corporate headquarters in Sony Corporation’s headquarters main building and leases its corporate buildings located in Tokyo, where administrative functions, product development, and software development are carried out. SCEA and SCEE lease their offices in the U.S. and Europe, respectively.

SPE’s corporate offices and motion picture and television production facilities are headquartered in Culver City, California, where it owns and operates a studio facility, Sony Pictures Studios, with aggregate floor space of approximately 1,608,000 square feet. SPE also leases office space and motion picture and television support facilities from affiliates of Sony Corporation and other third parties in various worldwide locations. SPE’s film and videotape storage operations are located in various leased locations in the U.S. and Europe.

SME’s corporate offices are headquartered in New York, NY where it leases office space from SCA. SME also leases office space from third parties in various locations worldwide.

Most of SMEJ’s offices, including leased premises, are located in Tokyo, Japan.

In December 2008, SCA renewed its option under a lease with a variable interest entity which is consolidated by Sony, for its corporate headquarters. Sony has the option to purchase the building at any time during the lease term, which expires in December 2015. The aggregate floor space of this building is approximately 723,000 square feet.

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During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony ceased manufacturing at a total of six manufacturing sites, two in Japan and four outside of Japan. Sony Mobile Display Corporation’s Tottori Plant and Higashiura Plant were transferred to Japan Display Inc. due to the sale of this business. Sony DADC Americas’ Pitman Plant was closed. Sony Hungaria kft’s Godollo Plant was sold. Operations at the Sony Device Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.-Bangkadi Technology Center and Sony Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.-Ayuthaya Technology Center ceased operations due to the Floods. Sony Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.’s Beijing Plant became affiliated with Sony Corporation as a result of the consolidation of Sony Ericsson due to it becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.

Item  4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable

Item  5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

A. Operating Results

Operating Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012 compared with the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2011

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, consolidated sales decreased year-on-year primarily due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, the Great East Japan Earthquake, the floods in Thailand that started in the second half of 2011 (the “Floods”), and the deterioration in market conditions in developed countries. A consolidated operating loss was recorded compared to income in the previous fiscal year primarily due to lower sales as mentioned above and a significant deterioration in equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies. A large net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders was recorded mainly due to a non-cash tax charge that was recorded to establish valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, predominantly in the U.S.

Sony realigned its reportable segments from the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, to reflect modifications to the organizational structure as of April 1, 2011, primarily repositioning the operations of the previously reported Consumer, Professional & Devices (“CPD”) and Networked Products & Services (“NPS”) segments. In connection with this realignment, the operations of the former CPD and NPS segments are included in two newly established segments, namely the Consumer Products & Services (“CPS”) segment and the Professional, Device & Solutions (“PDS”) segment. The CPS segment includes televisions, home audio and video, digital imaging, personal and mobile products, and the game business. The equity results of S-LCD Corporation (“S-LCD”) through the third quarter ended December 31, 2011 were included within the CPS segment. Sony sold its equity interest in S-LCD, a joint venture between Sony and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (“Samsung”) in January 2012. The PDS segment includes professional solutions, semiconductors and components. Refer to Note 28 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

In connection with this realignment, both the sales and operating revenue (“sales”) and operating income (loss) of each segment in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 have been revised to conform to the current fiscal year’s presentation.

The Pictures, Music, Financial Services and All Other segments remain unchanged.

On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s (“Ericsson”) 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”), which changed its name to Sony Mobile Communications AB upon becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Accordingly, the Sony Ericsson segment that had been presented as a separate segment was renamed as the Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) segment during the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2012. Financial results of Sony Mobile include Sony’s equity earnings (loss) in Sony Ericsson through February 15, 2012 and sales and operating income (loss) from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012, as well as a non-cash gain recorded in connection with obtaining control due to the remeasurement of the 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson that Sony owned prior to the acquisition at fair value (a “remeasurement gain associated with obtaining control”).

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Operating Performance

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011			2012			Percent change
	(Yen in billions)
Sales and operating revenue		7,181.3			6,493.2			–9.6	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		14.1			(121.7	)		—
Operating income (loss)		199.8			(67.3	)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		205.0			(83.2	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(259.6	)		(456.7	)		—

Sales

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 were 6,493.2 billion yen, a decrease of 9.6 percent compared to the previous fiscal year (“year-on-year”). Sales decreased mainly in the CPS and PDS segments, primarily due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates, the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Floods, and the deterioration in market conditions in developed countries. A further breakdown of sales figures is presented under “Operating Performance by Business Segment” below.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the average rates of the yen were 78.1 yen against the U.S. dollar and 107.5 yen against the euro, which were 8.5 percent and 3.9 percent higher, respectively, than the previous fiscal year.

“Sales” in the analysis of the ratio of “cost of sales” to sales, the ratio of “research and development costs” to sales, and the ratio of “selling, general and administrative expenses (“SGA expenses”)” to sales refers only to the “net sales” and “other operating revenue” portions of consolidated sales (which excludes financial services revenue). This is because “financial services expenses” are recorded separately from cost of sales and SGA expenses in the consolidated financial statements. The calculations of all ratios below that pertain to business segments include intersegment transactions.

Cost of Sales, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses and Other Operating (Income) Expense, net

Cost of sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 decreased by 444.9 billion yen, or 9.2 percent year-on-year, to 4,386.4 billion yen, and the ratio of cost of sales to sales deteriorated year-on-year from 75.7 percent to 78.0 percent.

Research and development costs (all research and development costs are included within cost of sales) increased by 6.7 billion yen, or 1.6 percent year-on-year, to 433.5 billion yen, mainly due to the consolidation of Sony Mobile from February 16, 2012. The ratio of research and development costs to sales was 7.7 percent compared to 6.7 percent in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

SGA expenses decreased by 125.9 billion yen, or 8.4 percent year-on-year, to 1,375.9 billion yen, mainly due to the impact of the appreciation of the yen and a decrease in expenses associated with decreased sales in the CPS and PDS segments and advertising costs. The ratio of SGA expenses to sales deteriorated year-on-year from 23.5 percent to 24.5 percent.

Other operating (income) expense, net resulted in income of 59.6 billion yen, compared with income of 13.5 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This increase was mainly due to the remeasurement gain of 102.3 billion yen associated with obtaining control of Sony Mobile in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, compared with a remeasurement gain of 27.0 billion yen associated with obtaining control of Game Show Network, LLC (“GSN”) in the previous fiscal year. In addition, the loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets and other (net) was 45.6 billion yen, compared to a net loss of 18.0 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. This increase in net loss was mainly due to a 19.2 billion yen charge associated with the sale of the small- and medium-sized amorphous thin film transistor (“TFT”) liquid crystal display (“LCD”) business, and 29.3 billion yen of

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impairment charges* for long-lived assets in the LCD television and network business asset groups that were recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Refer to Note 19 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

* The 29.3 billion yen in non-cash impairment charges of long-lived assets recorded within operating results is related to the fair value of long-lived assets in the LCD television and network business asset groups being lower than net book value, with charges of 16.7 billion yen and 12.6 billion yen, respectively. For the LCD television asset group, the corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charge reflect the continued deterioration of LCD television market conditions in Japan, Europe and North America, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. For the network business asset group, which has made investments in network improvements and security enhancements, the corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charge, primarily related to certain intangible and other long-lived assets, reflect management’s revised forecast over the limited period applicable to the impairment determination. Sony has not included these losses on impairment in restructuring charges. Refer to Note 19 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, equity in net loss of affiliated companies, recorded within operating income (loss), was 121.7 billion yen, compared to equity in net income of 14.1 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Sony recorded equity in net loss for S-LCD of 64.1 billion yen, compared to equity in net income of 7.2 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This was primarily due to the recording of a total loss of 60.0 billion yen, including an impairment loss on Sony’s shares of S-LCD, which were sold in January 2012, and subsequent foreign currency adjustments. Equity in net loss for Sony Ericsson of 57.7 billion yen was recorded through February 15, 2012, prior to the consolidation of Sony Ericsson by Sony, while equity in net income of 4.2 billion yen was recorded in the previous fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to Sony Ericsson recording a valuation allowance under U.S. GAAP of 654 million euro against certain of its deferred tax assets. Sony reflected its 50 percent share, or 33.0 billion yen, of this valuation allowance in equity in net loss of affiliated companies in Sony’s consolidated financial results. The decrease was also due to a decrease in units shipped, intense smartphone price competition, and higher restructuring charges as described in “Sony Mobile Communications” under “Operating Performance by Business Segment” below.

Operating Income (Loss)

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, an operating loss of 67.3 billion yen was recorded, compared to operating income of 199.8 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This was primarily due to lower sales resulting from the above-mentioned factors and a significant deterioration in equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, partially offset by a remeasurement gain associated with obtaining control of Sony Mobile of 102.3 billion yen. For further details, see the “Operating Performance by Business Segment”.

Operating results during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, included a benefit of 16.5 billion yen due to the reversal of a Blu-ray Disc^TM patent royalty accrual, reflecting a retroactive change in the estimated royalty rate based on the latest license status.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony incurred expenses of 5.9 billion yen, including charges for the disposal of fixed assets and inventories and restoration costs (e.g., repair, removal and cleaning costs) directly related to the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. In addition, Sony incurred other losses and expenses of 6.3 billion yen, which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites. These expenses related to direct damages and other charges mentioned above were partially offset by insurance recoveries that Sony received during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Refer to Note 18 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

As a result of direct damage from the inundation of Sony’s manufacturing facilities starting in October 2011 due to the Floods, Sony incurred expenses of 13.2 billion yen during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, including charges for the disposal or impairment of fixed assets and inventories and restoration costs (e.g., repair, removal and cleaning costs) directly related to damages caused by the Floods. In addition to these direct

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damages, production at several manufacturing facilities temporarily ceased due to the inundation of Sony’s manufacturing facilities and the difficulty in procuring parts and components. As a result, Sony incurred charges of 13.9 billion yen during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, consisting of idle facility costs at manufacturing sites and other additional expenses. Sony also saw a negative impact from the postponement of certain product launches caused by the temporary cessation of production at several manufacturing facilities, as well as significantly lower demand from commercial customers resulting from the Floods. Sony has insurance policies that cover certain damage directly caused by the Floods for Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries including manufacturing sites. The insurance policies cover the damage and costs associated with fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses including removal and cleaning costs and provide business interruption coverage, including lost profits.

Insurance claims in the amount of 50.4 billion yen were agreed to by the insurance carriers and were paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Of this amount, Sony received 26.3 billion yen for fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses, of which 17.5 billion yen represents the portion of insurance recoveries in excess of the carrying value before the damage caused by the Floods of the insured fixed assets and inventories, and were recorded in cost of sales and other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. The remaining amount of the insurance claims paid of 24.1 billion yen was for business interruption insurance recoveries, which applies to the lost profit that occurred after the Floods to December 31, 2011, and was recorded in other operating revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

In addition, as of March 31, 2012, Sony still had pending insurance claims for damage to fixed assets, inventories, additional expenses and business interruption. Sony recorded insurance receivables of 5.8 billion yen, which represents the portion of the insurance claims that were deemed probable of collection up to the extent of the amount of corresponding losses recognized in the same period, and substantially all relate to damaged assets and inventories. Refer to Note 18 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Other Income and Expenses

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, other income decreased by 21.5 billion yen, or 47.8 percent year-on-year, to 23.5 billion yen, while other expenses decreased by 0.4 billion yen, or 1.0 percent year-on-year, to 39.4 billion yen. The net amount of other income and other expenses was an expense of 15.9 billion yen, compared to income of 5.2 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. The change from other income, net to other expense, net was primarily due to a net foreign exchange loss of 5.1 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, as compared to a net foreign exchange gain of 9.3 billion yen for the previous fiscal year, as well as a year-on-year decrease in gain on sale of securities investments. A net foreign exchange loss was recorded mainly in relation to Sony’s investments, including losses from foreign exchange transactions that partially offset the gain from foreign currency adjustments in equity in net income (loss), while a gain was recorded from routine derivative contracts entered into to reduce the risk caused by foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

Interest and dividends in other income of 15.1 billion yen was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, an increase of 3.3 billion yen, or 28.2 percent year-on-year. Interest recorded in other expenses totaled 23.4 billion yen, a decrease of 0.5 billion yen, or 2.0 percent year-on-year.

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the loss before income taxes was 83.2 billion yen, compared to income of 205.0 billion yen in the previous fiscal year.

Income Taxes

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded 315.2 billion yen of income taxes, primarily resulting from the recording of a non-cash charge to establish a valuation allowance of 260.3 billion yen against certain deferred tax assets held by subsidiaries in the U.S., Japan and the U.K.

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Sony evaluates its deferred tax assets on a tax jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis to determine if a valuation allowance is required. In the U.S., Sony’s U.S. holding company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal tax return. This consolidated tax filing group incurred cumulative losses in recent fiscal years including the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Under U.S. GAAP, a cumulative loss in recent fiscal years is considered significant negative evidence regarding the realizability of deferred tax assets. After comparing this significant negative evidence to objectively verifiable positive factors, Sony recorded a charge of 203.0 billion yen to establish a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets held by the consolidated tax filing group in the U.S. In addition, Sony established valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets held by certain subsidiaries in Japan and the U.K. amounting to 57.3 billion yen as a result of evaluating those deferred tax assets. Refer to Note 21 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Net Income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders, which excludes net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, was 456.7 billion yen, a deterioration of 197.1 billion yen year-on-year.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest of 58.2 billion yen was recorded, an increase of 19.0 billion yen year-on-year. This increase was mainly due to the increased income at Sony Financial Holdings, Inc. (“SFH”), for which there is a noncontrolling interest of 40 percent. For details of operating results in the Financial Services segment, refer to “Operating Performance by Business Segment” below.

Basic and diluted net losses per share attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders were both 455.03 yen compared with basic and diluted net losses per share of 258.66 yen in the previous fiscal year. Refer to Note 22 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Operating Performance by Business Segment

The following discussion is based on segment information. Sales and operating revenue in each business segment include intersegment transactions. Refer to Note 28 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Business Segment Information

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011			2012			Percent change
	(Yen in billions)
Sales and operating revenue
Consumer Products & Services		3,849.8			3,136.8			–18.5	%
Professional, Device & Solutions		1,503.3			1,313.8			–12.6
Pictures		600.0			657.7			+9.6
Music		470.7			442.8			–5.9
Financial Services		806.5			871.9			+8.1
Sony Mobile Communications*		—			77.7			—
All Other		447.8			442.7			–1.2
Corporate and Elimination		(496.9	)		(450.1	)		—
Consolidated		7,181.3			6,493.2			–9.6

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	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011			2012			Percent change
	(Yen in billions)
Operating income (loss)
Consumer Products & Services		10.8			(229.8	)		—	%
Professional, Device & Solutions		27.7			(20.2	)		—
Pictures		38.7			34.1			–11.7
Music		38.9			36.9			–5.2
Financial Services		118.8			131.4			+10.6
Sony Mobile Communications**		4.2			31.4			+655.9
All Other		7.1			(3.5	)		—
Sub-Total		246.2			(19.7	)		—
Corporate and Elimination***		(46.3	)		(47.6	)		—
Consolidated		199.8			(67.3	)		—

* The Sony Mobile segment sales include sales from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

** The Sony Mobile segment’s operating income (loss) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 includes Sony’s equity results for Sony Ericsson. The Sony Mobile segment’s operating income (loss) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 includes Sony’s equity results for Sony Ericsson through February 15, 2012 and the operating income (loss) from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012, as well as the remeasurement gain associated with obtaining control of Sony Mobile.

*** Corporate and elimination includes headquarters restructuring costs and certain other corporate expenses, including the amortization of certain intellectual property assets such as the cross-licensing intangible assets acquired from Ericsson at the time of the Sony Mobile acquisition, which are not allocated to segments.

Consumer Products & Services

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, sales decreased 18.5 percent year-on-year to 3,136.8 billion yen. Sales to outside customers decreased 18.8 percent year-on-year. This was primarily due to a decrease in sales of LCD televisions, PCs, digital imaging products including digital cameras, and the game business. The decrease in LCD television sales reflects lower unit sales and price declines, mainly resulting from market contractions in Japan and the deterioration of market conditions in Europe and North America. LCD television sales in Japan during the previous fiscal year significantly benefited mainly from a program which provided consumers with a subsidy from the Japanese government. The subsidy program ended on March 31, 2011. The decreases in sales of PCs and digital imaging products including digital cameras were mainly due to the impact from the Floods and unfavorable foreign exchange rates, a factor that is analyzed separately. Digital imaging products were also impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The decrease in the game business reflects lower sales of PlayStation^®3 (“PS3”) hardware due to a strategic price reduction and lower sales of PlayStation^®2 due to platform migration.

An operating loss of 229.8 billion yen was recorded, compared to operating income of 10.8 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. The change from operating income to an operating loss was primarily due to a decrease in gross profit from the lower sales noted above (excluding the foreign exchange impact), deterioration in the cost of sales ratio and deterioration in equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies. Restructuring charges of 9.6 billion yen were recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, compared to 28.7 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This decrease in restructuring charges was primarily due to a recording of expenses of 11.6 billion yen related to the transfer to third parties of the Barcelona factory in Europe and its related asset impairment during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

The CPS segment’s operating results include a total loss of 60.0 billion yen including an impairment loss on Sony’s shares of S-LCD, which were sold in January 2012, and subsequent foreign currency adjustments. Further, the segment’s operating results include additional LCD panel-related expenses of 22.8 billion yen resulting from low capacity utilization of S-LCD, the impairment of LCD television assets of 16.7 billion yen,

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and the impairment of network business assets of 12.6 billion yen, while the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 benefited from the reversal of a 14.3 billion yen Blu-ray Disc™ patent royalty accrual, reflecting a retroactive change in the estimated royalty rate based on the latest license status.

Categories contributing to the deterioration in operating results (excluding restructuring charges and the above-noted loss related to S-LCD, the LCD television asset impairment and the network business asset impairment) include LCD televisions, reflecting the recording of additional LCD panel-related expenses resulting from low capacity utilization of S-LCD as well as the lower sales mentioned above, and the game business, reflecting the lower sales mentioned above.

Below are the sales to outside customers by product category, unit sales of major products and unit sales of each platform within the Game category:

Sales to outside customers by product category

Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage contribution of each product category to the segment total.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011				2012				Percent change
	(Yen in millions)
Televisions		1,200,491	(31.8	)		840,359	(27.4	)		–30.0	%
Home Audio and Video		285,297	(7.6	)		241,885	(7.9	)		–15.2
Digital Imaging		642,570	(17.0	)		497,957	(16.3	)		–22.5
Personal and Mobile Products		828,375	(22.0	)		722,301	(23.6	)		–12.8
Game		798,405	(21.2	)		744,285	(24.3	)		–6.8
Other		16,472	(0.4	)		14,427	(0.5	)		–12.4
CPS Total		3,771,610	(100.0	)		3,061,214	(100.0	)		–18.8

Unit sales of major products

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011		2012		Unit change		Percent change
	(Units in millions)
LCD televisions within Televisions		22.4		19.6		–2.8		–12.5	%
Blu-ray Disc players / recorders within Home Audio and Video		5.6		7.0		+1.4		+25.0
Home-use video cameras within Digital Imaging		5.2		4.4		–0.8		–15.4
Compact digital cameras within Digital Imaging		24.0		21.0		–3.0		–12.5
PCs within Personal and Mobile Products		8.7		8.4		–0.3		–3.4
Flash memory digital audio players within Personal and Mobile Products		8.4		8.2		–0.2		–2.4

Unit sales of each platform within the Game category

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011		2012		Unit change		Percent change
	(Units in millions)
Hardware
PlayStation®3		14.3		13.9		–0.4		–2.8	%
PSP®(PlayStation ®Portable)		8.0		6.8		–1.2		–15.0
PlayStation®2		6.4		4.1		–2.3		–35.9
Software*
PlayStation®3		147.9		156.6		+8.7		+5.9
PSP®(PlayStation ®Portable)		46.6		32.2		–14.4		–30.9
PlayStation®2		16.4		7.9		–8.5		–51.8

* Network downloaded software is not included within unit software sales in the table above.

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Professional, Device & Solutions

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, sales decreased 12.6 percent year-on-year to 1,313.8 billion yen, mainly due to a decrease in component sales. Sales to outside customers decreased 9.3 percent year-on-year. The lower sales of Components were primarily due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on batteries and storage media, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

An operating loss of 20.2 billion yen was recorded, compared to operating income of 27.7 billion yen recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. This was primarily due to deterioration in the cost of sales ratio, unfavorable foreign exchange rates and a decrease in gross profit due to lower sales (excluding the foreign exchange impact), partially offset by a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses. Restructuring charges of 26.5 billion yen were recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, compared to 19.9 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Restructuring charges in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 included expenses of 19.2 billion yen associated with the sale of the small- and medium-sized display business to Japan Display Inc. Categories that unfavorably impacted the change in segment operating results (excluding restructuring charges) included Components, reflecting the above-mentioned decrease in sales.

Below are the sales to outside customers by product category:

Sales to outside customers by product category

Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage contribution of each product category to the segment total.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011				2012				Percent change
	(Yen in millions)
Professional Solutions		287,394	(26.9	)		280,645	(29.0	)		–2.3	%
Semiconductors		358,396	(33.6	)		375,891	(38.9	)		+4.9
Components		410,090	(38.5	)		297,108	(30.7	)		–27.6
Other		10,694	(1.0	)		13,959	(1.4	)		+30.5
PDS Total		1,066,574	(100.0	)		967,603	(100.0	)		–9.3

Total for the CPS and PDS Segments

Inventory

Total inventory for the CPS and PDS segments, as of March 31, 2012, was 564.3 billion yen, which represents a 43.6 billion yen, or 7.2 percent decrease compared with the level as of March 31, 2011.

Sales to Outside Customers by Geographic Area

Combined sales to outside customers by geographic area for the CPS and PDS segments for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 decreased year-on-year by 26 percent in the U.S., by 25 percent in Europe, by 11 percent in Japan and by 23 percent in Asia-Pacific areas other than Japan and China (the “Asia-Pacific Area”). Sales in China and in other geographic areas (“Other Areas”) were almost flat year-on-year. Total combined sales in all areas decreased year-on-year by 17 percent.

In the U.S., sales of products such as LCD televisions and PCs and sales in the game business decreased. In Europe, sales of products such as LCD televisions decreased. In Japan, sales of products such as LCD televisions and home video products including Blu-ray Disc recorders decreased. In China, sales of products such as small- and medium-sized LCD panels and sales in the game business increased while sales of products such as optical disc drive products, LCD televisions and compact digital cameras decreased. In the Asia-Pacific Area, sales of products such as batteries, optical disc drive products, photonic device modules, image sensors, LSIs, and compact digital cameras decreased. In Other Areas, sales of products such as compact digital cameras, home-use video cameras and PCs and sales in the game business decreased.

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Manufacturing by Geographic Area

Approximately 55 percent of the CPS and PDS segments’ combined total annual production during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was in-house production and approximately 45 percent was outsourced production.

Approximately 50 percent of the annual in-house production took place in Japan, including the production of compact digital cameras, home-use video cameras, LCD televisions, PCs, semiconductors and components such as batteries and storage media. Approximately 60 percent of the annual in-house production in Japan was destined for other countries. Production in Asia, excluding Japan and China, accounted for approximately 25 percent of the annual in-house production, with approximately 60 percent destined for the Americas, Japan, Europe and China. Production in China accounted for approximately 20 percent of the annual in-house production, approximately 55 percent of which was destined for other countries. Production in the Americas and Europe together accounted for approximately 5 percent of the annual in-house production, most of which was destined for local distribution and sale.

Pictures

Pictures segment results presented below are a yen-translation of the results of Sony Pictures Entertainment (“SPE”), a U.S.-based operation that aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis. Management analyzes the results of SPE in U.S. dollars, so discussion of certain portions of its results is specified as being on “a U.S. dollar basis.”

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, sales increased 9.6 percent year-on-year to 657.7 billion yen, despite the appreciation of the yen. On a U.S. dollar basis, sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 increased approximately 18 percent year-on-year. Motion picture revenues, also on a U.S. dollar basis, increased approximately 10 percent year-on-year. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 benefited from the sale of a participation interest in Spider-Man merchandising rights and higher pay television and video-on-demand sales of motion picture product. Television revenues, on a U.S. dollar basis, increased approximately 39 percent year-on-year primarily due to higher revenues from the licensing of U.S. network and made-for-cable television product, revenues recognized from the consolidation of GSN, which was accounted for under the equity method in the previous fiscal year, and higher advertising revenues from SPE’s television networks in India.

Operating income decreased by 4.5 billion yen year-on-year to 34.1 billion yen. Operating income decreased by approximately 7 percent on a U.S. dollar basis. The decrease is primarily due to a combined 30.3 billion yen gain recognized in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, consisting of a remeasurement gain associated with obtaining control of GSN (27.0 billion yen) and a gain on the sale of SPE’s remaining equity interest in a Latin American premium pay television business (HBO Latin America), partially offset by 21.4 billion yen of operating income generated from the above-noted sale of a participation interest in Spider-Man merchandising rights during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The appreciation of the yen and higher marketing costs in support of a greater number of upcoming major theatrical releases also had a negative impact on the operating income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. These negative factors were partially offset by the higher revenues from the licensing of U.S. network and made-for-cable television product and higher advertising revenues from SPE’s television networks in India. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 reflects the strong theatrical performance of The Smurfs and Bad Teacher offset by the theatrical underperformance of Arthur Christmas.

As of March 31, 2012, unrecognized license fee revenue at SPE was approximately 1.5 billion U.S. dollars. SPE expects to record this amount in the future, having entered into contracts with television broadcasters to provide those broadcasters with completed motion picture and television products. The license fee revenue will be recognized in the fiscal year in which the product is made available for broadcast.

Music

Music segment results presented below include the yen-translated results of Sony Music Entertainment (“SME”), a U.S.-based operation that aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis,

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the results of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (“SMEJ”), a Japan-based music company that aggregates its results in yen, and the yen-translated consolidated results of Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (“Sony/ATV”), a 50 percent owned U.S.-based consolidated joint venture in the music publishing business that aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, sales decreased 5.9 percent year-on-year to 442.8 billion yen. The decrease in sales is primarily due to the negative impact of the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar and the continued contraction of the physical music market, offset by the strong performance of a number of key releases during the year. Best selling titles during the year included Adele’s 21, Beyoncè’s 4, Pitbull’s Planet Pit, Foo Fighters’ Wasting Light, One Direction’s Up All Night, and music from the hit U.S. television show Glee.

Operating income decreased 2.0 billion yen year-on-year to 36.9 billion yen. The decrease reflects the impact of the lower sales mentioned above and higher restructuring costs, partially offset by lower overhead costs, a benefit from the recognition of digital revenues and a favorable legal settlement concerning copyright infringement.

Financial Services

In Sony’s Financial Services segment, the results include Sony Financial Holdings Inc. (“SFH”) and SFH’s consolidated subsidiaries such as Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Sony Life”), Sony Assurance Inc. and Sony Bank Inc. (“Sony Bank”), as well as the results for Sony Finance International Inc. (“SFI”). The results of Sony Life discussed below on the basis of U.S. GAAP differ from the results that SFH and Sony Life disclose separately on a Japanese statutory basis.

Financial services revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 increased 8.1 percent year-on-year to 871.9 billion yen mainly due to a significant increase in revenue at Sony Life. Revenue at Sony Life increased 11.6 percent year-on-year to 777.7 billion yen primarily due to an increase in insurance premium revenue, reflecting a higher policy amount in force.

Operating income increased 12.6 billion yen year-on-year to 131.4 billion yen, mainly due to an increase in operating income at Sony Life, partially offset by a deterioration in operating results at Sony Bank, reflecting a foreign exchange loss on foreign-currency denominated customer deposits compared to a gain in the previous fiscal year. Operating income at Sony Life increased 17.2 billion yen year-on-year to 134.8 billion yen. This increase was primarily due to higher insurance premium revenue and a partial reversal of an incremental provision for insurance policy reserves in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, which was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 due to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

While Sony Life had realized net gains on sales of securities in the first six months of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 reflecting changes in its investment portfolio to further increase the duration of the assets (according to the asset liability management (“ALM”) viewpoint), such an operation to increase the duration was not carried out in the first six months of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. This resulted in a year-on-year decrease in the segment profits as such net gains on sales of securities were absent in the six months ended September 30, 2011. However, during the six months ended March 31, 2012, net gains on sales of securities from ordinary fund management operations were greater than the same period of the previous fiscal year. As a result, the segment profits for the full fiscal year increased year-on-year. There were no material changes made to the investment portfolio during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Information of Operations Separating Out the Financial Services Segment

The following charts show Sony’s information of operations for the Financial Services segment alone and for all segments excluding the Financial Services segment. These separate condensed presentations are not required or prepared under U.S. GAAP, which is used in Sony’s consolidated financial statements. However, because the Financial Services segment is different in nature from Sony’s other segments, Sony utilizes this information to analyze its results without the Financial Services segment and believes that these presentations may be useful in understanding and analyzing Sony’s consolidated financial statements. Transactions between

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the Financial Services segment and Sony without the Financial Services segment, including noncontrolling interests, are included in those respective presentations, then eliminated in the consolidated figures shown below.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Financial Services segment	2011			2012
	(Yen in millions)
Financial services revenue		806,526			871,895
Financial services expenses		685,747			739,222
Equity in net loss of affiliated companies		(1,961	)		(1,252	)
Operating income		118,818			131,421
Other income (expenses), net		868			1,069
Income before income taxes		119,686			132,490
Income taxes and other		48,570			18,380
Net income of Financial Services		71,116			114,110
	Fiscal year ended March 31
Sony without the Financial Services segment	2011			2012
	(Yen in millions)
Net sales and operating revenue		6,388,759			5,627,893
Costs and expenses		6,326,233			5,708,607
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		16,023			(120,445	)
Operating income (loss)		78,549			(201,159	)
Other income (expenses), net		10,790			(9,181	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		89,339			(210,340	)
Income taxes and other		387,375			309,486
Net loss of Sony without Financial Services		(298,036	)		(519,826	)
	Fiscal year ended March 31
Consolidated	2011			2012
	(Yen in millions)
Financial services revenue		798,495			868,971
Net sales and operating revenue		6,382,778			5,624,241
		7,181,273			6,493,212
Costs and expenses		6,995,514			6,438,790
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		14,062			(121,697	)
Operating income (loss)		199,821			(67,275	)
Other income (expenses), net		5,192			(15,911	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		205,013			(83,186	)
Income taxes and other		464,598			373,474
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s Stockholders		(259,585	)		(456,660	)

Sony Mobile Communications

The following euro-based discussions present financial results at Sony Mobile, a Sweden-based operation that aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a euro basis, which do not include the impact of the acquisition, principally excluding the impact of purchase accounting adjustments and the remeasurement gain of 102.3 billion yen associated with obtaining control. Although the results of Sony Ericsson were not consolidated in Sony’s consolidated financial statements up to and including February 15, 2012, Sony believes that the following euro-based discussions provide useful analytical information to investors regarding Sony Mobile’s operating performance for the full year ended March 31, 2012.

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Sales for the year ended March 31, 2012 decreased 12.4 percent year-on-year to 5,289 million euros. This decline reflects certain component shortages resulting from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Floods, in addition to the lower number of feature phones shipped as a result of focusing on smartphones. A loss before taxes of 536 million euros was recorded compared to income of 133 million euros in the previous year. This was due to a decrease in units shipped, intense smartphone price competition, and higher restructuring charges. Restructuring charges were 88 million euros compared to 51 million euros in the previous year. A net loss of 1,145 million euros was recorded, compared to income of 74 million euros in the previous year. This was primarily due to Sony Ericsson recording a valuation allowance of 654 million euros against certain of its deferred tax assets in Sweden in the quarter ended December 31, 2011, as well as deterioration in its income (loss) before taxes.

***

The financial results of the Sony Mobile segment included in Sony’s consolidated financial statements include Sony’s equity results in Sony Ericsson through February 15, 2012 and the sales, operating revenue and operating income (loss) of Sony Mobile from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012, as well as a remeasurement gain associated with obtaining control. The following table provides a reconciliation of the Sony Mobile segment results.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011		2012			Percent change
	(Yen in billions)
Sales and operating revenue from consolidation to March 31, 2012		—		77.7			—	%
(I)     Sony’s equity earnings (loss) in Sony Ericsson prior to consolidation		4.2		(57.7	)		—
(II)   Remeasurement gain		—		102.3			—
(III)  Operating income (loss) from consolidation to March 31, 2012		—		(13.2	)		—
Operating income (I+II+III)		4.2		31.4			+655.9

Sony recorded sales and operating revenue of 77.7 billion yen in the Sony Mobile segment following the consolidation of Sony Ericsson.

For the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the Sony Mobile segment recorded operating income of 31.4 billion yen, consisting of the three elements described below.

For the period through February 15, 2012 in the current fiscal year, Sony recorded equity in net loss of Sony Ericsson of 57.7 billion yen, while it recorded equity in net income of 4.2 billion yen for the previous full fiscal year. Under the equity method, in the quarter ended December 31, 2011, Sony reflected its 50 percent share, or 33.0 billion yen, of the valuation allowance recorded by Sony Ericsson against certain of its deferred tax assets in equity in net loss of affiliated companies in its consolidated financial results on a U.S. GAAP basis.

The Sony Mobile segment operating income includes a non-cash gain of 102.3 billion yen recorded in connection with obtaining control, due to the remeasurement of Sony’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson that Sony owned prior to the acquisition, at fair value. Also included in the segment’s operating results was an operating loss of 13.2 billion yen recorded from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012 following the consolidation of Sony Mobile in the current fiscal year.

All Other

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 decreased 1.2 percent year-on-year, to 442.7 billion yen. The decrease in sales is mainly due to significantly lower sales in the mobile phone original equipment manufacturing (“OEM”) business in Japan and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

An operating loss of 3.5 billion yen was recorded for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, compared to income of 7.1 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This deterioration was mainly due to the manufacturing

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system business in Sony Manufacturing Systems reflecting significantly lower sales, inventory devaluation and asset impairments, partially offset by an increase in profit in the disc manufacturing business, primarily due to the reversal of a patent royalty accrual. Sony Manufacturing Systems was merged into Sony EMCS Corporation in April 2012.

Restructuring

As the global economy experienced a sharp downturn following the autumn of 2008, Sony announced major restructuring initiatives in January 2009. Sony continued to implement its restructuring initiatives during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. These initiatives included a review of Sony’s investment plan, the realignment of its manufacturing sites, the reallocation of its workforce, and headcount reductions, in order to reform Sony’s operational structure and achieve improvements in competitiveness and profitability.

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded restructuring charges of 54.8 billion yen, which includes 2.1 billion yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets, compared to 67.1 billion yen of restructuring charges recorded in the previous fiscal year. There were 4.8 billion yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets in the previous fiscal year. Restructuring charges decreased by 12.3 billion yen or 18.4 percent year-on-year. Of the total 54.8 billion yen incurred in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, 25.5 billion yen were personnel related costs, primarily included in SGA expenses in the consolidated statements of income. These personnel-related costs decreased 33.5 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year. Sony’s total manufacturing sites were reduced from 57 sites as of December 31, 2008 to 41 sites as of March 31, 2011, and then to 38 sites as of March 31, 2012. As a result, Sony has been consolidating its manufacturing operations and increasingly utilizing the services of third-party OEMs and third-party original design manufacturing (“ODMs”).

Restructuring charges for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 were recorded mainly in the PDS segment. In the PDS segment, restructuring charges amounted to 26.5 billion yen, which include 0.9 billion yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, compared to 19.9 billion yen of restructuring charges recorded in the previous fiscal year. Charges in the previous fiscal year included 0.4 billion yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets. The PDS segment’s restructuring charges included an impairment of 19.2 billion yen related to the sale of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business to Japan Display Inc. in March 2012.

In all segments, excluding the PDS segment, restructuring charges were recorded mainly due to headcount reductions through early retirement programs, which are expected to reduce operating costs in the future.

Restructuring charges discussed in Item 5, which include non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets, are described in Note 19 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Risk Hedging

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the average rates of the yen were 78.1 yen against the U.S. dollar and 107.5 yen against the euro, which was 8.5 percent and 3.9 percent higher, respectively, than the previous fiscal year.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, consolidated sales were 6,493.2 billion yen, a decrease of 9.6 percent year-on-year, while on a constant currency basis, sales decreased approximately 5 percent year-on-year. For references to information on a constant currency basis, see Note at the bottom of this section.

Consolidated operating loss of 67.3 billion yen was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, compared to operating income of 199.8 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Operating results deteriorated by 267.1 billion year-on year, while it would have deteriorated by approximately 235 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year on a constant currency basis.

Most of the unfavorable foreign exchange rate impact on the consolidated operating loss was attributable to the CPS and PDS segments. In the CPS segment, sales decreased 18.5 percent year-on-year to 3,136.8 billion

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yen, while sales decreased approximately 14 percent on a constant currency basis. An operating loss of 229.8 billion yen was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, compared to profit of 10.8 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. The impact of foreign exchange rate changes was a decrease of approximately 6 billion yen in operating income. In the PDS segment, sales decreased 12.6 percent year-on-year to 1,313.8 billion yen, while sales decreased approximately 8 percent on a constant currency basis. An operating loss of 20.2 billion yen was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, compared to profit of 27.7 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. The impact of foreign exchange rate changes during the fiscal year was a decrease of approximately 28 billion yen in operating income. For a detailed analysis of segment performance that discusses the impact of foreign exchange rates separately within categories when material, please refer to “Consumer Products & Services” and “Professional, Device & Solutions” segments under “Operating Performance by Business Segment.”

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony estimated that a one yen appreciation against the U.S. dollar decreased consolidated sales by approximately 47 billion yen, with approximately no impact on operating income. Sony’s exposure to the U.S. dollar is limited due to Sony’s ability to manage its U.S. dollar-based sales with U.S. dollar-based costs creating a natural currency hedge. Sony results are more sensitive to movements between the yen and the euro. A one yen appreciation against the euro was estimated to decrease consolidated sales by approximately 10 billion yen, with a corresponding decrease in operating income of approximately 6 billion yen.

In addition, sales for the Pictures segment increased 9.6 percent year-on-year to 657.7 billion yen, while sales increased approximately 18 percent on a constant currency (U.S. dollar) basis. In the Music segment, sales decreased 5.9 percent year-on-year to 442.8 billion yen, while sales decreased approximately 1 percent on a constant currency basis. For a detailed analysis of segment performance, please refer to Pictures and Music segments under “Operating Performance by Business Segment.” Sony’s Financial Services segment consolidates the yen-based results of SFH and the yen-based results for SFI. As most of the operations in this segment are based in Japan, Sony management analyzes the performance of the Financial Services segment on a yen basis only.

Sony’s consolidated results are subject to foreign currency rate fluctuations largely because the currency used in the countries where manufacturing and material and parts procurement takes place may be different from those where Sony’s products are sold. In order to reduce the risk caused by foreign exchange rate fluctuations, Sony employs derivatives, including foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts, in accordance with a consistent risk management strategy. Such derivatives are used primarily to mitigate the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on cash flows generated or anticipated by Sony Corporation and by its subsidiaries’ transactions and accounts receivable and payable denominated in foreign currencies.

Sony Global Treasury Services Plc (“SGTS”) in London provides integrated treasury services for Sony Corporation, its subsidiaries, and affiliated companies. Sony’s policy is that Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries with foreign exchange exposures should enter into commitments with SGTS to hedge their exposures. Sony Corporation and most of its subsidiaries utilize SGTS for this purpose. Sony’s policy of concentrating its foreign exchange exposures means that SGTS and Sony Corporation hedge most of the net foreign exchange exposure within the Sony group. Sony has a policy on the use of derivatives that, in principle, SGTS should centrally deal and manage derivatives with financial institutions for risk management purposes. SGTS enters into foreign exchange transactions with creditworthy third-party financial institutions. Most of these transactions are entered into against projected exposures before the actual export and import transactions take place. In general, SGTS hedges the projected exposures on average three months before the actual transactions take place. However, in certain cases SGTS partially hedges the projected exposures one month before the actual transactions take place when business requirements such as shorter production-sales cycles for certain products arise. Sony enters into foreign exchange transactions with financial institutions primarily for hedging purposes. Sony does not use these derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes except for certain derivatives in the Financial Services segment. In the Financial Services segment, Sony uses derivatives primarily for ALM.

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To minimize the effects of foreign exchange fluctuations on its financial results, particularly in the CPS and PDS segments, Sony seeks, when appropriate, to localize material and parts procurement, design and manufacturing operations in areas outside of Japan.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts and other derivatives that do not qualify as hedges are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in other income and expenses. The notional amount and the net fair value of all the foreign exchange derivative contracts as of March 31, 2012 were 1,805.3 billion yen and a liability of 3.3 billion yen, respectively. Refer to Note 14 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Note: In this section, the descriptions of sales on a constant currency basis reflects sales obtained by applying the yen’s monthly average exchange rates from the previous fiscal year to local currency-denominated monthly sales in the current fiscal year. The impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating income (loss) described herein is estimated by deducting costs of sales, and SGA expenses on a constant currency basis from sales on a constant currency basis. Cost of sales and SGA expenses on a constant currency basis are obtained by applying the yen’s monthly average exchange rates in the previous fiscal year to the corresponding local currency-denominated monthly cost of sales and SGA expenses in the current fiscal year. In certain cases, most significantly in the Pictures segment and SME and Sony/ATV in the Music segment, the constant currency amounts are after aggregation on a U.S. dollar basis. Sales and operating income (loss) on a constant currency basis are not reflected in Sony’s consolidated financial statements and are not measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Sony does not believe that these measures are a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures. However, Sony believes that disclosing sales and operating income (loss) information on a constant currency basis provides additional useful analytical information to investors regarding the operating performance of Sony.

Operating Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2011 compared with the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2010

Sony realigned its segments from the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 to reflect the company’s reorganization as of April 1, 2011. In connection with this realignment, both the sales and operating income (loss) of each segment in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 have been revised to conform to the presentation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Operating Performance

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			Percent change
	(Yen in billions)
Sales and operating revenue		7,214.0			7,181.3			–0.5	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(30.2	)		14.1			—
Operating income		31.8			199.8			+528.9
Income before income taxes		26.9			205.0			+661.8
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(40.8	)		(259.6	)		—

Sales

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 were 7,181.3 billion yen, a decrease of 0.5 percent year-on-year, primarily due to a decrease in sales in all segments except the CPS segment. Unfavorable foreign exchange rates significantly affected sales in all segments except the Financial Services segment. A further breakdown of sales figures is presented under “Operating Performance by Business Segment” below.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, the average rates of the yen were 84.7 yen against the U.S. dollar and 111.6 yen against the euro, which were 8.4 percent and 16.2 percent higher, respectively, than the previous fiscal year.

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“Sales” in the analysis of the ratio of “cost of sales” to sales, the ratio of “research and development costs” to sales, and the ratio of “SGA expenses” to sales refers only to the “net sales” and “other operating revenue” portions of consolidated sales (which excludes financial services revenue). This is because “financial services expenses” are recorded separately from cost of sales and SGA expenses in the consolidated financial statements. The calculations of all ratios below that pertain to business segments include intersegment transactions.

Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Cost of sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased by 61.2 billion yen, or 1.3 percent year-on-year, to 4,831.4 billion yen, and improved from 76.7 percent to 75.7 percent as a percentage of sales.

Research and development costs (all research and development costs are included within cost of sales) decreased by 5.2 billion yen, or 1.2 percent year-on-year, to 426.8 billion yen. The ratio of research and development costs to sales was 6.7 percent compared to 6.8 percent in the previous fiscal year.

SGA expenses decreased by 43.1 billion yen, or 2.8 percent year-on-year, to 1,501.8 billion yen, mainly due to the impact of the appreciation of the yen and a decrease in personnel related costs, partially offset by an increase in advertising and publicity expenses. The ratio of SGA expenses to sales improved year-on-year from 24.2 percent to 23.5 percent.

Other operating (income) expenses, net resulted in income of 13.5 billion yen, compared with a loss of 43.0 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This improvement was mainly due to a 27.0 billion yen gain recognized as a result of Sony acquiring an additional 5 percent equity interest and a controlling interest including certain management rights in GSN, which operates a U.S. cable network and online business. As a result, Sony remeasured its previously owned 35 percent equity interest in GSN which resulted in the recognition of the gain. Additionally, the previous fiscal year included impairment charges such as a 27.1 billion yen charge related to the impairment of LCD television assets* and a 7.8 billion yen charge related to the impairment of the small- and medium-sized amorphous TFT LCD fixed assets, which were partially offset by a 30.3 billion yen gain recognized from the sales of equity interests in certain television businesses in the Pictures segment. Refer to Notes 19, 24 and 25 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

* The loss of 27.1 billion yen on impairment, a non-cash charge recorded within operating income, primarily reflects a decrease in the estimated fair value of “property, plant and equipment” and certain intangible assets. Management’s strategic plans updated in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 resulted in decreases in the assets’ estimated service periods and corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charge. Sony has excluded the loss on impairment from restructuring charges as it is not directly related to Sony’s ongoing restructuring initiatives. Sony defines restructuring initiatives as activities initiated by Sony, such as exiting a business or product category or implementing a headcount reduction program, which are designed to generate a positive impact on future profitability.

Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies

Equity in net income of affiliated companies, recorded within operating income, was 14.1 billion yen compared to equity in net loss of 30.2 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Sony recorded equity in net income for Sony Ericsson of 4.2 billion yen compared to equity in net loss of 34.5 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Equity in net income for S-LCD increased 6.8 billion yen to 7.2 billion yen.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income increased 168.0 billion yen year-on-year to 199.8 billion yen despite the large unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. The significant increase in operating income was mainly due to an improvement in operating results in the CPS and PDS segments. For a further breakdown of operating income (loss) for each segment, please refer to “Operating Performance by Business Segment” below.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony recorded charges of 11.9 billion yen, consisting principally of idle facility costs at manufacturing sites and an incremental provision for life insurance policy

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reserves, caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Furthermore, Sony incurred incremental expenses, including restoration costs (e.g., repair, removal and cleaning costs) directly related to the damages caused by the disaster to certain fixed assets including buildings, machinery and equipment as well as inventories at manufacturing sites and warehouses, in addition to charges for the disposal or impairment of fixed assets and inventories. These expenses amounted to 10.9 billion yen; however, Sony has insurance policies that cover certain damages to fixed assets and inventories as well as the associated restoration costs, which are expected to offset almost all of these losses and expenses in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, as the recoveries from insurance claims are deemed probable.

Other Income and Expenses

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, other income increased by 1.1 billion yen, or 2.6 percent, to 45.0 billion yen, while other expenses decreased by 8.9 billion yen, or 18.3 percent year-on-year, to 39.8 billion yen. The net amount of other income and other expenses was income of 5.2 billion yen, an improvement of 10.1 billion yen year-on-year, primarily due to a net foreign exchange gain of 9.3 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, as compared to a net foreign exchange loss of 10.9 billion yen for the previous fiscal year. A net foreign exchange gain was recorded mainly due to gains related to the period end valuation on derivative contracts entered into by Sony for the purpose of effective global cash management.

Interest and dividends in other income of 11.8 billion yen was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of 1.4 billion yen, or 10.7 percent year-on-year. On the other hand, interest recorded in other expenses totaled 23.9 billion yen, an increase of 1.4 billion yen, or 6.2 percent year-on-year.

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, income before income taxes increased 178.1 billion yen year-on-year to 205.0 billion yen, mainly as a result of the above-mentioned increase in operating income.

Income Taxes

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony recorded 425.3 billion yen of income taxes, primarily resulting from recording a non-cash charge to establish a valuation allowance of 362.3 billion yen against deferred tax assets at Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan. Carrying amounts of deferred tax assets are evaluated on a tax jurisdiction basis and require a reduction by a valuation allowance if, based on the available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. In Japan, Sony Corporation files a standalone tax filing for local tax purposes and a consolidated national tax filing with its wholly-owned Japanese subsidiaries for national tax purposes. Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan are in a three year cumulative loss position for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Under U.S. GAAP, a three year cumulative loss position is considered significant negative evidence in assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, which is difficult to overcome, particularly given the relatively short tax loss carryforward period of seven years in Japan and the anticipated impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on the near-term forecast for entities in Japan. Accordingly, Sony determined in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 that it was required under U.S. GAAP to establish a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets in Japan. Refer to Note 21 to the notes to consolidated financial statements.

The non-cash charge to establish a valuation allowance does not have any impact on Sony’s consolidated operating income or cash flow, nor does such an allowance preclude Sony from using the loss carryforwards or other deferred tax assets in the future. It is also important to note that the establishment of this valuation allowance does not reflect a change in Sony’s view of its long-term corporate strategy.

Net Income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders, which excludes net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, was 259.6 billion yen, a deterioration of 218.8 billion yen year-on-year.

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Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest of 39.3 billion yen was recorded, a decrease of 14.5 billion yen year-on-year. This was mainly due to the income recorded at SFH, for which there is a noncontrolling interest of 40 percent. For details of operating results in the Financial Services segment, refer to “Operating Performance by Business Segment” below.

Basic and diluted net losses per share attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders were both 258.66 yen compared with basic and diluted net losses per share of 40.66 yen in the previous fiscal year. Refer to Note 22 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Operating Performance by Business Segment

The following discussion is based on segment information. Sales and operating revenue in each business segment include intersegment transactions. Refer to Note 28 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Business Segment Information

	Fiscal year ended March 31						Percent change
	2010			2011
	(Yen in billions)
Sales and operating revenue
Consumer Products & Services		3,712.4			3,849.8			+3.7	%
Professional, Device & Solutions		1,519.0			1,503.3			–1.0
Pictures		705.2			600.0			–14.9
Music		522.6			470.7			–9.9
Financial Services		851.4			806.5			–5.3
All Other		460.8			447.8			–2.8
Corporate and Elimination		(557.4	)		(496.9	)		—
Consolidated		7,214.0			7,181.3			–0.5

	Fiscal year ended March 31						Percent change
	2010			2011
	(Yen in billions)
Operating income (loss)
Consumer Products & Services		(101.4	)		10.8			—	%
Professional, Device & Solutions		(35.4	)		27.7			—
Pictures		42.8			38.7			–9.7
Music		36.5			38.9			+6.6
Financial Services		162.5			118.8			–26.9
Equity in net income (loss) of Sony Ericsson		(34.5	)		4.2			—
All Other		(5.0	)		7.1			—
Sub-Total		65.5			246.2			+275.9
Corporate and Elimination		(33.7	)		(46.3	)		—
Consolidated		31.8			199.8			+528.9

Consumer Products & Services

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 increased 3.7 percent year-on-year to 3,849.8 billion yen. Sales to outside customers increased 3.7 percent year-on-year. This was primarily due to higher LCD television sales resulting from a significant increase in unit sales that came mostly from the Asia-Pacific Area, Other Areas, and Japan and higher PC sales, which saw increased unit sales and an expanding market share in all regions. The sales increase was partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. LCD television sales in Japan increased primarily due to both a program which provided consumers with a subsidy from the Japanese government and enhanced demand resulting from the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting in Japan which was completed in July 2011. The subsidy program ended on March 31, 2011.

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Operating income of 10.8 billion yen was recorded, compared to a loss of 101.4 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. This improvement was driven primarily by an increase in gross profit due to higher sales (excluding the foreign exchange impact), an improvement in the cost of sales ratio, and a decrease in other operating loss, net. The impact of foreign exchange rates, a factor that is analyzed separately, was unfavorable, along with an increase in SGA expenses primarily associated with higher marketing expenses partially offset by the improvement factors noted above. A product category contributing to the increase in gross profit due to higher sales (excluding the foreign exchange impact) included LCD televisions as mentioned in the paragraph above. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, a 27.1 billion yen non-cash charge related to the impairment of LCD television assets, which were not included in restructuring charges, was recorded. (Refer to Note 19 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.) Restructuring charges were 28.7 billion yen, compared with 37.3 billion yen recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The restructuring charges recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 included expenses of 11.6 billion yen related to the transfer to third parties of the Barcelona factory in Europe (executed in January 2011) and the impairment of related assets.

A category that favorably impacted the change in segment operating results (excluding restructuring charges and the above-mentioned LCD television asset impairment) was the game business, reflecting significant cost reductions of PS3 hardware and higher unit sales of PS3 software. A category that unfavorably impacted the change in segment operating results (excluding restructuring charges and the above-mentioned LCD television asset impairment) was LCD televisions, reflecting a decline in unit selling prices and unfavorable foreign exchange rates, despite rising unit sales.

Below are the sales to outside customers by product category, unit sales of major products and unit sales of each platform within the Game category:

Sales to outside customers by product category

Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage contribution of each product category to the segment total.

	Fiscal year ended March 31								Percent change
	2010				2011
	(Yen in millions)
Televisions		1,005,773	(27.6	)		1,200,491	(31.8	)		+19.4	%
Home Audio and Video		302,678	(8.3	)		285,297	(7.6	)		–5.7
Digital Imaging		664,502	(18.3	)		642,570	(17.0	)		–3.3
Personal and Mobile Products		809,369	(22.3	)		828,375	(22.0	)		+2.3
Game		840,711	(23.1	)		798,405	(21.2	)		–5.0
Other		15,104	(0.4	)		16,472	(0.4	)		+9.1
CPS Total		3,638,137	(100.0	)		3,771,610	(100.0	)		+3.7

Unit sales of major products

	Fiscal year ended March 31						Percent change
	2010		2011		Unit change
	(Units in millions)
LCD televisions within Televisions		15.6		22.4		+6.8		+43.6	%
Blu-ray Disc recorders within Home Audio and Video		0.7		1.0		+0.3		+42.9
Blu-ray Disc players within Home Audio and Video		3.3		4.6		+1.3		+39.4
DVD players within Home Audio and Video		11.5		10.0		–1.5		–13.0
Home-use video cameras within Digital Imaging		5.3		5.2		–0.1		–1.9
Compact digital cameras within Digital Imaging		21.0		24.0		+3.0		+14.3
PCs within Personal and Mobile Products		6.8		8.7		+1.9		+27.9
Flash memory digital audio players within Personal and Mobile Products		8.0		8.4		+0.4		+5.0

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Unit sales of each platform within the Game category

	Fiscal year ended March 31				Unit change		Percent change
	2010		2011
	(Units in millions)
Hardware
PlayStation®3		13.0		14.3		+1.3		+10.0	%
PSP®(PlayStation ®Portable)		9.9		8.0		–1.9		–19.2
PlayStation®2		7.3		6.4		–0.9		–12.3
Software*
PlayStation®3		115.6		147.9		+32.3		+27.9
PSP®(PlayStation ®Portable)		44.4		46.6		+2.2		+5.0
PlayStation®2		35.7		16.4		–19.3		–54.1

* Network downloaded software is not included within unit software sales in the table above.

Professional, Device & Solutions

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased 1.0 percent year-on-year, to 1,503.3 billion yen. Sales to outside customers decreased 1.3 percent year-on-year. This was primarily due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates and lower sales of Components resulting from a decrease in sales of storage media affected by market contraction and a decrease in sales of optical disc drives driven by price competition, partially offset by higher semiconductor sales resulting from strong performances of small- and medium-sized LCD panels and image sensors.

Operating income of 27.7 billion yen was recorded, compared to a loss of 35.4 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. This improvement was mainly due to an improvement in the cost of sales ratio, a decrease in restructuring charges, and an increase in gross profit from higher sales, partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange rates. A category that favorably impacted the change in segment operating results (excluding restructuring charges) was Semiconductors, reflecting higher sales of image sensors, and Professional Solutions, reflecting an increase in sales of products such as digital cinema projectors.

Below are the sales to outside customers by product category:

Sales to outside customers by product category

Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage contribution of each product category to the segment total.

	Fiscal year ended March 31								Percent change
	2010				2011
	(Yen in millions)
Professional Solutions		295,360	(27.3	)		287,394	(26.9	)		–2.7	%
Semiconductors		299,715	(27.7	)		358,396	(33.6	)		+19.6
Components		476,097	(44.1	)		410,090	(38.5	)		–13.9
Other		9,812	(0.9	)		10,694	(1.0	)		+9.0
PDS Total		1,080,984	(100.0	)		1,066,574	(100.0	)		–1.3

Total for the CPS and PDS Segments

Inventory

Total Inventory for the CPS and PDS segments, as of March 31, 2011, was 608.0 billion yen.

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Sales to Outside Customers by Geographic Area

Regarding sales to outside customers by geographic area for the CPS and PDS segments, combined sales decreased year-on-year by 8 percent in the U.S. and by 1 percent in Europe, and increased year-on-year by 8 percent in Japan, by 15 percent in China, by 3 percent in the Asia-Pacific Area, and by 13 percent in Other Areas. Total combined sales in all areas increased year-on-year by 2 percent.

In the U.S., sales of products such as small- and medium-sized LCD panels and digital cinema projectors increased while sales of products such as LCD televisions, storage media and digital ebook readers decreased. In Europe, sales of products such as LCD televisions and PCs increased while sales in the game business and sales of products such as home-use video cameras decreased. In Japan, sales of products such as LCD televisions, interchangeable single lens cameras, and small- and medium-sized LCD panels increased, while sales of products such as storage media decreased. In China, sales of products such as LCD televisions, optical disc drive products and PCs increased. In the Asia-Pacific Area, sales of products such as small- and medium-sized LCD panels and LCD televisions increased while sales of products such as optical disc drive products decreased. In Other Areas, sales of products such as LCD televisions increased.

Sony’s LCD television sales in Japan increased approximately 42 percent in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. The increase was primarily as a result of both a program that provided consumers with a subsidy directly from the Japanese government after the purchase of qualifying products and enhanced demand resulting from the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting in Japan which was completed in July 2011. The contribution of these factors to the growth in television sales was partially offset by continued price competition. The government subsidy program expired on March 31, 2011.

Manufacturing by Geographic Area

Approximately 55 percent of the CPS and PDS segments’ combined total annual production during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was in-house production and approximately 45 percent was outsourced production.

Approximately 50 percent of the annual in-house production took place in Japan, including the production of compact digital cameras, home-use video cameras, LCD televisions, PCs, semiconductors and components such as batteries and storage media. Approximately 60 percent of the annual in-house production in Japan was destined for other countries. Production in Asia, excluding Japan and China, accounted for approximately 25 percent of the annual in-house production, with approximately 60 percent destined for Japan, the Americas, Europe and China. Production in China accounted for approximately 15 percent of the annual in-house production, approximately 50 percent of which was destined for other countries. Production in the Americas and Europe together accounted for approximately 10 percent of the annual in-house production, most of which was destined for local distribution and sale.

Pictures

Pictures segment results presented below are a yen-translation of the results of SPE, a U.S.-based operation that aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis. Management analyzes the results of SPE in U.S. dollars, so discussion of certain portions of its results is specified as being on “a U.S. dollar basis.”

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased 14.9 percent year-on-year, to 600.0 billion yen, primarily due to lower motion picture revenues and the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar. On a U.S. dollar basis, sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased approximately 8 percent. Motion picture revenues, also on a U.S. dollar basis, decreased approximately 13 percent year-on-year. While the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 benefitted from the strong performances of The Karate Kid, Grown Ups and Salt, international theatrical and worldwide home entertainment revenues declined significantly in comparison to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 which included 2012, Angels & Demons and Michael Jackson’s This Is It. Television revenues, on a U.S. dollar basis, increased approximately 8 percent year-on-year, primarily due to

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higher subscription and advertising revenues from a number of SPE’s television networks and higher U.S. revenues from the licensing of made-for-cable and syndication television product.

Operating income decreased 4.1 billion yen year-on-year, to 38.7 billion yen primarily due to the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar. Operating income decreased by less than 1 percent on a U.S. dollar basis. This decrease was due to lower home entertainment revenues from motion picture catalog product and the theatrical underperformance of How Do You Know, substantially offset by the higher television revenues mentioned above.

In March 2011, SPE acquired an additional 5 percent equity interest and a controlling interest, including certain management rights, in GSN, which operates a U.S. cable network and online business. As a result, SPE’s total equity interest in GSN increased to 40 percent. In accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations achieved in stages, Sony remeasured the 35 percent equity interest in GSN that it owned prior to the acquisition at the fair value of such interest at the time control was obtained. This resulted in the recognition of a gain of 27.0 billion yen, which is included in operating income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Operating income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 also includes a gain on the sale of SPE’s remaining equity interest in a Latin American premium pay television business (HBO Latin America). The total gain recognized from these two transactions was 30.3 billion yen. Refer to Notes 24 and 25 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, there were gains recognized from the sale of a portion of SPE’s equity interest in both HBO Latin America and GSN, as well as from the sale of all of its equity interest in a Central European premium pay television business (HBO Central Europe). The total gain recognized from these sales was 30.3 billion yen.

As of March 31, 2011, unrecognized license fee revenue at SPE was approximately 1.5 billion U.S. dollars. SPE expects to record this amount in the future, having entered into contracts with television broadcasters to provide those broadcasters with completed motion picture and television products. The license fee revenue will be recognized in the fiscal year in which the product is made available for broadcast.

Music

Music segment results presented below include the yen-translated results of SME, a U.S.-based operation which aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis, the results of SMEJ, a Japan-based music company which aggregates its results in yen, and the yen-translated consolidated results of Sony/ATV, a 50 percent owned U.S.-based consolidated joint venture in the music publishing business which aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis.

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased 9.9 percent year-on-year to 470.7 billion yen. This decrease was primarily due to the negative impact of the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar, the especially strong performance of Michael Jackson product in the previous fiscal year and the continued contraction of the physical music market. Best selling titles during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 included ikimono-gakari’s IKIMONO BAKARI: MEMBERS’ BEST SELECTION, Susan Boyle’s The Gift, P!nk’s Greatest Hits … So Far!!!, Michael Jackson’s Michael and music from the cast of the hit television show Glee.

Operating income increased 2.4 billion yen year-on-year to 38.9 billion yen. Despite the decrease in sales, operating income increased due to decreases in marketing, restructuring and overhead costs.

Financial Services

In Sony’s Financial Services segment, the results include SFH and SFH’s consolidated subsidiaries such as Sony Life, Sony Assurance Inc. and Sony Bank, as well as the results for SFI. Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are reported on a U.S. GAAP basis. The results of Sony Life discussed below on the basis of U.S. GAAP differ from the results that SFH and Sony Life disclose separately on a Japanese statutory basis.

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Financial services revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased 5.3 percent year-on-year to 806.5 billion yen, primarily due to a decrease in revenue at Sony Life. Revenue at Sony Life decreased 5.9 percent year-on-year to 696.7 billion yen, primarily due to a decrease in investment income. The decrease in revenue at Sony Life was partially offset by an increase in revenue from insurance premiums, reflecting a steady increase in policy amount in force.

Operating income decreased 43.7 billion yen year-on-year to 118.8 billion yen, primarily due to a decrease in operating income at Sony Life. Operating income at Sony Life decreased 48.9 billion yen year-on-year to 117.7 billion yen. The decrease was mainly due to recording of net valuation gains from investments in convertible bonds in the general account in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 resulting from a significant rise in the Japanese stock market, and an increase in the provision of policy reserves for variable insurance in the separate account in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, driven primarily by a decline in the Japanese stock market.

Information of Operations Separating Out the Financial Services Segment

The following charts show Sony’s information of operations for the Financial Services segment alone and for all segments excluding the Financial Services segment. These separate condensed presentations are not required or prepared under U.S. GAAP, which is used in Sony’s consolidated financial statements. However, because the Financial Services segment is different in nature from Sony’s other segments, Sony utilizes this information to analyze its results without the Financial Services segment and believes that these presentations may be useful in understanding and analyzing Sony’s consolidated financial statements. Transactions between the Financial Services segment and Sony without the Financial Services segment, including noncontrolling interests, are included in those respective presentations, then eliminated in the consolidated figures shown below.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Financial Services segment	2010			2011
	(Yen in millions)
Financial services revenue		851,396			806,526
Financial services expenses		687,559			685,747
Equity in net loss of affiliated companies		(1,345	)		(1,961	)
Operating income		162,492			118,818
Other income (expenses), net		(966	)		868
Income before income taxes		161,526			119,686
Income taxes and other		54,721			48,570
Net income of Financial Services		106,805			71,116

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Sony without the Financial Services segment	2010			2011
	(Yen in millions)
Net sales and operating revenue		6,381,094			6,388,759
Costs and expenses		6,484,642			6,326,233
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(28,890	)		16,023
Operating income (loss)		(132,438	)		78,549
Other income, net		1,836			10,790
Income (loss) before income taxes		(130,602	)		89,339
Income taxes and other		(34,081	)		387,375
Net loss of Sony without Financial Services		(96,521	)		(298,036	)

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	Fiscal year ended March 31
Consolidated	2010			2011
	(Yen in millions)
Financial services revenue		838,300			798,495
Net sales and operating revenue		6,375,698			6,382,778
		7,213,998			7,181,273
Costs and expenses		7,151,991			6,995,514
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(30,235	)		14,062
Operating income		31,772			199,821
Other income (expenses), net		(4,860	)		5,192
Income before income taxes		26,912			205,013
Income taxes and other		67,714			464,598
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s Stockholders		(40,802	)		(259,585	)

Sony Mobile Communications

As noted above, On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Through that date, Sony Ericsson’s operating results were accounted for under the equity method and were not consolidated in Sony’s consolidated financial statements, as Sony Corporation’s ownership percentage of Sony Ericsson was 50 percent. Sony Mobile aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a euro basis. The following euro-based results of Sony Mobile do not include the impact of the acquisition, principally excluding the impact of purchase accounting adjustments Sony believes that the following euro-based discussions provide additional useful analytical information to investors regarding Sony’s operating performance.

Sales for the year ended March 31, 2011 decreased 6.5 percent year-on-year to 6,034 million euro. This decrease was due to a decline in unit shipments as a result of a focus on high-end smartphones and a reduction in the size of the product portfolio. Income before taxes of 133 million euro was recorded for the current year, compared to a loss before taxes of 654 million euro in the previous year. This improvement was mainly due to the positive impact of a rise in the average selling price, a favorable product mix and improved cost structure. In addition, there was a benefit relating to the reversal of warranty reserves.

***

As a result, Sony recorded equity in net income of Sony Ericsson of 4.2 billion yen for the current fiscal year, compared to equity in net loss of 34.5 billion yen in the previous fiscal year.

All Other

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased 2.8 percent year-on-year, to 447.8 billion yen. The decrease in sales is mainly due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates and lower sales in the disc manufacturing business.

Operating income of 7.1 billion yen was recorded for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, compared to a loss of 5.0 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This improvement was mainly due to the fact that there were charges related to the withdrawal from the property management operation of an entertainment complex in Japan and the termination payments of the property lease contract in the previous fiscal year. In addition, losses from an unprofitable measuring systems business that were incurred in the previous fiscal year were not incurred in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 due to the sale of that business, which also contributed to the segment results improvement. The sale was completed at the end of March 2010.

Restructuring

As the global economy experienced a sharp downturn following the autumn of 2008, Sony announced major restructuring initiatives in January 2009. Sony continued to implement its restructuring initiatives during the

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fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. These initiatives included a review of Sony group’s investment plan, the realignment of its manufacturing sites, the reallocation of its workforce, and headcount reductions, in order to reform Sony’s operational structure and achieve improvements in competitiveness and profitability.

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony recorded restructuring charges of 67.1 billion yen, which includes 4.8 billion yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets, compared to 124.3 billion yen of restructuring charges recorded in the previous fiscal year. There were 7.9 billion yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets in the previous fiscal year. Restructuring charges decreased by 57.3 billion yen or 46.1 percent year-on-year, as Sony implemented the major part of its fixed cost and total asset reduction plan in the previous fiscal year. Of the total 67.1 billion yen incurred in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, 38.3 billion yen were personnel related costs, primarily included in SGA expenses in the consolidated statements of income. These personnel related costs decreased 41.3 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year. Sony’s total manufacturing sites were reduced from 57 sites as of December 31, 2008 to 46 sites as of March 31, 2010, and then to 41 sites as of March 31, 2011. As a result, Sony has been consolidating its manufacturing operations and increasingly utilizing the services of third-party OEMs and third-party ODMs.

Restructuring charges for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 were recorded mainly in the CPS segment. In the CPS segment, restructuring charges amounted to 28.7 billion yen, which includes 3.2 billion yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets, compared to 37.3 billion yen of restructuring charges recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Charges in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 included 7.9 billion yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, the CPS segment recorded 14.0 billion yen of restructuring charges related to personnel costs, comprising 36.7 percent of the total 38.3 billion yen personnel costs recorded on a consolidated basis. The CPS segment’s restructuring charges included expenses of 11.6 billion yen related to the transfer to third parties of the Barcelona factory in Europe and the impairment of related assets (executed in January 2011). With respect to television operations, Sony ceased manufacturing operations during the previous fiscal year at its Sony EMCS Corporation’s Ichinomiya TEC and at its Sony Baja California, S.A. de C.V.’s Mexicali factory and completed the transfer to the Hon Hai Group of 90.0 percent of Sony’s equity interest in Sony Baja California and certain manufacturing assets related to LCD televisions at Sony Baja California’s Tijuana Factory in Mexico, which mainly manufactures LCD televisions for the Americas region. The Tijuana Factory remains a key manufacturing site of Sony LCD televisions for the Americas region. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony completed the transfer to the Hon Hai Group of 90.1 percent of Sony’s equity interest in the Nitra Factory in Slovakia and the transfer to Ficosa International, S.A. and COMSA EMTE SL of Sony Espana S.A.’s Barcelona Technology Center. The Nitra plant remains a key manufacturing site of LCD televisions for the European region.

In all segments, excluding the CPS segment, restructuring charges were recorded mainly due to headcount reductions through early retirement programs.

Restructuring charges discussed in Item 5, which include non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets, are described in Note 19 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Risk Hedging

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, the average rates of the yen were 84.7 yen against the U.S. dollar and 111.6 yen against the euro, which were 8.4 percent and 16.2 percent higher, respectively, than the previous fiscal year.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, consolidated sales were 7,181.3 billion yen, a decrease of 0.5 percent year-on-year, while on a constant currency basis, sales increased 6 percent year-on-year. For references to information on a constant currency basis, see Note at the bottom of this section.

Consolidated operating income increased 168.0 billion yen year-on-year to 199.8 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 despite the large unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates of approximately

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98 billion yen. Operating income increased by approximately 6.3 times the operating income in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, while it would have increased by approximately 9.4 times the operating income in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 on a constant currency basis.

Most of the unfavorable foreign exchange rate impact on consolidated operating income was attributable to the CPS and PDS segments. In the CPS segment, sales increased 3.7 percent year-on-year to 3,849.8 billion yen, while sales increased approximately 11 percent on a constant currency basis. Operating income of 10.8 billion yen was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, compared to a loss of 101.4 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The impact of foreign exchange rate changes was a decrease of approximately 55 billion yen in operating income. In the PDS segment, sales decreased 1.0 percent year-on-year to 1,503.3 billion yen, while sales increased approximately 8 percent on a constant currency basis. Operating income of 27.7 billion yen was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, compared to a loss of 35.4 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The impact of foreign exchange rate changes during the fiscal year was a decrease of approximately 51 billion yen in operating income. For a detailed analysis of segment performance that discusses the impact of foreign exchange rates separately within categories when material, please refer to “Consumer, Products & Services” and “Professional & Device Solution” segments under “Operating Performance by Business Segment.”

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony estimated that a one yen appreciation against the U.S. dollar decreased consolidated sales by approximately 44 billion yen, with a corresponding decrease in operating income of approximately 2 billion yen. Sony’s exposure to the U.S. dollar is limited due to Sony’s ability to manage its U.S. dollar-based sales with U.S. dollar-based costs creating a natural currency hedge. Sony results are more sensitive to movements between the yen and the euro. A one yen appreciation against the euro was estimated to decrease consolidated sales by approximately 10 billion yen, with a corresponding decrease in operating income of approximately 7 billion yen.

In addition, sales for the Pictures segment decreased 14.9 percent year-on-year to 600.0 billion yen, while sales decreased approximately 8 percent on a constant currency (U.S. dollar) basis. In the Music segment, sales decreased 9.9 percent year-on-year to 470.7 billion yen, while sales decreased approximately 5 percent on a constant currency basis. For a detailed analysis of segment performance, please refer to Pictures and Music segments under “Operating Performance by Business Segment.” Sony’s Financial Services segment consolidates the yen-based results of SFH and the yen-based results for Sony SFI. As most of the operations in this segment are based in Japan, Sony management analyzes the performance of the Financial Services segment on a yen basis only.

Sony’s consolidated results are subject to foreign currency rate fluctuations largely because the currency used in the countries where manufacturing and material and parts procurement takes place may be different from those where Sony’s products are sold. In order to reduce the risk caused by foreign exchange rate fluctuations, Sony employs derivatives, including foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts, in accordance with a consistent risk management strategy. Such derivatives are used primarily to mitigate the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on cash flows generated or anticipated by Sony Corporation and by its subsidiaries’ transactions and accounts receivable and payable denominated in foreign currencies.

SGTS in London provides integrated treasury services for Sony Corporation, its subsidiaries, and affiliated companies. Sony’s policy is that Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries with foreign exchange exposures should enter into commitments with SGTS to hedge their exposures. Sony Corporation and most of its subsidiaries utilize SGTS for this purpose. The concentration of foreign exchange exposures at SGTS means that, in effect, SGTS hedges most of the net foreign exchange exposure of Sony Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliated companies. SGTS in turn enters into foreign exchange transactions with creditworthy third-party financial institutions. Most of these transactions are entered into against projected exposures before the actual export and import transactions take place. In general, SGTS hedges the projected exposures on average three months before the actual transactions take place. However, in certain cases SGTS partially hedges the projected exposures one month before the actual transactions take place when business requirements such as shorter production-sales cycles for certain products arise. Sony enters into foreign exchange transactions with financial institutions

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primarily for hedging purposes. Sony does not use these derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes except for certain derivatives in the Financial Services segment. In the Financial Services segment, Sony uses derivatives primarily for ALM.

To minimize the effects of foreign exchange fluctuations on its financial results, particularly in the CPS and PDS segments, Sony seeks, when appropriate, to localize material and parts procurement, design and manufacturing operations in areas outside of Japan.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts and other derivatives that do not qualify as hedges are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in other income and expenses. The notional amount and the net fair value of all the foreign exchange derivative contracts as of March 31, 2011 were 1,533.6 billion yen and a liability of 5.1 billion yen, respectively.

Note: In this section, the descriptions of sales on a constant currency basis reflects sales obtained by applying the yen’s monthly average exchange rates from the previous fiscal year to local currency-denominated monthly sales in the current fiscal year. The impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating income (loss) described herein is estimated by deducting cost of sales, and SGA expenses on a constant currency basis from sales on a constant currency basis. Cost of sales and SGA expenses on a constant currency basis are obtained by applying the yen’s monthly average exchange rates in the previous fiscal year to the corresponding local currency-denominated monthly cost of sales and SGA expenses in the current fiscal year. In certain cases, most significantly in the Pictures segment and SME and Sony/ATV in the Music segment, the constant currency amounts are after aggregation on a U.S. dollar basis. Sales and operating income (loss) on a constant currency basis are not reflected in Sony’s consolidated financial statements and are not measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Sony does not believe that these measures are a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures. However, Sony believes that disclosing sales and operating income (loss) information on a constant currency basis provides additional useful analytical information to investors regarding the operating performance of Sony.

Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Assets

Total assets as of March 31, 2012 increased by 384.5 billion yen, or 3.0 percent year-on-year, to 13,295.7 billion yen. Total assets as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, decreased by 269.4 billion yen, or 4.5 percent year-on-year, to 5,781.9 billion yen. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in deferred tax assets due to the recording of valuation allowances and a decrease in cash and cash equivalents due to lower net cash inflow in operating activities, partially offset by an increase in assets due to the consolidation of Sony Ericsson as a wholly-owned subsidiary from February 16, 2012. Total assets as of March 31, 2012 in the Financial Services segment increased by 617.0 billion yen, or 8.7 percent year-on-year, to 7,679.4 billion yen mainly as a result of the expansion of business at Sony Life.

Current Assets

Current assets as of March 31, 2012 decreased by 89.1 billion yen, or 2.3 percent year-on-year, to 3,755.0 billion yen. Current assets as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, decreased by 140.8 billion yen, or 4.8 percent, year-on-year to 2,766.3 billion yen.

Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, decreased 128.0 billion yen, or 15.1 percent year-on-year, to 719.4 billion yen. This was primarily due to lower net cash inflow in operating activities and to higher net cash outflow in investing activities in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Refer to “Cash Flows” below.

Notes and accounts receivable, trade (net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns) as of March 31, 2012, excluding the Financial Services segment, increased 26.4 billion yen, or 3.6 percent year-on-year, to 768.7 billion yen, mainly due to the consolidation of Sony Ericsson, partially offset by lower sales in the CPS and PDS segments.

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Other current assets as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, decreased 39.6 billion yen, or 3.0 percent year-on-year, to 1,274.8 billion yen, mainly due to a decrease in deferred tax assets as a result of a valuation allowance recorded against certain deferred tax assets. Refer to Note 21 to the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Inventories as of March 31, 2012 increased by 3.0 billion yen, or 0.4 percent year-on-year, to 707.1 billion yen. This increase was primarily due to the consolidation of Sony Ericsson, partially offset by adjustments in production, mainly in LCD televisions resulting from lower sales.

The inventory to cost of sales turnover ratio (based on the average of inventories at the end of each fiscal year and the previous fiscal year) at March 31, 2012 was 1.93 months compared to 1.68 months at the end of the previous fiscal year.

Current assets as of March 31, 2012 in the Financial Services segment increased by 45.5 billion yen, or 4.8 percent year-on-year, to 1,002.3 billion yen primarily due to the increase of marketable securities as a result of the expansion of business in Sony Life.

Investments and Advances

Investments and advances as of March 31, 2012 increased by 426.8 billion yen, or 7.2 percent year-on-year, to 6,319.5 billion yen.

Investments and advances as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, decreased by 169.4 billion yen, or 49.0 percent year-on-year, to 176.3 billion yen primarily due to sales of Sony’s shares of S-LCD, as well as the elimination of Sony’s investment account in Sony Ericsson in accordance with the consolidation of Sony Ericsson which was previously accounted for under the equity method.

Investments and advances as of March 31, 2012 in the Financial Services segment increased by 594.4 billion yen, or 10.7 percent year-on-year, to 6,174.8 billion yen. This increase was primarily due to business growth at both Sony Life and Sony Bank, resulting in increases in investments made by Sony Life mainly in Japanese fixed income securities, and increases in mortgage loans provided by Sony Bank. Refer to “Investments” below.

Property, Plant and Equipment (after deduction of accumulated depreciation)

Property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2012 increased by 6.1 billion yen, or 0.7 percent year-on-year, to 931.0 billion yen.

Property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, increased by 23.6 billion yen, or 2.6 percent year-on-year, to 918.4 billion yen. The increase in property, plant and equipment was mainly due to the consolidation of Sony Ericsson.

Capital expenditures (additions to property, plant and equipment) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 increased by 90.2 billion yen, or 44.1 percent year-on-year, to 295.1 billion yen mainly due to investments in the semiconductor business.

Property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2012 in the Financial Services segment decreased by 17.5 billion yen, or 58.2 percent year-on-year, to 12.6 billion yen mainly due to the sale of the leasing business at SFI.

Other Assets

Other assets as of March 31, 2012 increased by 46.0 billion yen, or 2.3 percent year-on-year, to 2,020.2 billion yen primarily due to a significant increase in intangible assets and goodwill as a result of the consolidation of Sony Ericsson, partially offset by a significant decrease in deferred tax assets due to the recording of valuation allowances. Refer to Note 24 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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Liabilities

Total current and long-term liabilities as of March 31, 2012 increased by 830.3 billion yen, or 8.3 percent year-on-year, to 10,785.5 billion yen. Total current and long-term liabilities as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, increased by 274.6 billion yen, or 7.4 percent year-on-year, to 3,984.4 billion yen. Total current and long-term liabilities in the Financial Services segment as of March 31, 2012 increased by 518.8 billion yen, or 8.2 percent year-on-year, to 6,852.0 billion yen.

Current Liabilities

Current liabilities as of March 31, 2012 increased by 394.7 billion yen, or 9.5 percent year-on-year, to 4,530.0 billion yen.

Current liabilities as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, increased by 307.2 billion yen, or 13.5 percent year-on-year, to 2,580.5 billion yen.

Short-term borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, increased by 247.2 billion yen, or 161.9 percent year-on-year, to 399.9 billion yen, primarily due to the transfer from long-term liabilities of the current portion of straight bonds that will mature during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.

Notes and accounts payable, trade as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, decreased by 32.9 billion yen, or 4.2 percent year-on-year, to 758.7 billion yen primarily due to a decrease in procurement of raw materials resulting from the decrease in sales in the CPS and PDS segments.

Current liabilities as of March 31, 2012 in the Financial Services segment increased by 81.3 billion yen, or 4.3 percent year-on-year, to 1,963.1 billion yen, mainly due to an increase in deposits from customers at Sony Bank.

Long-term Liabilities

Long-term liabilities as of March 31, 2012 increased by 435.6 billion yen, or 7.5 percent year-on-year, to 6,255.6 billion yen.

Long-term liabilities as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, decreased by 32.7 billion yen, or 2.3 percent year-on-year, to 1,403.9 billion yen. Long-term debt as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, decreased by 50.7 billion yen, or 6.3 percent year-on-year, to 748.7 billion yen. This decrease was primarily due to the above-mentioned transfer of the current portion of straight bonds to current liabilities, partially offset by the unsecured bank loan used to acquire Sony Ericsson. For further detail about the unsecured bank loan, please refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”,

Long-term liabilities as of March 31, 2012 in the Financial Services segment increased by 437.5 billion yen, or 9.8 percent year-on-year, to 4,888.9 billion yen. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the policy amount in force at Sony Life.

Total Interest-bearing Debt

Total interest-bearing debt inclusive of long-term debt and short-term borrowings as of March 31, 2012 increased by 197.0 billion yen, or 20.2 percent year-on-year, to 1,172.6 billion yen. Total interest-bearing debt as of March 31, 2012 in all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, increased by 196.5 billion yen, or 20.6 percent year-on-year, to 1,148.6 billion yen.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

In March 2011, Sony acquired an additional 5 percent equity interest in GSN, resulting in Sony owning a 40 percent equity interest. As part of the acquisition, Sony obtained a controlling interest in GSN and as a result,

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consolidated GSN. Sony granted a put right to the other investor (the “Current Investor”) in GSN for an additional 18 percent interest in GSN. The put right is exercisable during three windows starting on April 1 of each of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and lasting for 60 business days (each such period, a “Trigger Window”). In the event that GSN’s audited financial statements for the most recent completed calendar year are not available on April 1, the Trigger Window shall commence on the day when GSN’s audited financial statements are delivered to the Current Investor. As of June 26, 2012, GSN’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 had not been delivered to the Current Investor. The exercise price of the put is calculated using a formula based on an agreed upon multiple of the earnings of GSN with a minimum price of 234 million U.S. dollars and a maximum price of 288 million U.S. dollars. The portion of the noncontrolling interest that can be put to Sony is accounted for as redeemable securities because redemption is outside of Sony’s control and is reported in the mezzanine equity section in the consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Notes 24 and 27 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Sony Corporation’s Stockholders’ Equity

Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2012 decreased by 519.1 billion yen, or 20.4 percent year-on-year, to 2,028.9 billion yen. Retained earnings decreased by 481.8 billion yen, or 30.8 percent year-on-year, to 1,084.5 billion yen as a result of the recording of 456.7 billion yen in net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders. Accumulated other comprehensive income deteriorated by 37.9 billion yen, or 4.7 percent year-on-year, to a loss of 842.1 billion yen primarily due to the recording of 34.7 billion yen of pension liability adjustments. The ratio of Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity to total assets decreased 4.5 percentage points year-on-year, from 19.7 percent to 15.3 percent.

Information of Financial Position Separating Out the Financial Services Segment

The following charts show Sony’s unaudited information of financial position for the Financial Services segment alone, and for all segments excluding the Financial Services segment. These separate condensed presentations are not required or prepared under U.S. GAAP, which is used in Sony’s consolidated financial statements. However, because the Financial Services segment is different in nature from Sony’s other segments, Sony utilizes this information to analyze its results without the Financial Services segment and believes that these presentations may be useful in understanding and analyzing Sony’s consolidated financial statements. Transactions between the Financial Services segment and Sony without the Financial Services segment, including noncontrolling interests, are included in those respective presentations, and then eliminated in the consolidated figures shown below.

Financial Services segment

	March 31
	2011		2012
	(Yen in millions)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		167,009		175,151
Marketable securities		643,171		677,543
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		5,933		5,678
Other		140,633		143,903
		956,746		1,002,275
Investments and advances		5,580,418		6,174,810
Property, plant and equipment		30,034		12,569
Other assets:
Deferred insurance acquisition costs		428,262		441,236
Other		66,944		48,472
		495,206		489,708
		7,062,404		7,679,362

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	March 31
	2011		2012
	(Yen in millions)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		23,191		18,781
Notes and accounts payable, trade		1,705		—
Deposits from customers in the banking business		1,647,752		1,761,137
Other		209,168		183,172
		1,881,816		1,963,090
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt		16,936		17,145
Accrued pension and severance costs		13,925		15,340
Future insurance policy benefits and other		4,225,373		4,658,487
Other		195,115		197,894
		4,451,349		4,888,866
Stockholders’ equity of Financial Services		727,955		825,499
Noncontrolling interests		1,284		1,907
		7,062,404		7,679,362

Sony without the Financial Services segment

	March 31
	2011		2012
	(Yen in millions)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		847,403		719,425
Marketable securities		3,000		3,370
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		742,297		768,697
Other		1,314,419		1,274,826
		2,907,119		2,766,318
Film costs		275,389		270,048
Investments and advances		345,660		176,270
Investments in Financial Services, at cost		115,806		115,773
Property, plant and equipment		894,834		918,429
Other assets		1,512,523		1,535,075
		6,051,331		5,781,913
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		152,664		399,882
Notes and accounts payable, trade		791,570		758,680
Other		1,329,061		1,421,947
		2,273,295		2,580,509
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt		799,389		748,689
Accrued pension and severance costs		257,395		294,035
Other		379,752		361,161
		1,436,536		1,403,885
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		19,323		20,014
Stockholders’ equity of Sony without Financial Services		2,217,106		1,651,856
Noncontrolling interests		105,071		125,649
		6,051,331		5,781,913

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Consolidated

	March 31
	2011		2012
	(Yen in millions)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		1,014,412		894,576
Marketable securities		646,171		680,913
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		743,690		769,915
Other		1,439,773		1,409,558
		3,844,046		3,754,962
Film costs		275,389		270,048
Investments and advances		5,892,655		6,319,476
Property, plant and equipment		924,868		930,998
Other assets:
Deferred insurance acquisition costs		428,262		441,236
Other		1,545,902		1,578,947
		1,974,164		2,020,183
		12,911,122		13,295,667
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		163,351		410,361
Notes and accounts payable, trade		793,275		758,680
Deposits from customers in the banking business		1,647,752		1,761,137
Other		1,530,921		1,599,803
		4,135,299		4,529,981
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt		812,235		762,226
Accrued pension and severance costs		271,320		309,375
Future insurance policy benefits and other		4,225,373		4,658,487
Other		510,993		525,477
		5,819,921		6,255,565
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		19,323		20,014
Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity		2,547,987		2,028,891
Noncontrolling interests		388,592		461,216
		12,911,122		13,295,667

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Investments

The following table contains available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, including the breakdown of unrealized gains and losses by investment category.

	March 31, 2012
	Cost		Unrealized gain		Unrealized loss			Fair market value
			(Yen in millions)
Financial Services Business:
Available-for-sale
Debt securities
Sony Life		864,620		54,827		—			919,447
Sony Bank		884,430		8,128		(8,140	)		884,418
Other		9,583		68		(16	)		9,635
Equity securities
Sony Life		30,304		6,516		(141	)		36,679
Sony Bank		—		—		—			—
Other		719		—		(119	)		600
Held-to-maturity
Debt securities
Sony Life		3,407,776		157,410		(4,499	)		3,560,687
Sony Bank		12,940		615		—			13,555
Other		73,765		1,502		—			75,267
Total Financial Services		5,284,137		229,066		(12,915	)		5,500,288
Non-Financial Services:
Available-for-sale securities		35,374		46,767		(1,270	)		80,871
Held-to-maturity securities		—		—		—			—
Total Non-Financial Services		35,374		46,767		(1,270	)		80,871
Consolidated		5,319,511		275,833		(14,185	)		5,581,159

At March 31, 2012, Sony Life had debt and equity securities which had gross unrealized losses of 4.5 billion yen and 0.1 billion yen, respectively. Of the unrealized loss, 97.0 percent related to securities in an unrealized loss position for periods greater than 12 months at March 31, 2012. Sony Life principally invests in debt securities in various industries. Almost all of the debt securities in which Sony Life invested were rated “BBB” or higher by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or other rating agencies.

At March 31, 2012, Sony Bank had debt securities which had gross unrealized losses of 8.1 billion yen. Of the unrealized loss, 12.3 percent related to securities in an unrealized loss position for periods greater than 12 months at March 31, 2012. Sony Bank principally invests in Japanese government bonds, Japanese corporate bonds and foreign bonds. Almost all of these securities were rated “BBB” or higher by S&P, Moody’s or other rating agencies.

These unrealized losses related to numerous investments, with no single investment being in a material unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months. In addition, there was no individual security with unrealized losses that met the test for impairment as the declines in value were observed to be small both in amounts and percentage, and therefore, the decline in value for those investments was still determined to be temporary in nature.

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For fixed maturity securities with unrecognized losses held by Sony Life as of March 31, 2012 (4.5 billion yen), all of which are long-term Japanese national government bonds, maturity dates vary as follows:

• Within 1 year:	—
• 1 to 5 years:	—
• 5 to 10 years:	—
• above 10 years:	100.0 percent

For fixed maturity securities with unrecognized losses held by Sony Bank as of March 31, 2012 (8.1 billion yen), maturity dates vary as follows:

• Within 1 year:	39.2 percent
• 1 to 5 years:	47.0 percent
• 5 to 10 years:	13.8 percent
• above 10 years:	—

In the ordinary course of business, Sony maintains long-term investment securities, included in securities investments and other issued by a number of non-public companies. The aggregate carrying amount of the investments in non-public companies at March 31, 2012 was 93.1 billion yen. A non-public equity investment is primarily valued at cost if fair value is not readily determinable. If the value is estimated to have declined and such decline is judged to be other-than-temporary, the impairment of the investment is recognized immediately and the carrying value is reduced to its fair value.

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, total realized impairment losses were 5.5 billion yen, 9.8 billion yen and 5.5 billion yen, respectively, of which 2.6 billion yen, 2.1 billion yen and 1.9 billion yen, respectively, were recorded in financial services revenue by the subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment. Realized impairment losses recorded other than by subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment in each of the three fiscal years were reflected in non-operating expenses and primarily relate to certain strategic investments in non-financial services businesses. These investments primarily relate to certain strategic investments in Japan and the U.S. with which Sony has strategic relationships for the purposes of developing and marketing new technologies. Impairment losses were recorded for each of the three fiscal years as certain companies failed to successfully develop and market such technology, resulting in the operating performance of these companies being more unfavorable than previously expected. As a result the decline in the fair value of these companies was judged as other-than-temporary. None of these impairment losses were individually material to Sony.

Upon determination that the value of an investment is impaired, the value of the investment is written down to its fair value. For an investment where the quoted price is available in an active market, fair value is determined based on unadjusted quoted prices as of the date on which the impairment determination is made. For investments where the quoted price is not available in an active market, fair value is usually determined based on quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or measured through the use of various methodologies such as pricing models, discounted cash flow techniques, or similar techniques that require significant management judgment or estimation of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the investments. The impairment losses that were recorded in each of the three fiscal years related to the unique facts and circumstances of each individual investment and did not significantly impact other investments.

Sony Life and Sony Bank’s investments constitute the majority of the investments in the Financial Services segment. Sony Life and Sony Bank account for approximately 82 percent and 16 percent of the investments in the Financial Services segment, respectively.

Cash Flows

(The fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 compared with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011)

Operating Activities: For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, there was a net cash inflow of 519.5 billion yen from operating activities, a decrease of 96.7 billion yen, or 15.7 percent year-on-year.

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For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, there was a net cash inflow of 176.1 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of 79.7 billion yen, or 31.2 percent year-on-year. This decrease was mainly due to the negative impact of a deterioration in cash from net loss after taking into account adjustments (including depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies and other operating (income) expenses) and a smaller decrease in notes and accounts receivable, trade. This decrease was partially offset by the positive impact of a decrease in inventories as compared to an increase in the previous fiscal year. During the third quarter ended December 31, 2011, there was a receipt of a 50.6 billion yen advance payment from a commercial customer, and during the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2012 there was a receipt of insurance proceeds related primarily to business interruption claims of 6.0 billion yen related to the Great East Japan Earthquake and of 26.9 billion yen related to the Floods.

The Financial Services segment had a net cash inflow of 350.9 billion yen, a decrease of 18.6 billion yen, or 5.0 percent year-on-year. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in receivables, other, included in other current assets, as a result of outsourcing the collection of Sony Life insurance premiums to a third-party agency. This was partially offset by an increase in receipts from insurance premiums, reflecting higher policy amounts in force at Sony Life.

Investing Activities: During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony used 882.9 billion yen of net cash in investing activities, an increase of 168.4 billion yen, or 23.6 percent year-on-year.

For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, 321.5 billion yen was used, an increase of 184.0 billion yen, or 133.7 percent year-on-year. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the purchase of semiconductor manufacturing equipment in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 and a payment for the purchase of Ericsson’s equity interest in Sony Ericsson. This was partially offset by proceeds from the sale of Sony’s shares of S-LCD. During the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2012, there was a receipt of insurance proceeds related to fixed assets of 9.0 billion yen related to the Great East Japan Earthquake and of 23.5 billion yen related to the Floods.

The Financial Services segment used 555.3 billion yen of net cash, an increase of 2.4 billion yen, or 0.4 percent year-on-year. This increase was mainly due to proceeds from the deconsolidation of a leasing and rental business at SFI in the previous fiscal year, partially offset by a smaller increase year-on-year in net payments for investments associated with portfolio changes in the securities investments held by Sony Life.

In all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, net cash used in operating and investing activities combined* for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was 145.4 billion yen, a 263.7 billion yen deterioration from cash generated in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

Financing Activities: During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, 257.3 billion yen of net cash was generated by financing activities, compared to 10.1 billion yen of net cash used in the previous fiscal year.

For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, there was a 31.3 billion yen net cash inflow, compared to a 186.9 billion yen net cash outflow in the previous fiscal year. This was primarily due to borrowings from banks, including 111.0 billion yen of unsecured bank loans which were used for acquiring Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson, and the issuance of long-term corporate bonds during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. In the Financial Services segment, financing activities generated 212.6 billion yen of net cash, an increase of 68.9 billion yen, or 47.9 percent year-on-year. This increase was primarily due to smaller repayments of long-term debt and an increase in short-term borrowings compared to a decrease in the previous fiscal year. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, there was an issuance of 10.0 billion yen of corporate bonds of SFH.

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents: Accounting for the above factors and the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates, the total outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2012 was 894.6 billion yen. Cash and cash equivalents of all segments excluding the Financial Services segment was 719.4 billion yen at March 31, 2012, a decrease of 128.0 billion yen, or 15.1 percent, compared to the balance as of March 31, 2011. Sony believes it continues to maintain sufficient liquidity through access to a total, translated into yen, of 771.7

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billion yen of unused committed lines of credit with financial institutions. Within the Financial Services segment, the outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents was 175.2 billion yen at March 31, 2012, an increase of 8.1 billion yen, or 4.9 percent, compared to the balance as of March 31, 2011.

* Sony has included the information for cash flow from operating and investing activities combined, excluding the Financial Services segment’s activities, as Sony’s management frequently monitors this financial measure and believes this non-U.S. GAAP measurement is important for use in evaluating Sony’s ability to generate cash to maintain liquidity and fund debt principal and dividend payments from business activities other than its Financial Services segment. This information is derived from the reconciliations prepared in the section “Information of Cash Flows Separating Out the Financial Services Segment”. This information and the separate condensed presentations shown below are not required or prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Financial Services segment’s cash flow is excluded from the measure because SFH, which constitutes a majority of the Financial Services segment, is a separate publicly traded entity in Japan with a significant minority interest and it, as well as its subsidiaries, secures liquidity on its own. This measure may not be comparable to those of other companies. This measure has limitations because it does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures, principally due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the principal payments required for debt service. Therefore, Sony believes it is important to view this measure as supplemental to its entire statement of cash flows and together with Sony’s disclosures regarding investments, available credit facilities, and overall liquidity.

A reconciliation of the differences between the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows reported and cash flows from operating and investing activities combined excluding the Financial Services segment’s activities is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011			2012
	(Yen in billions)
Net cash provided by operating activities reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows		616.2			519.5
Net cash used in investing activities reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows		(714.4	)		(882.9	)
		(98.2	)		(363.3	)
Less: Net cash provided by operating activities within the Financial Services segment		369.5			350.9
Less: Net cash used in investing activities within the Financial Services segment		(552.9	)		(555.3	)
Eliminations**		33.1			13.6
Cash flow from operating and investing activities combined excluding the Financial Services segment’s activities		118.3			(145.4	)

** Eliminations primarily consist of intersegment loans and dividend payments. Intersegment loans are between Sony Corporation and SFI, an entity included within the Financial Services segment.

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Information of Cash Flows Separating Out the Financial Services Segment

The following charts show Sony’s cash flow information for the Financial Services segment alone, and for all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment. These separate condensed presentations are not required or prepared under U.S. GAAP, which is used in Sony’s consolidated financial statements. However, because the Financial Services segment is different in nature from Sony’s other segments, Sony utilizes this information to analyze its results without the Financial Services segment and believes that these presentations may be useful in understanding and analyzing Sony’s consolidated financial statements. Transactions between the Financial Services segment and Sony without the Financial Services segment, including noncontrolling interests, are included in those respective presentations, and then eliminated in the consolidated figures shown below.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Financial Services segment	2011			2012
	(Yen in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		369,458			350,863
Net cash used in investing activities		(552,889	)		(555,283	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		143,698			212,562
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(39,733	)		8,142
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year		206,742			167,009
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year		167,009			175,151

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Sony without the Financial Services segment	2011			2012
	(Yen in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		255,849			176,120
Net cash used in investing activities		(137,561	)		(321,547	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(186,861	)		31,274
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(68,890	)		(13,825	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(137,463	)		(127,978	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year		984,866			847,403
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year		847,403			719,425

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Consolidated	2011			2012
	(Yen in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		616,245			519,539
Net cash used in investing activities		(714,439	)		(882,886	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(10,112	)		257,336
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(68,890	)		(13,825	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(177,196	)		(119,836	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year		1,191,608			1,014,412
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year		1,014,412			894,576

Cash Flows

(The fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 compared with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010)

Operating Activities: During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, there was a net cash inflow of 616.2 billion yen, a decrease of 296.7 billion yen, or 32.5 percent year-on-year.

For all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, there was a net cash inflow of 255.8 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of 314.4 billion yen, or 55.1 percent year-on-year. This net

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cash inflow was mainly due to a cash contribution from net income after taking into account depreciation, amortization and deferred income taxes as well as a decrease in notes and accounts receivable, trade. The inflow was partially offset by an increase in inventories. The year-on-year decrease in net cash inflow was mainly due to a decrease in notes and accounts payable, trade and an increase of inventories, partially offset by an improvement in net income (loss) after taking into account depreciation, amortization and deferred income taxes and a decrease in notes and accounts receivable, trade.

The Financial Services segment had a net cash inflow of 369.5 billion yen, an increase of 21.4 billion yen, or 6.2 percent year-on-year. This net cash inflow was generated primarily due to an increase in revenue from insurance premiums as a result of a steady increase in policy amount in force at Sony Life. Compared with the previous fiscal year, net cash inflow increased primarily due to an increase in cash contribution from net income after excluding the impact of gains or losses on the revaluation of marketable securities held for trading purposes as well as on the revaluation or impairment of securities investments.

Investing Activities: During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony used 714.4 billion yen of net cash in investing activities, a decrease of 31.6 billion yen, or 4.2 percent year-on-year.

For all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, there was a use of 137.6 billion yen, a decrease of 110.3 billion yen, or 44.5 percent year-on-year. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, net cash was used mainly for purchases of manufacturing equipment. The net cash used in investing activities decreased year-on-year primarily due to smaller purchases of manufacturing equipment.

The Financial Services segment used 552.9 billion yen of net cash, an increase of 77.2 billion yen, or 16.2 percent year-on-year. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, payments for investments and advances, carried out primarily at Sony Life and Sony Bank, where operations are expanding, exceeded proceeds from the maturities of marketable securities, sales of securities investments and collections of advances. The net cash outflow during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was partially offset by proceeds from the deconsolidation of a lease and rental business at SFI. The net cash used within the Financial Services segment increased year-on-year primarily due to a decrease in proceeds from the maturities of marketable securities, sales of securities investments and collections of advances.

In all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, net cash generated by operating and investing activities combined* for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was 118.3 billion yen, a decrease of 204.0 billion yen, or 63.3 percent year-on-year.

Financing Activities: During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, 10.1 billion yen of net cash was used in financing activities, compared to 365.0 billion yen generated in the previous fiscal year. For all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, there was 186.9 billion yen of net cash outflow, compared to a net cash inflow of 98.6 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This was primarily due to significantly higher levels of both issuances of long-term corporate bonds and borrowings from banks in the previous fiscal year. There were no comparable issuances or borrowings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011; in addition, there was 104.9 billion yen redemption of domestic straight bonds and a 52.0 billion yen repayment of a syndicated loan during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. In the Financial Services segment, financing activities generated 143.7 billion yen of net cash, a decrease of 94.9 billion yen, or 39.8 percent year-on-year, primarily due to a smaller increase in deposits from customers at Sony Bank and increased repayments of long-term debt.

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents: Accounting for the above factors and the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates, the total outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2011 was 1,014.4 billion yen. Cash and cash equivalents of all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment, was 847.4 billion yen at March 31, 2011, a decrease of 137.5 billion yen, or 14.0 percent, compared with the balance as of March 31, 2010. Sony believes it continues to maintain sufficient liquidity through access to a total, translated into yen, of 755.2 billion yen of unused committed lines of credit with financial institutions in addition to the cash and cash equivalents balance at March 31, 2011. Within the Financial Services segment, the outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents was 167.0 billion yen at March 31, 2011, a decrease of 39.7 billion yen, or 19.2 percent, compared with the balance as of March 31, 2010.

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* Sony has included the information for cash flow from operating and investing activities combined excluding the Financial Services segment’s activities, as management frequently monitors this financial measure, and believes this non-U.S. GAAP measurement is important for use in evaluating Sony’s ability to generate cash to maintain liquidity and fund debt principal and dividend payments from business activities other than its Financial Services segment. This information is derived from the reconciliations prepared in the section “Information of Cash Flows Separating Out the Financial Services Segment”. This information and the separate condensed presentations shown below are not required or prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Financial Services segment’s cash flow is excluded from the measure because SFH, which constitutes a majority of the Financial Services segment, is a separate publicly traded entity in Japan with a significant minority interest and it, as well as its subsidiaries, secure liquidity on their own. This measure may not be comparable to those of other companies. This measure has limitations, because it does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures principally due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the principal payments required for debt service. Therefore, Sony believes it is important to view this measure as supplemental to its entire statement of cash flows and together with Sony’s disclosures regarding investments, available credit facilities and overall liquidity.

A reconciliation of the differences between the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows reported and cash flows from operating and investing activities combined excluding the Financial Services segment’s activities is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011
	(Yen in billions)
Net cash provided by operating activities reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows		912.9			616.2
Net cash used in investing activities reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows		(746.0	)		(714.4	)
		166.9			(98.2	)
Less: Net cash provided by operating activities within the Financial Services segment		348.0			369.5
Less: Net cash used in investing activities within the Financial Services segment		(475.7	)		(552.9	)
Eliminations**		27.7			33.1
Cash flow from operating and investing activities combined excluding the Financial Services segment’s activities		322.3			118.3

** Eliminations primarily consist of intersegment loans and dividend payments. Intersegment loans are between Sony Corporation and SFI, an entity included within the Financial Services segment.

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Information of Cash Flows Separating Out the Financial Services Segment

The following charts show Sony’s cash flow information for the Financial Services segment alone, and for all segments, excluding the Financial Services segment. These separate condensed presentations are not required or prepared under U.S. GAAP, which is used in Sony’s consolidated financial statements. However, because the Financial Services segment is different in nature from Sony’s other segments, Sony utilizes this information to analyze its results without the Financial Services segment and believes that these presentations may be useful in understanding and analyzing Sony’s consolidated financial statements. Transactions between the Financial Services segment and Sony without the Financial Services segment, including noncontrolling interests, are included in those respective presentations, and then eliminated in the consolidated figures shown below.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Financial Services segment	2010			2011
	(Yen in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		348,033			369,458
Net cash used in investing activities		(475,720	)		(552,889	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		238,635			143,698
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		110,948			(39,733	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year		95,794			206,742
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year		206,742			167,009

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Sony without the Financial Services segment	2010			2011
	(Yen in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		570,222			255,849
Net cash used in investing activities		(247,897	)		(137,561	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		98,644			(186,861	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(1,098	)		(68,890	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		419,871			(137,463	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year		564,995			984,866
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year		984,866			847,403

	Fiscal year ended March 31
Consolidated	2010			2011
	(Yen in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		912,907			616,245
Net cash used in investing activities		(746,004	)		(714,439	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		365,014			(10,112	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(1,098	)		(68,890	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		530,819			(177,196	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year		660,789			1,191,608
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year		1,191,608			1,014,412

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

The description below covers basic financial policy and figures for Sony’s consolidated operations except for the Financial Services segment and So-net, which secure liquidity on their own. Furthermore, the Financial Services segment is described separately at the end of this section.

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Liquidity Management and Market Access

An important financial objective of Sony is to maintain the strength of its balance sheet, while securing adequate liquidity for business activities. Sony defines its liquidity sources as the amount of cash and cash equivalents (“cash balance”) (excluding restrictions on capital transfers mainly due to national regulations) and the unused amount of committed lines of credit. Sony’s basic liquidity management policy is to secure sufficient liquidity throughout the relevant fiscal year, covering such factors as 50 percent of monthly consolidated sales and repayments on debt that comes due within six months.

Funding requirements that arise from maintaining liquidity are principally covered by cash flow from operating and investing activities combined and by the cash balance; however, as needed, Sony has demonstrated the ability to procure funds from financial and capital markets. In the event financial and capital markets became illiquid, based on its current forecasts, Sony could sustain sufficient liquidity through access to committed lines of credit with financial institutions, together with its cash balance.

Sony procures funds mainly from the financial and capital markets through Sony Corporation and SGTS, a finance subsidiary in the U.K. In March 2012, Sony Corporation executed a 1,365 million U.S. dollar unsecured loan (having six and ten-year maturity terms) in connection with acquiring Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson and other payments to Ericsson. In addition, Sony Corporation issued domestic straight bonds in Japan totaling 55 billion yen (having five and ten- year maturity terms) for redemption of domestic bonds. For further details, please refer to Note 11 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

In order to meet working capital requirements, Sony Corporation and SGTS maintain CP programs which have the ability to access the Japanese, the U.S. and European CP markets, subject to prevailing market conditions. As of March 31, 2012, the CP program limit amounts, translated into yen, were 746.6 billion yen in total for Sony Corporation and SGTS. There were no amounts outstanding under the CP programs as of March 31, 2012, although the largest month-end outstanding balance of CP during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was 150.0 billion yen in November 2011.

Sony typically raises funds through straight bonds, CP programs and bank loans (including syndicated loans). If market disruption and volatility occur and if Sony could not raise sufficient funds from these sources, Sony may also draw down funds from contractually committed lines of credit from various financial institutions. Sony has a total, translated into yen, of 771.7 billion yen in unused committed lines of credit, as of March 31, 2012. Details of those committed lines of credit are: a 475.0 billion yen committed line of credit contracted with a syndicate of Japanese banks, effective until November 2014, a 1.5 billion U.S. dollar multi-currency committed line of credit also with a syndicate of Japanese banks, effective until December 2013, and a 1.87 billion U.S. dollar multi-currency committed line of credit contracted with a syndicate of foreign banks, effective until April 2012, in all of which Sony Corporation and SGTS are defined as borrowers. On April 3, 2012, the latter committed line was renewed and will remain effective until April 2015 and the amount of the line of credit was increased to 2.02 billion U.S. dollars. These contracts are aimed at securing sufficient liquidity in a quick and stable manner even in the event of turmoil within the financial and capital markets.

In the event of a downgrade in Sony’s credit ratings, even though the cost of some of those borrowings could increase, there are no financial covenants in any of Sony’s material financial agreements with financial institutions that would cause an acceleration of the obligation or any impairment on the ability to drawdown on unused facilities. There is a financial covenant in an agreement with a commercial customer to reimburse an advance payment under certain contingent conditions including a downgrade in Sony’s credit ratings (For further details, please refer to Note 27 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements and “Contractual obligations, commitments and contingent liabilities”). Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the uses of most proceeds except that certain borrowings may not be used to acquire securities listed on a U.S. stock exchange or traded over-the-counter in the U.S. in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by authorities such as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board.

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Ratings

Sony considers one of management’s top priorities to be the maintenance of stable and appropriate credit ratings in order to ensure financial flexibility for liquidity and capital management and continued adequate access to sufficient funding resources in the financial and capital markets.

In order to facilitate access to global capital markets, Sony obtains credit ratings from two rating agencies, Moody’s” and S&P. In addition, Sony maintains a rating from Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (“R&I”), a rating agency in Japan, for access to the Japanese capital markets.

Cash Management

Sony manages its global cash management activities mainly through SGTS. The excess or shortage of cash at most of Sony’s subsidiaries is invested or funded by SGTS on a net basis, although Sony recognizes that fund transfers are limited in certain countries and geographic areas due to restrictions on capital transactions. In order to pursue more efficient cash management, cash surpluses among Sony’s subsidiaries are deposited with SGTS and cash shortfalls among subsidiaries are covered by loans through SGTS, so that Sony can make use of excess cash balances and reduce third-party borrowings. Where local restrictions prevent an efficient intercompany transfer of funds, Sony’s intent is that cash balances remain outside of SGTS and that Sony meet its liquidity needs through ongoing cash flows, external borrowings, or both. Sony does not expect restrictions of capital transactions on amounts held outside of Japan to have a material effect on Sony's overall liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.

Financial Services segment

The management of SFH, Sony Life, Sony Assurance and Sony Bank recognizes the importance of securing sufficient liquidity to cover the payment of obligations that these companies incur in the ordinary course of business. Sony Life, Sony Assurance and Sony Bank maintain a sufficient cash balance and secure sufficient means to meet their obligations while abiding by laws and regulations such as the Insurance Business Act or the Banking Act of Japan, and restrictions imposed by the Financial Services Agency (“FSA”) and other regulatory authorities as well as establishing and operating under company guidelines that comply with these regulations. Sony Life and Sony Assurance establish a sufficient level of liquidity for the smooth payment of insurance claims when they invest primarily in various securities cash inflows which are mainly from policyholders’ insurance premiums. Sony Bank maintains a necessary level of liquidity for the smooth settlement of transactions when it uses its cash inflows, which come mainly from customers’ deposits in local currency, in order to offer mortgage loans to individuals, and the remaining cash inflows are invested mainly in marketable securities. Cash inflows from customers’ deposits in foreign currencies are invested in investment instruments of the same currency.

In addition, Sony’s subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment are subject to the Japanese Insurance Business Act and Banking Act, which require insurance and business companies to maintain their financial credibility and to secure protection for policy holders and depositors in view of the public nature of insurance and banking services. As such, lending and borrowing between subsidiaries in the Financial Service segment and the other companies within Sony Group is limited. Sony’s subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment are managed separately from Sony’s cash management activities through SGTS as mentioned above.

C. Research and Development

It is necessary for Sony to continue technological innovation in order to maintain group-wide growth. Sony believes that technology made possible by our research and development activities is a key to the differentiation of products in existing businesses and the source of creating value in new businesses.

Research and development is focused in four key domains: a common development platform technology for home and mobile electronics, and semiconductor, device, and software technologies, which are essential for product differentiation and for creating value-added products.

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Research and development costs for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 increased by 6.7 billion yen, or 1.6 percent year-on-year, to 433.5 billion yen. The increase is primarily due to a recording of 9.7 billion yen in research and development costs at Sony Ericsson due to the consolidation of the amounts previously accounted for under the equity method. The ratio of research and development costs to sales (which excludes Financial Services segment revenue) increased from 6.7 percent to 7.7 percent. Expenses in the CPS segment increased 2.3 billion yen, or 1.1 percent year-on-year, to 218.5 billion yen and expenses in the PDS segment decreased 9.4 billion yen, or 5.6 percent year-on-year, to 157.7 billion yen. Consolidated research and development costs for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 are expected to increase by 10.7 percent to 480 billion yen.

Research and development costs for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased by 5.2 billion yen, or 1.2 percent year-on-year, to 426.8 billion yen. The ratio of research and development costs to sales (which excludes Financial Services segment revenue) decreased from 6.8 percent to 6.7 percent.

Research and development costs for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 decreased by 65.3 billion yen, or 13.1 percent year-on-year, to 432.0 billion yen. The ratio of research and development costs to sales (which excludes Financial Services segment revenue) decreased from 6.9 percent to 6.8 percent.

D. Trend Information

This section contains forward-looking statements about the possible future performance of Sony and should be read in light of the cautionary statement on that subject, which appears on the inside front cover page and applies to this entire document.

Issues Facing Sony and Management’s Response to those Issues

The economies of developed countries suffered a major setback during 2011 due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Floods and disruptions of the euro zone financial markets. While there were some signs of recovery in the U.S. and Japan, the economic recovery in developed countries in general remains uncertain, mainly due to the continuing euro zone crisis. In contrast, the economies of emerging countries continue to experience economic growth, though at a slower pace.

The most pressing issue that Sony faces is managing the turnaround of its electronics businesses. Under the new management team established on April 1, 2012, Sony developed a plan to revitalize and grow its electronics businesses in order to place those businesses on the same stable business foundations as the entertainment and financial service businesses. Sony plans to proactively execute the following five key initiatives.

1. Strengthening core areas (digital imaging, game, mobile)

Sony is positioning digital imaging, game and mobile as the three main focus areas of its electronics businesses and plans to concentrate investment and technology development resources in these areas.

• Digital Imaging — Sony is reinforcing its development of image sensors, signal processing technologies, lenses and other key digital imaging technologies, and plans to leverage these technologies in both its consumer electronics products (e.g., compact digital cameras, video cameras, and interchangeable single lens cameras) and broadcast and professional-use products (e.g., cameras for television broadcast networks and security cameras) in order to further strengthen and differentiate Sony’s overall product line. Sony also plans to extend the use of these key technologies across a wide range of business applications, from security to medical, to further expand the scope of its digital imaging-related business areas.

• Game — In the game business, Sony continues to expand the hardware and software offerings of the PS3 and PS Vita, as well as expand the PlayStation^®Network (“PSN”) and the range of accessories and peripherals. With respect to PSN, Sony aims to expand services by enriching its catalog of downloadable game software and constant fee subscription services and by expanding the lineup of PlayStation^®Suite compatible devices and content.

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• Mobile — In the mobile businesses, Sony is integrating the R&D, design engineering and sales and marketing operations of its smartphone business, which is operated by Sony Mobile, with the tablet and PC businesses in order to quickly develop and deliver compelling products to market. Sony also plans to leverage its technologies in areas such as digital imaging and the game business, its content including pictures, music and game software, its Sony Entertainment Network (“SEN”) network service platform, and its communications technology expertise and knowledge accumulated through its experience in the mobile phone industry, to launch new mobile products and establish new business models. Sony will also pursue efficient and optimum operations for mobile products through the integration mentioned above.

2. Turning around the television business

Sony is already engaged in a comprehensive television profitability improvement plan (announced on November 2, 2011), which aims to return the television business to profitability in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, and Sony intends to accelerate these measures going forward. The sale of Sony’s share in its LCD panel manufacturing joint venture with Samsung has been completed, resulting in panel-related cost reductions. Additionally, Sony is taking measures to change the business structure, such as improving the efficiency of design engineering and reducing the number of product models. With regards to LCD televisions, Sony is taking additional steps to enhance the image and audio quality and to tailor its product offering to meet specific regional market needs and establish attractive product lines. Going forward, Sony intends to advance the development and commercialization of next-generation display technologies such as OLED, as well as enhance the integration of televisions with Sony’s mobile products, with content such as movies and music, and with other assets across Sony to improve product competitiveness, drive hardware differentiation and enhance the attractiveness of Sony’s television lineup.

3. Expanding business in emerging markets

Sony plans to leverage its global operations and brand strength to drive sales growth in rapidly expanding emerging markets. Sony has already established strong foundations in emerging markets. For instance, in India and Mexico, among others, Sony has secured large shares of the regional consumer AV/IT markets. Sony will continue to concentrate its sales and marketing resources, and expects to strengthen sales operations, introduce products tailored to local needs and leverage Sony’s entertainment assets, including its pictures and music businesses, to further enhance Sony’s market presence in emerging markets.

4. Creating new businesses and accelerating innovation

Sony will continue to aggressively promote innovation intended to deliver mid- to long-term growth, as well as the development of differentiating technologies that enhance core product value. For example, Sony is targeting mid- to long-term growth in the medical and 4K businesses. In the medical business Sony has already launched a range of medical peripherals such as printers, monitors, cameras, recorders. Sony also plans to enter the medical equipment business, where its strengths in various core digital imaging technologies offer significant competitive advantages in applications such as endoscopes. Furthermore, Sony plans to enter the life science business where it can leverage its expertise in technologies such as semiconductor lasers, image sensors and micro fabrication. Sony is also drawing on its comprehensive strengths in audio and visual technologies to aggressively promote the growth of 4K technology, which delivers more than four times the resolution of Full HD. Incorporation of Sony-developed technologies, such as image sensors, image processing compression LSIs and high-speed optical transmission modules into its professional-use and high-end consumer products will pave the way for Sony to continue to expand and enrich its 4K-compatible product lineup.

5. Realigning the business portfolio and optimizing resources

Sony is accelerating its ongoing process of business selection and focus, and is concentrating its investments in expanding manufacturing capacity of core areas such as image sensors and aggressive strategic investment in

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development or M&A relating to new business areas such as the medical business. Sony will determine the best strategy for other existing businesses, including proactive consideration of alliances and business transfers in order to optimize its overall business portfolio.

In addition to this business portfolio realignment, as Sony moves to strengthen its core areas and shift resources to growth areas, it will also restructure its headquarters, subsidiaries and sales company organizations as appropriate in order to further enhance operational efficiencies.

Sony’s operating results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 saw a significant negative impact from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Floods. These events caused direct damage to Sony’s manufacturing sites, disruptions in industry-wide supply chains due to shortages of raw materials, parts and components, as well as lower demand from commercial customers. However, the impact of these events was almost completely mitigated by the end of March 2012, primarily due to rapid restoration of manufacturing operations within the Sony Group and resolution of supply chain disruptions. The negative impact from these events to Sony’s operating results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 is expected to be limited. Sony expects to receive a portion of proceeds from insurance claims against damages caused by the Floods in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. Refer to Note 18 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

In the pictures business, Sony faces intense competition, rising costs, including production, advertising and promotion expenses, a mature home entertainment market with a continuing industry-wide decline in physical media sales worldwide, limited access to third-party financing, and digital theft. To meet these challenges, Sony is working to produce and acquire a diversified portfolio of motion picture and television product with broad worldwide appeal and is exploring new distribution methods for its product, including digital distribution. Sony also plans to continue exploring alternative avenues for financing its motion picture and television product, combating the digital theft of its copyrighted content and expanding its worldwide television networks.

The music business has been operating in a challenging market environment for several years, with the ongoing decline in physical sales not yet offset by the continued growth in the digital market. This trend is expected to continue in the medium term. The digital business holds significant potential, with current digital platforms continuing overall growth in the U.S. and expanding globally, as well as with new digital platforms and innovative products being introduced in the digital marketplace. Against this market backdrop, Sony continues to invest in and develop new and existing artist talent, and continues to pursue growing new business revenue streams such as sponsorships and music-based television programming.

In the financial services businesses, Sony recognizes that it must provide fair and stable financial services, while consistently executing growth strategies in an unpredictable business environment. The Sony Financial Holdings Group (the SFH Group) seeks to become the most highly trusted financial services group in the industry. To this end, the SFH Group has redoubled its internal control efforts focused on compliance, risk management, eradicating anti-social influences and ensuring the protection of personal information. The SFH Group has also combined many different financial functions (savings, investment, borrowing, and protection) to provide high-value-added financial products and high-quality services that meet every customer’s financial needs. The SFH Group is working to realize its vision and achieve ongoing increases in corporate value by executing the above management strategies. At the same time, the SFH Group recognizes its social role and mission as a publically-listed financial institution and aims to fulfill its responsibilities for contributing to the realization of a sustainable society to all of its stakeholders.

Global Environmental Plan “Road to Zero”

Sony announced its “Road to Zero” global environmental plan in April 2010. The plan includes a long-term vision of achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050 through Sony’s business operations and product lifecycles, in pursuit of a sustainable society. Sony aims to achieve this vision through continuous innovation and the utilization of offset mechanisms. The plan also draws a comprehensive roadmap based on the following four goals:

• Climate change: Reduction of energy consumption in pursuit of zero greenhouse gas emissions.

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• Resource conservation: Reduction in the use of virgin materials of priority resources by minimizing waste generation, appropriate water consumption, and continuous increase of waste recycling.

• Control of chemical substances: Minimization of the risks that certain chemical substances pose to the environment through preventative measures, reduction in the use of specific chemicals defined by Sony, and promotion of the use of alternative materials.

• Biodiversity: Conservation and recovery of biodiversity through Sony’s own business operations and local social contribution programs.

Among the above goals, Sony’s specific mid-term targets for climate change include the following:

• Target an absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (calculated in terms of CO₂) of 30 percent by the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, compared to the level of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001.

• Target a reduction in power consumption per product of 30 percent by the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, compared to the level of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.

Further details of the global environmental plan “Road to Zero” and actual measures undertaken by Sony are reported in Sony’s CSR report available on the following website: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/csr/report/index.html

E. Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

Sony has certain off-balance sheet arrangements that provide liquidity, capital resources and/or credit risk support.

The below transactions are accounted for as sales in accordance with the accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets, because Sony has relinquished control of the receivables. In each case, losses from these transactions were insignificant, and although Sony continues servicing the receivables subsequent to being sold or contributed, no servicing liabilities are recorded as the costs of collection of the sold receivables are insignificant. In addition to the cash proceeds from the sales below, net cash flows related to these transactions, including servicing fees, in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were insignificant.

Sony has established several accounts receivable sales programs in Japan whereby Sony can sell up to 50.2 billion yen of eligible trade accounts receivable in the aggregate at any one time. Through these programs, Sony can sell receivables to special purpose entities owned and operated by banks. Sony can sell receivables in which the agreed upon original due dates are no more than 190 days after the sales of receivables. Total trade accounts receivable sold during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 109.3 billion yen, 136.2 billion yen and 126.5 billion yen, respectively.

A subsidiary of the Financial Services segment has established several receivables sales programs whereby the subsidiary can sell up to 24.0 billion yen of eligible receivables in the aggregate at any one time. Through these programs, the subsidiary can sell receivables to special purpose entities owned and operated by banks. The subsidiary can sell receivables in which the agreed upon original due dates are no more than 180 days after the sales of receivables. Total receivables sold during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 183.8 billion yen, 166.0 billion yen and 130.1 billion yen, respectively.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony established an accounts receivable sales program in the United States. Through this program, a bankruptcy-remote entity, which is consolidated by a U.S. subsidiary, can sell up to 450 million U.S. dollars of eligible trade accounts receivables in the aggregate at any one time to a commercial bank. Total trade accounts receivables sold during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 were 258.1 billion yen. Subsequent to its establishment, Sony amended this program. While the transactions continued to qualify as sales under the new accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets, the amended program requires that a portion of the sales proceeds be held back and deferred until collection of the related receivables

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by the purchaser. The portion of the sales proceeds held back and deferred is initially recorded at estimated fair value, is included in other current assets and was 32.8 billion yen at March 31, 2011 and 16.3 billion yen at March 31, 2012. Sony includes collections on such receivables as cash flows within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows since the receivables are the result of operating activities and the associated interest rate risk is insignificant due to its short-term nature. Total trade receivables sold, deferred proceeds from those sales and collections of deferred proceeds during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 were 414.1 billion yen, 185.6 billion yen and 153.6 billion yen, respectively. Total trade receivables sold, deferred proceeds from those sales and collections of deferred proceeds during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 were 476.9 billion yen, 117.3 billion yen and 132.6 billion yen, respectively.

The accounts receivable sales programs in Japan and in the Financial Services segment above involved qualifying special-purpose entities (“QSPEs”) under the accounting guidance effective prior to April 1, 2010 for transfers of financial assets. Since the QSPEs met certain criteria, they were not consolidated by Sony. From April 1, 2010, the entities that formerly met the criteria to be a qualifying special-purpose entity (“QSPE”) are subject to the same consolidation accounting guidance as other variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which is discussed further below.

Sony has, from time to time, entered into various arrangements with VIEs. These arrangements include facilities which provide for the leasing of certain property, several joint ventures in the recorded music business, the U.S. based music publishing business, the financing of film production and the outsourcing of manufacturing operations. In addition, Sony has entered into several accounts receivable sales programs that involve VIEs, which are described above. In several of the arrangements in which Sony holds significant variable interests, Sony is the primary beneficiary and therefore consolidates these VIEs. Arrangements in which Sony holds significant variable interests in VIEs but Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate are described as follows:

In connection with the September 2010 refinancing of the debt obligations of the third-party investor in the U.S. based music publishing business, Sony has issued a guarantee to a creditor of the third-party investor in which Sony has agreed to repay the outstanding principal plus accrued interest up to a maximum of 303 million U.S. dollars to the creditor should the third-party investor default on its obligation. The obligation of the third-party investor is collateralized by its 50 percent interest in Sony’s music publishing subsidiary. Should Sony have to make a payment under the terms of the guarantee, Sony would assume the creditor’s rights to the underlying collateral. The assets of the third-party investor that are being used as collateral were placed in a separate trust which is also a VIE in which Sony has significant variable interests. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony is not the primary beneficiary as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities of the trust. The assets held by the trust consist solely of the third-party investor’s 50 percent ownership interest in the music publishing subsidiary. At March 31, 2012, the fair value of the assets held by the trust exceeded 303 million U.S. dollars.

Sony’s subsidiary in the Pictures segment entered into a joint venture agreement with a VIE to acquire the international distribution rights, as defined, to 12 pictures. The subsidiary is required to distribute these pictures internationally, for contractually defined fees determined as percentages of gross receipts and is responsible for all distribution and marketing expenses, which are recouped from such distribution fees, each as defined. The VIE was capitalized with total financing of 406 million U.S. dollars. Of this amount, 11 million U.S. dollars was contributed by the subsidiary, 95 million U.S. dollars was provided by unrelated third-party investors and the remaining funding was provided through a 300 million U.S. dollar bank credit facility. Under the agreement, the subsidiary’s 11 million U.S. dollars equity investment is the last equity to be repaid. Based on the factors above, it was previously determined that the subsidiary was the primary beneficiary as it had the power to direct the activities of the VIE and was projected to absorb a significant amount of the losses or residual returns of the VIE. As of March 31, 2009, the bank credit facility had been terminated and the third-party investors have been repaid their 95 million U.S. dollar investment. On May 11, 2009, the subsidiary repurchased from the VIE the international distribution rights to the 12 pictures and the VIE received a participation interest in these films on identical financial terms to those described above. As a result of repurchasing the international distribution rights from the VIE, Sony determined that the subsidiary was no longer the primary beneficiary as it no longer had the

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power to direct the activities of the VIE and was not projected to absorb a significant amount of the losses or residual returns of the VIE. No gain or loss was recognized by the subsidiary on the deconsolidation of the VIE. As of March 31, 2012, the subsidiary’s balance sheet includes no film costs related to the international distribution rights acquired from the VIE and 748 million yen of participation liabilities recorded within accounts payable, other and accrued expenses as well as other noncurrent liabilities due to the VIE. On April 11, 2012, the subsidiary acquired the VIE’s participation interest for 22 million U.S. dollars. As a result of this acquisition, the VIE no longer has any financial interest in these pictures.

Sony’s subsidiary in the Pictures segment entered into two separate production/co-financing agreements with VIEs to co-finance 19 films that were released over the 31 months ended July 31, 2008. The subsidiary received 565 million U.S. dollars over the term of the agreements to fund the production or acquisition cost of films (including fees and expenses). Under these agreements, the subsidiary is responsible for the marketing and distribution of the product through its global distribution channels. The VIEs share in the net profits, as defined, of the films after the subsidiary recoups a distribution fee, its marketing and distribution expenses, and third-party participation and residual costs, each as defined. As the subsidiary did not have the power to direct the activities of these VIEs, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of either of the VIEs. At March 31, 2012, there were no amounts recorded on the subsidiary’s balance sheet that related to either of the VIEs other than the investors’ earned but unpaid share of the films’ net profits, as defined.

Additionally, on January 19, 2007, the subsidiary entered into a third production/co-financing agreement with another VIE to co-finance a majority of the films submitted through March 2012. The subsidiary received a commitment from the VIE that it would fund up to 525 million U.S. dollars on a revolving basis to fund the production or acquisition cost of films (including fees and expenses). Under the agreement, the subsidiary is responsible for the marketing and distribution of the product through its global distribution channels. The VIE shares in the net profits, as defined, of the films after the subsidiary recoups a distribution fee, its marketing and distribution expenses, and third-party participation and residual costs, each as defined. As the subsidiary did not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. On December 16, 2011, the subsidiary and the VIE agreed to modify the production/co-financing agreement (the “Modification”). Per the Modification, the VIE paid the subsidiary 20 million U.S. dollars and transferred selected rights in the films financed prior to the Modification (the “Previously Financed Films”) to the subsidiary, including the VIE’s share in the net profits in the Previously Financed Films. In exchange, the subsidiary released the VIE from its obligation to finance future films and the VIE received a participation interest in the Previously Financed Films. As the subsidiary, after the Modification, continues to not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. At March 31, 2012, there were no amounts recorded on the subsidiary’s balance sheet that related to the VIE other than the VIE’s participation interest in the Previously Financed Films.

In January 2010, Sony sold 90 percent of its interest in a Mexican subsidiary which primarily manufactured LCD televisions, as well as other assets including machinery and equipment of 4,520 million yen and inventories of 5,619 million yen, to a contract manufacturer. The continuing entity, which would perform this manufacturing going forward, is a VIE as it is thinly capitalized and dependent on funding from the parent entity. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony is not the primary beneficiary as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance nor does Sony have the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE. In connection with the sale of Sony’s controlling interest in the subsidiary, Sony received 11,189 million yen and recorded a loss of 1,664 million yen during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Concurrent with the sale, Sony entered into an agreement with the VIE and its parent company in which Sony agreed to purchase a significant share of the LCD televisions that Sony sells in certain markets, including the U.S. market. As of March 31, 2012, the amounts recorded on Sony’s consolidated balance sheets that relate to the VIE include receivables recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets of 10,295 million yen and accounts payable, trade of 18,830 million yen. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses is considered insignificant.

As described above, accounts receivable sales programs in Japan and in the Financial Services segment also involve VIEs that formerly met the criteria to be a QSPE. These VIEs are all special purpose entities of the

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sponsor banks. In addition, a counterparty of the accounts receivable transactions in the U.S. includes a VIE. Based on a qualitative assessment, Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate these entities as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities, an obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive the residual returns of these VIEs. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses from these VIEs is considered insignificant.

As described in Note 25 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements, in connection with the sale of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business, Sony will transfer to a third-party legal ownership of a certain subsidiary within the former small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2012, this entity is a VIE. Based on a qualitative assessment, Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate the entity after the sale as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE nor does Sony have an obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive the residual returns of this VIE. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses is considered insignificant.

Refer to Note 23 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements for more information on VIEs.

F. Contractual Obligations, Commitments, and Contingent Liabilities

The following table summarizes Sony’s contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2012. The references to the notes below refer to the corresponding notes within the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

	Total		Less than 1 year		1 to 3 years		3 to 5 years		More than 5 years
	(Yen in millions)
Contractual obligations and commitments:
Short-term debt (Note 11)		99,878		99,878		—		—		—
Long-term debt (Notes 8 and 11)
Capital lease obligations		49,754		20,494		22,047		2,193		5,020
Other long-term debt		1,022,955		289,989		323,254		172,617		237,095
Interest on other long-term debt		45,813		11,030		15,734		9,348		9,701
Minimum rental payments required under operating leases (Note 8)		180,181		42,789		57,197		31,021		49,174
Purchase commitments (Note 27)
Purchase commitments for property, plant and equipment		35,725		35,422		283		10		10
Expected cost for the production or purchase of motion pictures and television programming or certain rights		117,187		54,468		40,854		21,177		688
Long-term contracts with recording artists and companies		41,853		15,589		13,074		8,888		4,302
Other purchase commitments		81,251		35,757		36,327		6,517		2,650
Future insurance policy benefits and other and policyholders’ account in the life insurance business* (Note 10)		13,007,874		333,317		727,729		786,135		11,160,693
Gross unrecognized tax benefits** (Note 21)		288,311		10,872		—		—		—
Total		14,970,782		949,605		1,236,499		1,037,906		11,469,333

* Future insurance policy benefits and other and policyholders’ account in the life insurance business are the estimated future cash payments to be made to policy holders and others. These cash payments are based upon assumptions including morbidity, mortality, withdrawals and other factors. Amounts presented in the above table are undiscounted. The sum of the cash payments of 13,007.9 billion yen exceeds the corresponding liability amounts of 4,631.3 billion yen included in the consolidated balance sheets principally due to the time value of money (Note 10).

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** The total amounts represent the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the accounting guidance for uncertain tax positions. Sony estimates 10.9 billion yen of the liability is expected to be settled within one year. The settlement period for the remaining portion of the liability, which totaled 277.4 billion yen, cannot be reasonably estimated due to the uncertainty associated with the timing of the settlements with the various taxing authorities (Note 21).

The following items are not included in either the above table or the total amount of commitments outstanding at March 31, 2012:

• The total amount of expected future pension payments is not included as such amount is not currently determinable. Sony expects to contribute approximately 18 billion yen to Japanese pension plans and approximately 9 billion yen to foreign pension plans during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 (Note 15).

• The total unused portion of the line of credit extended under loan agreements in the Financial Services segment is not included in the above table as it is not foreseeable what loans will be incurred under such line of credit. The total unused portion of the line of credit extended under these contracts was 20.1 billion yen as of March 31, 2012 (Note 27).

• Purchases made during the ordinary course of business from certain component manufacturers and contract manufacturers in order to establish the best pricing and continuity of supply for Sony’s production are not included as there are typically no binding purchase obligations. Purchase obligations are defined as contractual obligations to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on Sony. These obligations specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum, or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Purchase obligations do not include contracts that may be cancelled without penalty. These purchases include arrangements with certain component manufacturers whereby Sony procures goods, including product components, for these component manufacturers and is reimbursed for the related purchases. This allows Sony’s supply chain management flexible and mutually beneficial purchase arrangements with these manufacturers in order to minimize inventory risk. Consistent with industry practice, Sony purchases processed goods that meet technical criteria from these component manufacturers after issuing to these manufacturers information on Sony’s projected demand and manufacturing needs. Further, in connection with the sale of its LCD television manufacturing operations in Mexico, Slovakia and Spain, Sony has agreements to purchase a specified share of the LCD televisions that Sony sells in certain markets from the contract manufacturers that acquired the operations, including the U.S. and European markets. However, there are no binding purchase obligations as the specified share and pricing terms only apply to Sony’s actual sales. In addition, Sony has established a supply agreement with Samsung to purchase a specified number of LCD panels in the two years following the sale of its shares in S-LCD. However, no amounts are included, as the obligation to transfer funds in the future is not fixed and the minimum prices cannot be reasonably estimated under the payment terms of the contract.

• An advance payment from a commercial customer is not included as it is subject to reimbursement only under certain contingent conditions of the contract, including a downgrade of Sony’s credit rating by either S&P (lower than “BBB”) or Moody’s (lower than “Baa2”). The maximum repayment amount is 50.6 billion yen of which 15.2 billion yen is recorded in other current liabilities and 35.4 billion yen in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2012 based on anticipated delivery dates. The advance payment amounts will be reduced at the time of future product sales to the commercial customer.

In order to fulfill its commitments, Sony will use existing cash, cash generated by its operating activities, and intra-group borrowings, where possible. Further, Sony may raise funds through bonds, CP programs and committed lines of credit from banks, when necessary.

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The following table summarizes Sony’s contingent liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interest as of March 31, 2012.

	Total amounts
Contingent liabilities: (Note 27)	(Yen in millions)
Loan guarantees to a creditor of the third-party investor		24,904
Other		53,839
Total contingent liabilities		78,743

Redeemable noncontrolling interest: (Note 27)	(Yen in millions)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		20,014

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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. On an ongoing basis, Sony evaluates its estimates, which are based on historical experience, future projections and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these evaluations form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Sony considers an accounting policy to be critical if it is important to its financial condition and results, and requires significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in its application. Sony believes that the following represents its critical accounting policies.

Investments

Sony’s investments include debt and equity securities accounted for under both the cost and equity method of accounting. If it has been determined that an investment has sustained an other-than-temporary decline in its value, the investment is written down to its fair value by a charge to income. Sony regularly evaluates its investment portfolio to identify other-than-temporary impairments of individual securities. Factors that are considered by Sony in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the length of time and extent to which the market value of the security has been less than its original cost, the financial condition, operating results, business plans and estimated future cash flows of the issuer of the security, other specific factors affecting the market value, deterioration of the credit condition of the issuers, sovereign risk, and whether or not Sony is able to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for the anticipated recovery in market value.

In evaluating the factors for available-for-sale securities whose fair values are readily determinable, Sony presumes a decline in value to be other-than-temporary if the fair value of the security is 20 percent or more below its original cost for an extended period of time (generally for a period of up to six months). This criterion is employed as a threshold to identify securities which may have a decline in value that is other-than-temporary. The presumption of an other-than-temporary impairment in such cases may be overcome if there is evidence to support that the decline is temporary in nature due to the existence of other factors which overcome the duration or magnitude of the decline. On the other hand, there may be cases where impairment losses are recognized when the decline in the fair value of the security is not more than 20 percent or such decline has not existed for an extended period of time, as a result of considering specific factors which may indicate the decline in the fair value is other-than-temporary.

When an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security has occurred, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in income depends on whether Sony intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. If the debt security meets either

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of these two criteria, the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in income, measured as the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost and its fair value at the impairment measurement date. For other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities that do not meet these two criteria, the net amount recognized in income is a credit loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and its net present value calculated by discounting Sony’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any difference between the fair value and the net present value of the debt security at the impairment measurement date is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains or losses on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in income are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

The assessment of whether a decline in the value of an investment is other-than-temporary is often subjective in nature and involves certain assumptions and estimates concerning the expected operating results, business plans and future cash flows of the issuer of the security. Accordingly, it is possible that investments in Sony’s portfolio that have had a decline in value that Sony currently believes to be temporary may be determined to be other-than-temporary in the future based on Sony’s evaluation of subsequent information such as continued poor operating results, future broad declines in the value of worldwide equity markets and the effect of worldwide interest rate fluctuations. As a result, unrealized losses recorded for investments may be recognized and reduce income in future periods.

Valuation of inventory

Sony values its inventory based on the lower of cost or market. Sony writes down inventory in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and the net realizable value — i.e., estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion and disposal. Sony writes down the value of its inventory when the underlying parts, components or products have become obsolete, when inventory levels exceed the amount expected to be used, or when the value of the inventory is otherwise recorded at a higher value than net realizable value. As a result, if actual market conditions are less favorable than projected and further price decreases are needed, additional inventory write-downs may be required in the future.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Sony reviews the recoverability of the carrying value of its long-lived assets held and used and long-lived assets to be disposed of, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets or asset groups may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group with their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. This review is primarily performed using estimates of future cash flows by product category (e.g. LCD televisions) or, in certain cases, by entity. If the carrying value of the asset or asset group is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined using the present value of estimated net cash flows or comparable market values. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates applied to determine terminal values, determination of appropriate market comparables and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables.

Management believes that the estimates of future cash flows and fair value are reasonable; however, changes in estimates resulting in lower future cash flows and fair value due to unforeseen changes in Sony’s businesses or assumptions could negatively affect the valuations of long-lived assets.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony recorded impairment charges for long-lived assets totaling 53,304 million yen. These charges also partially related to restructuring activities undertaken, primarily in the CPS and PDS segments. Of the total impairment charges for long-lived assets recorded by Sony during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, 27,100 million yen related to the LCD televisions assets group within the CPS segment. The impairment charge primarily reflects a decrease in the estimated fair value of property, plant and

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equipment and certain intangible assets. During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, management updated its strategic plans, which resulted in decreases in the assets’ estimated service periods and corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charge.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony recorded impairment charges for long-lived assets totaling 23,735 million yen which did not include any individually significant charges. These charges included impairment losses of 7,668 million yen due to significant damage to certain fixed assets directly caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. For further details, please refer to Note 18 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The charges also partially related to restructuring activities, primarily in the CPS and PDS segments.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded impairment charges for long-lived assets totaling 59,583 million yen, which included 16,700 million yen related to the LCD televisions asset group and 12,601 million yen related to the network business asset group within the CPS segment. These impairment charges primarily reflect a decrease in the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets. For the LCD televisions asset group, the corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charges reflect the continued deterioration in LCD televisions market conditions in Japan, Europe and North America, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. For the network business asset group, which has made investments in network improvements and security enhancements, the corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charges, reflect management’s revised forecast over the limited period applicable to the impairment determination.

Business combinations

When Sony applies the acquisition method of accounting, the deemed purchase price is allocated to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any residual purchase price is recorded as goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price utilizes significant estimates in determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, especially with respect to intangible assets. Independent third-party appraisal firms are typically engaged in order to assist in the estimation process. The significant estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the timing and amount of revenue and future cash flows, the discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows and the perpetual growth rate used to calculate the terminal value.

On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson. The transaction also provided Sony with a broad intellectual property cross-licensing agreement and ownership of five essential patent families relating to wireless handset technology. The total consideration consisted of 107,174 million yen (1,050 million euros) of cash. Sony remeasured the 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson that it owned prior to the acquisition at a fair value of 71,449 million yen which resulted in the recognition of a gain of 102,331 million yen recorded in other operating (income) expense, net. Sony elected not to record a deferred tax liability corresponding to the difference between the financial reporting basis which was remeasured to fair value upon an acquisition of a controlling interest in a foreign entity and the tax basis in the previously held ownership interest. In addition, accumulated translation adjustments of 11,690 million yen remained as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Further, goodwill of 128,522 million yen and intangible assets of 123,097 million yen were recorded in connection with this acquisition. Sony determined the fair value of the 50 percent equity interest in Sony Ericsson that it owned prior to the acquisition using a discounted cash flow analysis which included a discount rate of 13 percent. Sony determined the fair value of the intangible assets primarily using the relief-from-royalty and multi-period excess earnings approaches which included discount rates of 13.5 percent to 15 percent. The discount rates reflect the risks inherent in the future cash flows and were derived from the weighted average cost of capital of market participants in similar businesses. No value was allocated to in-process research and development in this acquisition as no material amounts were identified; however, certain significant research and development activities were substantially completed as of the acquisition date and included within acquired intangible assets as developed technology. Goodwill represents unidentifiable intangible assets, such as future growth from new revenue streams, increased market share particularly in emerging markets and the U.S., synergies with existing Sony assets and businesses and an assembled workforce.

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Due to the inherent uncertainties involved in making the estimates and assumptions, the purchase price for acquisitions could be valued and allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities differently. Actual results may differ, or unanticipated events and circumstances may affect such estimates, which could require Sony to record an impairment of an acquired asset, including goodwill, or increase in the amounts recorded for an assumed liability.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill and certain other intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite life are not amortized and are tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, and the assets are also tested between the annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of these assets below their carrying amount. Such an event would include unfavorable variances from established business plans, significant changes in forecasted results or volatility inherent to external markets and industries, which are periodically reviewed by Sony’s management.

Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Reporting units are Sony’s operating segments or one level below the operating segments. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. That is, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit. Intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite life are tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit under the first step of the goodwill impairment test and determining the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit (including unrecognized intangible assets) under the second step of the goodwill impairment test is judgmental in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Similarly, estimates and assumptions are used in determining the fair value of other intangible assets. These estimates and assumptions could significantly impact whether or not an impairment charge is recognized as well as the magnitude of any such charge. In its impairment review, Sony performs internal valuation analyses or utilizes third-party valuations when management believes it to be appropriate, and considers other market information that is publicly available. Estimates of fair value are primarily determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates applied to determine terminal values, determination of appropriate market comparables and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. In addition to the estimates of future cash flows, two of the most significant assumptions applied to estimated cash flows involved in the determination of fair value of the reporting units were the discount rates and the perpetual growth rates applied to determine terminal values used in the discounted cash flow analysis. The discount rates used in the cash flow models for the goodwill impairment testing considered market and industry data as well as specific risk factors for each reporting unit. The perpetual growth rates for the individual reporting units, for purposes of the terminal value determination, were generally set after an initial three-year forecasted period, although certain reporting units, including the Pictures reporting unit described below, utilized longer forecasted periods, and were based on historical experience, market and industry data.

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Except as described below, fair value exceeded the carrying amount of the reporting units with goodwill or intangible assets with an indefinite life, and therefore no impairment existed and the second step of the impairment test was not required. As a result, no material impairments of goodwill or intangible assets with an indefinite life were recorded beyond the impairments described below. When testing goodwill for impairment, consideration was given to Sony’s market capitalization in relation to the sum of the calculated fair values of the reporting units, including reporting units with no goodwill, and taking into account corporate level assets and liabilities not assigned to individual reporting units as well as a reasonable control premium.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded impairment losses of 932 million yen in a reporting unit included in All Other. The impairment charge reflected the overall decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

The carrying amounts of goodwill by segment as of March 31, 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
Consumer Products & Services		129,315
Professional, Device & Solutions		36,625
Pictures		138,320
Music		100,650
Financial Services		2,314
Sony Mobile		138,255
All Other		31,279
Total		576,758

The above amounts by segment reflect the reorganization that was effective as of April 1, 2011. This reorganization did not result in any changes in the composition of reporting units and accordingly had no impact on the assignment of goodwill within any reporting unit.

Management believes that the estimates of future cash flows and fair value used in the goodwill impairment tests are reasonable; however, in the future, changes in estimates resulting in lower than currently anticipated cash flows and fair value due to unforeseen changes in business assumptions could negatively affect the valuations, which may result in Sony recognizing impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets in the future. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the impairment analysis performed for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony applied a hypothetical 10 percent decrease to the fair value of each reporting unit. A hypothetical 10 percent decrease to the estimated fair value of each reporting unit would not have resulted in a failure of step one of the goodwill impairment test. However, the significant assumptions utilized by management and related uncertainties with respect to a reporting unit within the Pictures segment, in which a hypothetical 10 percent decrease in fair value would have resulted in a failure of step one of the goodwill impairment test in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, are described below. In addition, significant assumptions were utilized by management in the Sony Ericsson acquisition during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, in which goodwill of 128,522 million yen and intangibles of 123,097 million yen were recorded, as described above under “Business combinations.”

Pictures Reporting Unit

For the Production and Distribution reporting unit within the Pictures segment, as of March 31, 2012, a hypothetical 10 percent decrease to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit would not have resulted in that reporting unit failing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. As of March 31, 2012, this reporting unit had 78,375 million yen of goodwill and the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit by approximately 12 percent. Sony determined the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow analysis included the projected cash flows from the most recent three year business plan plus an additional seven years of projected cash flows based off of the three year plan. A terminal value was included in this discounted cash flow analysis. The terminal value was based on

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an exit price in year ten using an earnings multiple and control premium applied to the projected year ten cash flows. The significant estimates and assumptions used included the discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, growth rates, timing and amount of future cash flows and the earnings multiple.

A discount rate of 9.0 percent was applied to reflect the risks inherent in the future cash flows of the reporting unit and was derived from the weighted average cost of capital of market participants in similar businesses. Changes in the financial markets, such as an increase in interest rates or an increase in the expected required return on equity for the entertainment industry, could increase the discount rate in the future, thus decreasing the fair value of the reporting unit. A hypothetical one percentage point increase in the discount rate, holding all other assumptions constant, would not have decreased the fair value of the reporting unit below that of its carrying value, thereby resulting in the reporting unit not failing step one of the goodwill impairment test.

The earnings multiple and control premium used to calculate the terminal value was obtained through research analyst estimates and values observed in private market transactions. A decrease in the expected cash flow growth rate or profitability in this industry could decrease the earnings multiple and thus decrease the fair value of the reporting unit.

A number of key assumptions were used in developing the most recent business plan, the future cash flows and the growth rate of the reporting unit including: (1) the current and expected economic climate and its projected impact on discretionary consumer spending and the advertising market, (2) the historical decline in physical media sales partially offset by an increase in physical media rental revenue, (3) the continued adoption of digital formats, (4) the continued development and production of “event” or “tent-pole” and animated motion picture properties and (5) changes in the cost structure of the reporting unit related to overhead, marketing and motion picture and television production costs. Growth rates assumed beyond the current business plan took into consideration management’s outlook for the future and were compared to historical performance to assess reasonableness. The assumed growth rate beyond the current three year business plan was approximately 5 percent. A hypothetical one percentage point decrease in the growth rate, holding all other assumptions constant, would not have decreased the fair value of the reporting unit below that of its carrying value, thereby resulting in the reporting unit not failing step one of the goodwill impairment test.

The following uncertainties are associated with the key assumptions described above and could have a negative effect on the most recent business plan, the future cash flows and the growth rate of the reporting unit:

• The cost of productions and marketing, labor costs, consumer acceptance, timing of releases or syndication sales and the availability of competing products and entertainment alternatives could vary from the amounts assumed in Sony’s projections.

• Incremental deterioration of major retailers, acceleration of the maturation of physical media formats and increasing competition for retailer shelf space could result in a more rapid decline in physical media sales worldwide beyond Sony’s expectations.

• The reporting unit is subject to digital theft and illegal downloading, which have become increasingly prevalent with the development of new technologies and the availability of broadband internet connections. The availability of unauthorized content contributes to a decrease in legitimate product sales and puts pressure on the price of legitimate product sales. This could negatively impact the sales and profitability assumptions included in the projections.

• Foreign exchange rate fluctuations beyond the rates included in the cash flow estimates could affect financial results of the reporting unit because a large portion of the reporting unit’s sales and assets are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which is the reporting currency of the reporting unit.

• A significant portion of the reporting unit’s revenues are from the licensing of its image-based software, including its motion picture and television content, to U.S. and international television networks, which derive a majority of their revenues from the sale of advertising. The reporting unit, to a lesser extent,

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also directly sells advertising for its image-based software. If the advertising market is negatively impacted compared to the assumptions in the business plan, this could adversely impact the cash flows of the reporting unit.

Due to the inherent uncertainties involved in making the estimates and assumptions used in the fair value analysis summarized above, actual results may differ, or unanticipated events and circumstances may affect such estimates, which could significantly alter the fair value of the reporting unit and possibly cause the reporting unit to fail step one of the goodwill impairment test.

Pension benefit costs

Employee pension benefit costs and obligations are dependent on certain assumptions including discount rates, retirement rates and mortality rates, which are based upon current statistical data, as well as expected long-term rates of return on pension plan assets and other factors. Specifically, the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets are two critical assumptions in the determination of periodic pension costs and pension liabilities. Assumptions are evaluated at least annually, or at the time when events occur or circumstances change and these events or changes could have a significant effect on these critical assumptions.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods. Therefore, actual results generally affect recognized costs and the recorded obligations for pensions in future periods. While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect Sony’s pension obligations and future costs.

Sony’s principal pension plans are its Japanese pension plans. No individual foreign pension plan is significant to consolidated pension plan assets and pension obligations.

To determine the benefit obligation of the Japanese pension plans, Sony used a discount rate of 1.9 percent for its Japanese pension plans as of March 31, 2012. The discount rate was determined by using information about rates of return on high-quality fixed-income investments currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension benefit obligation in consideration of amounts and timing of cash outflows for expected benefit payments. Such available information about rates of returns is collected from published market information and credit rating agencies. The 1.9 percent discount rate represents a 20 basis point decrease from the 2.1 percent discount rate used for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and reflects current Japanese market interest rate conditions.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, Sony considers the current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected long-term rates of return on various categories of pension plan assets. Sony’s pension investment policy recognizes the expected growth and the variability risk associated with the long term nature of pension liabilities, the returns and risks of diversification across asset classes, and the correlation among assets. The asset allocations are designed to maximize returns consistent with levels of liquidity and investment risk that are considered prudent and reasonable. While the pension investment policy gives appropriate consideration to recent market performance and historical returns, the investment assumptions utilized by Sony are designed to achieve a long term return consistent with the long term nature of the corresponding pension liabilities. For Japanese pension plans, the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets was 2.9 percent and 3.0 percent as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The actual return on pension plan assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012 was a 0.8 percent gain and a 3.4 percent gain, respectively. Actual results that differ from the expected return on pension plan assets are accumulated and amortized as a component of pension costs over the average future service period, thereby reducing the year-to-year volatility in pension costs. As of March 31, 2011 and 2012, Sony had, with respect to Japanese pension plans, net actuarial losses of 278.9 billion yen and 292.4 billion yen, respectively, including losses related to pension plan assets. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the net actuarial loss increased since the discount rate used to determine the defined benefit obligation was lower than the prior year’s rate.

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The following table illustrates the effect on the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 of changes in the discount rate and the expected return on pension plan assets, while holding all other assumptions as of March 31, 2012 constant, for Japanese pension plans.

Change in assumption	Projected benefit obligations	Pension costs		Equity (Net of  tax)
	(Yen in billions)
25 basis point increase / decrease in discount rate	–/+29.9	–	/+1.6		+/	–0.9
25 basis point increase / decrease in expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets	—	–	/+1.4		+/	–0.8

Deferred tax asset valuation

Carrying amounts of deferred tax assets require a reduction by a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically with appropriate consideration given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. Management’s judgments related to this assessment consider, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses on an individual tax jurisdiction basis, forecasts of future profitability after consideration of uncertain tax positions, excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of net assets, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, the past utilization of net operating loss carryforwards prior to expiration, as well as prudent and feasible tax planning strategies which would be employed by Sony to prevent net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards from expiring unutilized.

As a result of losses incurred in recent years, Sony Corporation and several subsidiaries in Japan, Sony Americas Holding Inc. (“SAHI”) and its consolidated tax filing group, of which Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. is a member, in the U.S., Sony Mobile Communications in Sweden, Sony Europe Limited (“SEU”) in the U.K. and certain entities in other tax jurisdictions are each in cumulative loss positions. A cumulative loss position is considered significant negative evidence in assessing the realizability of a deferred tax asset that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not needed against deferred tax assets.

Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan were in a three year cumulative loss position in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. In Japan, Sony Corporation files a standalone tax filing for local tax purposes and a consolidated national tax filing with its wholly-owned Japanese subsidiaries for national tax purposes. As the national tax filing group only includes wholly-owned subsidiaries, certain Japanese subsidiaries are excluded, the most significant of which are Sony Financial Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. Due to the cumulative losses in recent years, and because the net operating losses in Japan have a relatively short carryforward period of seven to nine years, a limited number of years remain in the carryforward period. The first year of expiration of the remaining net operating losses in Japan would be 2014 for local taxes and 2016 for national taxes. As described above, carrying amounts of deferred tax assets require a reduction by a valuation allowance if, based on the available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. While the cumulative loss position and the remaining limited years in the carryforward period were significant negative evidence, there was positive evidence in the form of a history of taxable income and a history of utilizing assets before expiration, as well as the availability of tax strategies regarding the utilization of the deferred tax assets. However, based on the near term forecast at the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, including the anticipated impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the lesser weight provided to longer range forecasts when an entity is in a cumulative loss, Sony did not believe that the objectively verifiable positive evidence was sufficient to overcome the significant negative evidence of the cumulative loss. As the weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objectively verifiable negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. Accordingly, Sony, based on the weight of the available positive and negative evidence, established a valuation allowance of 362,316 million yen as of March 31, 2011.

As of March 31, 2012, Sony has concluded that with respect to SAHI and its consolidated tax filing group in the U.S., and SEU, a subsidiary in the U.K., the cumulative loss position was significant negative evidence that

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was difficult to overcome. There was positive evidence in the form of tax planning actions and strategies, the long carryforward periods for utilization, as well as a history of taxable income and utilization of assets before expiration. The tax planning strategies included changes in film amortization methods in the U.S., the success of which depends on future forecasts of income. Notwithstanding this positive evidence, the weight given to evidence is commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. It is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objectively verifiable negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. Accordingly, Sony, based on the weight of the available positive and negative evidence, established a valuation allowance of 203,025 million yen for SAHI and its consolidated tax filing group in the U.S., and 20,694 million yen for SEU, as of March 31, 2012. Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan remain in a cumulative loss position as of March 31, 2012, and as a result, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an additional valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets at Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan. In addition, several Japanese subsidiaries are also in a cumulative loss position as of March 31, 2012, and therefore, recorded valuation allowances of 32,631 million yen against their separate deferred tax assets for local tax purposes.

Prior to its acquisition, Sony Ericsson, principally due to its cumulative loss position, had a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets mainly in Sweden in the amount of 78,393 million yen, for which Sony reported the impact of the valuation allowance through its 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson.

The amount of the deferred tax assets as it relates to Sony Corporation, SAHI, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited and SEU takes into account the uncertain tax positions related to the more likely than not adjustments for Sony’s intercompany transfer pricing. Such transfer pricing is currently under review by the relevant governments as a result of a competent authority request and applications for Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (“APAs”) filed in the U.S., the U.K. and Japan. Sony is required to estimate the final outcome of those government to government negotiations in recording its tax positions, including the allocation and amount of deferred tax assets among the various legal entities as of the balance sheet date. Sony reviews its estimated tax expense based on the progress made in these procedures and makes adjustments to its estimates as necessary.

It is possible that further advance pricing agreement negotiations could result in a different allocation of profits and losses than those currently estimated by management, and that such allocation could have a positive or negative impact on the amount or realizability of deferred tax assets or could change the amount of the valuation allowances recorded. Sony may record adjustments to its provision for uncertain tax positions and, accordingly, to its valuation allowance assessments, as additional evidence becomes available.

The estimate for the valuation of deferred tax assets, which is based on currently enacted tax laws and rates as of the balance sheet date, reflects management’s judgment and best estimate of the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in Sony’s financial statements and tax returns, the ability to implement various tax planning strategies and, in certain cases, future forecasts, business plans and other expectations about future outcomes. Changes in existing tax laws or rates in tax jurisdictions in which Sony operates could affect actual tax results, and market or economic deterioration or failure of management to achieve its restructuring objectives could affect future business results, either of which could affect the valuation of deferred tax assets over time. If future results are less than projected, if APAs negotiations result in a different allocation of profits and losses than currently anticipated, if tax planning alternatives are no longer viable, or if there is no excess appreciated asset value over the tax basis of the assets contemplated for sale, further valuation allowance may be required in the future to reduce the deferred tax assets to their net realizable value. These factors and other changes that are not anticipated in current estimates could have a material impact on Sony’s earnings or financial condition in the period or periods in which they are recorded.

Film accounting

An aspect of film accounting that requires the exercise of judgment relates to the process of estimating the total revenues to be received throughout a film’s life cycle. Such estimate of a film’s ultimate revenue is

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important for two reasons. First, while a film is being produced and the related costs are being capitalized, it is necessary for management to estimate the ultimate revenue, less additional costs to be incurred, including exploitation costs which are expensed as incurred, in order to determine whether the value of a film has been impaired and thus requires an immediate write off of unrecoverable film costs. Second, the amount of film costs recognized as cost of sales for a given film as it is exhibited in various markets throughout its life cycle is based upon the proportion that current period actual revenues bear to the estimated ultimate total revenues.

Management bases its estimates of ultimate revenue for each film on several factors including the historical performance of similar genre films, the star power of the lead actors and actresses, the expected number of theaters at which the film will be released, anticipated performance in the home entertainment, television and other ancillary markets, and agreements for future sales. Management updates such estimates on a regular basis based on the actual results to date and estimated future results for each film. For example, a film that has resulted in lower than expected theatrical revenues in its initial weeks of release would generally have its theatrical, home entertainment and television distribution ultimate revenues adjusted downward; a failure to do so would result in the understatement of amortized film costs for the period.

Future insurance policy benefits

Liabilities for future insurance policy benefits, which mainly related to individual life insurance policies, are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in force. These liabilities, which require significant management judgment and estimates, are computed by the net level premium method based upon the assumptions as to future investment yield, morbidity, mortality, withdrawals and other factors. Future policy benefits are computed using interest rates ranging from 1.4 percent to 4.5 percent and are based on factors such as market conditions and expected investment returns. Morbidity, mortality and withdrawal assumptions for all policies are based on either the subsidiary’s own experience or various actuarial tables. Generally these assumptions are locked-in throughout the life of the contract upon the issuance of new insurance, although significant changes in experience or assumptions may require Sony to provide for expected future losses.

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business represents an accumulation of account deposits plus credited interest less withdrawals, expenses and mortality charges. Policyholders’ account includes universal life insurance and investment contracts. Universal life insurance includes interest sensitive whole life contracts and variable contracts. The credited rates associated with interest sensitive whole life contracts is 2.0 percent. For variable contracts, policy values are expressed in terms of investment units. Each unit is linked to an asset portfolio. The value of a unit increases or decreases based on the value of the linked assets portfolio. Investment contracts mainly include single payment juvenile contracts and policies after the start of annuity payments. The credited rates associated with investment contracts ranges from 0.1 percent to 6.3 percent.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 2, summary of significant accounting policies, recently adopted accounting pronouncements, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 2, summary of significant accounting policies, recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

A. Directors and Senior Management

Set forth below are the current members of the Board of Directors and Corporate Executive Officers of Sony Corporation, their date of birth, the year in which they were first elected, their current position at Sony, prior positions, and other principal business activities outside Sony as of June 27, 2012.

Board of Directors

Kazuo Hirai

Date of Birth: December 22, 1960

Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2012

Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2009

Current Positions within Sony:	President and Chief Executive Officer, Representative Corporate Executive Officer Member of the Nominating Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Prior Positions:
2011	Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation
2009	Executive Vice President, Sony Corporation
2007	President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
2006	Group Executive Officer, Sony Corporation
	President and Group Chief Operating Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
2003	President and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
1996	Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
1984	Entered CBS/Sony Inc. (currently Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.)

Ryoji Chubachi
Date of Birth: September 4, 1947
Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2005
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2004
Current Positions within Sony:	Vice Chairman, Representative Corporate Executive Officer Member of the Nominating Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Prior Positions:
2005	President and Electronics Chief Executive Officer, Sony Corporation
2004	Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation
2003	Executive Vice President, Sony Corporation
2002	Corporate Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
1999	Corporate Vice President, Sony Corporation
1977	Entered Sony Corporation

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Masaru Kato
Date of Birth: February 22, 1952
Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2012
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2010
Current Positions within Sony:	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Member of the Compensation Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Prior Positions:
2010	Director, Sony Financial Holdings Inc.
2009	Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Sony Corporation
2005	Representative Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
2003	Group Executive Officer, Sony Corporation
2002	Deputy President and Chief Financial Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
2000	Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
1997	Corporate Executive Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
1977	Entered Sony Corporation

Sir Howard Stringer
Date of Birth: February 19, 1942
Director (Member of the Board) Since: 1999
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2003
Current Positions within Sony:	Chairman of the Board Member of the Nominating Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Prior Positions:
2009	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President, Sony Corporation
2005	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Corporation
2003	Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer in charge of Entertainment Business Group, Sony Corporation
1997	President, Sony Corporation of America
1995	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, TELE-TV
1988	President, CBS Broadcast Group, CBS Inc.
1986	President, CBS News

Sir Peter Bonfield
Date of Birth: June 3, 1944
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2005
Current Position within Sony:	Chair of the Nominating Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Chairman of the Board, NXP Semiconductors N.V.

Director, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Director, Mentor Graphics Corporation

Director, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.

Director, Actis LLP

Prior Positions:
1996	Chief Executive Officer, British Telecom plc
1986	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ICL plc
1984	Managing Director, ICL plc, U.K.

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Ryuji Yasuda
Date of Birth: April 28, 1946
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2007
Current Positions within Sony:	Chair of the Compensation Committee
	Director, Sony Financial Holdings Inc.

Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Professor, Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy, Hitotsubashi University

Director, Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

Director, Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.

Director, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

Prior Positions:
2006	Director, VANTEC CORPORATION
2005	Director, Fuji Fire and Marine Insurance Co., Ltd.
2003	Chairman, J-Will Partners Co., Ltd.
1996	Managing Director and Chairman, A.T. Kearney, Asia
1991	Director, McKinsey & Company
1986	Principal Partner, McKinsey & Company

Yukako Uchinaga:

Date of Birth: July 5, 1946

Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2008

Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Director and Executive Vice President, Benesse Holdings, Inc.

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, Berlitz Corporation

Corporate Auditor, Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.

Board Chair, Japan Women’s Innovative Network

Prior Positions:
2008	Director and Vice Chairman, Benesse Corporation
2007	Technical Advisor, IBM Japan, Ltd.
2004	Senior Managing Director, IBM Japan, Ltd.

Mitsuaki Yahagi
Date of Birth: March 3, 1948
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2008
Current Position within Sony:	Member of the Audit Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, The Japan Research Institute, Limited

Corporate Auditor, Toray Industries, Inc.

Corporate Auditor, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

Prior Positions:
2005	Deputy President, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
2003	Director, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.
1998	Director, The Sakura Bank, Ltd.

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Tsun-Yan Hsieh
Date of Birth: December 29, 1952
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2008
Current Position within Sony:	Member of the Compensation Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Founder & Chairman, LimHart Group

Director, Bharti Airtel Limited

Director, Manulife Financial Corporation

Prior Positions:
2000	Managing Director, Southeast Asia, McKinsey & Company
1997	Managing Director, Canada, McKinsey & Company
1990	Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company

Roland A. Hernandez
Date of Birth: September 29, 1957
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2008
Current Position within Sony:	Member of the Nominating Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Director, MGM Resorts International

Director, Vail Resorts, Inc.

Director, U.S. Bancorp

Prior Positions:
2001	Director, The Ryland Group, Inc.
1998	Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Telemundo Group, Inc.
1995	President & Chief Executive Officer, Telemundo Group, Inc.
1986	Founder & President, Interspan Communications

Kanemitsu Anraku
Date of Birth: April 21, 1941
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2010
Current Position within Sony:	Member of the Audit Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Director, Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

Prior Positions:
2002	President, Nissan Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.
2000	Vice Chairman, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
1999	Representative Director and Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Yorihiko Kojima
Date of Birth: October 15, 1941
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2010
Current Position within Sony:	Member of the Nominating Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Chairman of the Board, Mitsubishi Corporation

Director, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Director, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Prior Positions:
2004	Member of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, Mitsubishi Corporation
2001	Executive Vice President, Director, Group Chief Executive Officer, New Business Initiative Group, Mitsubishi Corporation
2000	Managing Director, Group Chief Executive Officer, New Business Initiative Group, Mitsubishi Corporation

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Osamu Nagayama
Date of Birth: April 21, 1947
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2010
Current Position within Sony:	Vice Chairman of the Board Member of the Nominating Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony:

Representative Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Prior Positions:
1992	Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
1989	Representative Director and Deputy President, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
1987	Director and Senior Vice President, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
1985	Director, Deputy General Manager of the Development Planning Division, Director of the Business Planning Division, Member of the Board, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Takaaki Nimura
Date of Birth: October 25, 1949
Outside Director (Member of the Board) Since: 2012
Current Position within Sony:	Chair of the Audit Committee
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Prior Positions:
2008	Executive Board member, Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC
1997	Senior partner, Showa Ota & Co.
1989	Partner, Asahi Shinwa & Co.

Corporate Executive Officers

In addition to Messrs. Hirai, Chubachi and Kato, the seven individuals set forth below are the current Corporate Executive Officers of Sony Corporation as of June 27, 2012. Refer to “Board Practices” below.

Hiroshi Yoshioka
Date of Birth: October 26, 1952
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2009
Current Positions within Sony:	Executive Deputy President, Officer in charge of Medical Business

Prior Positions:
2008	Executive Vice President, Sony Corporation
2005	Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
2003	Corporate Vice President, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
2001	President, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
1979	Entered Sony Corporation
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Keiji Kimura
Date of Birth: April 4, 1952
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2004
Current Positions within Sony:	Executive Vice President, Officer in charge of Intellectual Property

Prior Positions:
2004	Senior Executive Vice President, Sony Corporation
2003	Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
2002	Corporate Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
2000	Corporate Vice President, Sony Corporation
1977	Entered Sony Corporation
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

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Nicole Seligman
Date of Birth: October 25, 1956
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2003
Current Positions within Sony:	Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Sony Corporation President, Sony Corporation of America

Prior Positions:
2003	Group Deputy General Counsel, Sony Corporation
2000	Entered Sony Corporation of America as Executive Vice President and General Counsel
1992	Partner, Williams & Connolly LLP
1985	Entered Williams & Connolly LLP
1978	Associate Editorial Page Editor for The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Tadashi Saito
Date of Birth: August 21, 1953
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2012
Current Positions within Sony:	Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

Prior Positions:
2008	Executive Vice President, Sony Corporation
2005	Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
2004	Executive Officer, Sony Corporation
1976	Entered Sony Corporation
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Shoji Nemoto
Date of Birth: May 31, 1956
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2012
Current Positions within Sony:	Executive Vice President, Officer in charge of Professional Solutions Business, Digital Imaging Business, Disc Manufacturing Business, System & Software Technology Platform and Corporate R&D

Prior Positions:
2008	Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
2005	Corporate Vice President, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
2003	Executive Officer, Sony Corporation
1979	Entered Sony Corporation
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Tomoyuki Suzuki
Date of Birth: August 19, 1954
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2012
Current Positions within Sony:	Executive Vice President, Officer in charge of Semiconductor Business, Device Solutions Business and Advanced Device Technology Platform

Prior Positions:
2005	Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
2004	Executive Officer, Sony Corporation
1979	Entered Sony Corporation
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

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Kunimasa Suzuki
Date of Birth: August 7, 1960
Corporate Executive Officer Since: 2012
Current Positions within Sony:	Executive Vice President, Officer in charge of PC Business, Mobile Business, UX, Product Strategy and Creative Platform, Sony Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Mobile Communications AB

Prior Positions:
2009	Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
1984	Entered Sony Corporation
Principal Business Activities Outside Sony: None

Kazuo Hirai, Ryoji Chubachi, Masaru Kato, Howard Stringer, Hiroshi Yoshioka, Keiji Kimura, Nicole Seligman, Tadashi Saito, Shoji Nemoto, Tomoyuki Suzuki, and Kunimasa Suzuki are engaged on a full-time basis by Sony Corporation. There is no family relationship between any of the persons named above. There is no arrangement or understanding with major shareholders, customers, suppliers, or others pursuant to which any person named above was selected as a Director or a Corporate Executive Officer.

B. Compensation

Under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan and related regulations Sony is required to disclose the total remuneration paid by Sony Corporation to Directors and Corporate Executive Officers, as well as remuneration of any Director or Corporate Executive Officer who receives total aggregate annual remuneration exceeding 100 million yen from Sony Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries in a fiscal year, on an individual basis. The following table and accompanying footnotes show the information on such matters that Sony Corporation has disclosed in its annual Securities Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 filed on June 27, 2012 with the Director General of the Kanto Bureau of the Ministry of Finance in Japan.

(1) Total amounts of remuneration paid by Sony Corporation itself to Directors and Corporate Executive Officers

	Fixed remuneration		Bonus linked to business  results		Retirement  allowances (including phantom restricted stock plan)
	Number of persons	Amount (Yen in millions)	Number of persons	Amount (Yen in millions)	Number of persons	Amount (Yen in millions)
Directors	13	197	—	—	4	32
	(*)			(***)		(*****)
(Outside Directors)	(13)	(197)	(—)	(—)	(4)	(32)
Corporate Executive	8	602	7	0	—	—
Officers	(**)			(****)
Total******	21	799	7	0	4	32

* The number of persons does not include two Directors who concurrently served as Corporate Executive Officers in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, because Sony Corporation does not pay any additional remuneration for services as Director to Directors who concurrently serve as Corporate Executive Officers.

** The number of persons includes a Corporate Executive Officer who resigned on the day of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 28, 2011.

*** Sony Corporation does not pay bonuses linked to business results to Directors who do not concurrently serve as Corporate Executive Officers.

**** The amount includes bonuses linked to business results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, but excludes the amount paid in June 2011 as those amounts related to business results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 (a total of 224 million yen for 8 Corporate Executive Officers). Seven Corporate Executive Officers waived their bonuses linked to business results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

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***** The amount of Retirement Allowances (including the Phantom Restricted Stock Plan) includes the amount that will be paid to Directors who resigned their offices in June 2012. Of the amount that Sony Corporation expects to pay as Retirement Allowances, the amount paid under the Phantom Restricted Stock Plan was calculated using the closing sales price of Sony Corporation’s Common Stock of the day before the date of resignation (June 27, 2012).

****** In addition to the above, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 Sony Corporation recorded 15 million yen in expenses for Directors (15 million yen for Outside Directors) and 558 million yen in expenses for Corporate Executive Officers, respectively, for Stock Acquisition Rights granted to Directors and Corporate Executive Officers, respectively, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 or in the past for stock option purposes.

(2) Amounts of remuneration paid by Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries to Directors and Corporate Executive Officers on an individual basis.

Name	Position	Basic remuneration (Yen in millions)	Bonus linked to business results (Yen in millions)	Retirement allowances (including phantom restricted stock plan) (Yen in millions)	Total (Yen in millions)		Granted number of stock acquisition rights* (Thousand shares)
Howard Stringer	Sony Corporation Chairman of the Board Sony Corporation of America Chairman & CEO (until June 27, 2012)	184 ***	0	—		277		500
		93	0	—
Kazuo Hirai	Sony Corporation Director, President & CEO, and Representative Corporate Executive Officer**	44 ***	0	—		88		80
	Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Representative Director, Chairman (until June 25, 2012)	44	0	—
Nicole Seligman	Sony Corporation EVP & General Counsel	85 ***	0	—		128		30
	Sony Corporation of America President	43	0	—

* The weighted-average fair value per share at the date of grant of stock acquisition rights granted during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was 345 yen and was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with several assumptions. Refer to Note 17 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements on page F-65 of this report for details. The weighted-average fair value per share does not indicate the actual value that would be realized by a Corporate Executive Officer upon the exercise of the above-mentioned stock acquisition rights. The actual value, if any, that is realized by a Corporate Executive Officer upon the exercise of any stock acquisition rights will depend on the extent to which the market value of Sony Corporation’s Common Stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock acquisition rights on the date of exercise, and several other restrictions imposed on the exercise of the stock acquisition rights, including the period when a Corporate Executive Officer could exercise the stock acquisition rights. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the value realized or to be realized by a Corporate Executive Officer upon the exercise of the stock acquisition rights is or will be at or near the weighted-average fair value per share presented above. In addition, the above weighted-average fair value per share was calculated to recognize compensation expense for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 for accounting purposes and should not be regarded as any indication or prediction of Sony with respect to its future stock performance.

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** Sony Corporation does not pay any remuneration for services as Director to Directors who concurrently serve as Corporate Executive Officers.

*** Apart from the remuneration contained in the above table, Sony also provided certain personal benefits and perquisites, including fringe benefits (and in some instances Sony paid the executive’s income taxes related to their perquisites), during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012: for Howard Stringer, Director, Sony Corporation — 11 million yen / Sony Corporation of America — 6 million yen; for Kazuo Hirai, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Sony Corporation — 9 million yen / Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. — 30 million yen; and for Nicole Seligman, Corporate Executive Officer, Sony Corporation — 8 million yen / Sony Corporation of America — 4 million yen.

(3) Basic policy regarding remuneration for Directors and Corporate Executive Officers

The basic policy regarding remuneration for Directors and Corporate Executive Officers, as determined by the Compensation Committee, is as follows:

(a) Basic policy of Director remuneration

Taking into account that the primary duty of the Directors is to supervise the performance of business operations of Sony group as a whole and the fact that Sony Corporation is a global company, in order to improve such supervisory function of the Directors, the following two elements constitute the basic policy for the determination of the remuneration of Directors:

• Attracting and retaining an adequate talent pool of Directors possessing the requisite abilities to excel in the global marketplace; and

• Ensuring the effectiveness of the supervisory function of the Directors.

Based upon the above, the remuneration of Directors shall consist of the following two components:

• Fixed remuneration; and

• Phantom Restricted Stock Plan.

The schedule for the amount of each component and its percentage of total remuneration shall be determined in accordance with the basic policy above. Remuneration of Directors shall be at an appropriate level determined based upon research made by a third party regarding remuneration of directors of both domestic and foreign companies. Director remuneration shall not be paid to those Directors who concurrently serve as Corporate Executive Officers.

Regarding the Phantom Restricted Stock Plan, points fixed every year by the Compensation Committee shall be granted to Directors every year during his/her tenure, and at the time of resignation, the remuneration amount shall be calculated by multiplying Sony Corporation’s Common Stock price by accumulated points. The resigning Director shall purchase Sony Corporation’s Common Stock with this remuneration.

(b) Basic policy of Corporate Executive Officer remuneration

Taking into account that Corporate Executive Officers are key members of management responsible for executing the business operations of Sony, in order to further improve the business results of Sony Corporation, the following two elements shall constitute the basic policy for the determination of the remuneration of Corporate Executive Officers:

• Attracting and retaining an adequate talent pool of Corporate Executive Officers possessing the requisite abilities to excel in the global marketplace; and

• Providing effective incentives to improve business results on a short, medium and long term basis.

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Based upon the above, remuneration of Corporate Executive Officers shall consist of the following four components:

• Fixed remuneration;

• Bonus linked to business results;

• Remuneration linked to share price; and

• Phantom Restricted Stock Plan.

The schedule for the amount of each component and its percentage of total remuneration shall be determined in accordance with the above basic policy with an emphasis on linking remuneration to business results and shareholder value. Remuneration of Corporate Executive Officers shall be at an appropriate level determined based upon research made by a third party regarding remuneration of management of both domestic and foreign companies.

Specifically, the amount of bonus linked to business results shall be determined based upon consolidated business results of Sony Corporation, such as operating margin and the level of achievement in respect of the business area(s) for which the relevant Corporate Executive Officer is responsible, and the amount paid to Corporate Executive Officers shall fluctuate within the range from 0 percent to 200 percent of the base fixed remuneration amount.

Regarding the Phantom Restricted Stock Plan, points fixed every year by the Compensation Committee shall be granted to Corporate Executive Officers* every year during his/her tenure in office, and at the time of resignation, the remuneration amount shall be calculated by multiplying Sony Corporation’s Common Stock price by accumulated points. The resigning Corporate Executive Officer shall purchase Sony Corporation’s Common Stock with this remuneration.

* Ms. Seligman, EVP is entitled to separate pension plans provided by Sony Corporation’s subsidiaries in the United States instead of the Phantom Restricted Stock Plan.

C. Board Practices

Sony Corporation has adopted a “Company with Committees” corporate governance system under the Companies Act of Japan (Kaishaho) and related regulations (collectively the “Companies Act”). Under this system, Sony Corporation has three committees: the Nominating Committee, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Under the Companies Act, each committee is required to consist of not fewer than three Directors, the majority of whom must be outside Directors. In order to qualify as an outside Director under the Companies Act, a Director must be a person (i) who is not a director of Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries engaged in the business operations of Sony Corporation or such subsidiaries, as the case may be, or a Corporate Executive Officer or general manager or other employee of Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, and (ii) who has never been a director of Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries engaged in the business operations of Sony Corporation or such subsidiaries, as the case may be, or a corporate executive officer or general manager or other employee of Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

Under the committee system, Directors as such have no power to execute the business of Sony Corporation except for limited circumstances as permitted by law. The Board of Directors must elect Corporate Executive Officers (Shikko-yaku), who are responsible for the execution of the business of Sony Corporation. A summary of the governance system adopted by Sony Corporation is set forth below.

The Board of Directors determines fundamental management policy and other important matters related to the management of Sony and oversees the performance of the duties of Directors and Corporate Executive Officers. Furthermore, the Board of Directors has the power and authority to appoint and dismiss the members of Sony Corporation’s three committees and Corporate Executive Officers. Under the Companies Act, all Directors must be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders from the candidates determined by the Nominating

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Committee. Under the Companies Act, the term of office of Directors expires at the conclusion of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held with respect to the last business year ending within one year after their election. Directors may serve any number of consecutive terms although, under the Charter of the Board of Directors, outside Directors may not be reelected more than five times without the consent of all Directors nor more than eight times even if the consent of all Directors is obtained. Sir Peter Bonfield was reelected for a seventh term as an outside Director at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 27, 2012 upon nomination by the Nominating Committee with the consent of all Directors pursuant to the Charter of the Board of Directors.

The Nominating Committee, which pursuant to the Charter of the Board of Directors consists of five or more Directors, determines the content of proposals to be submitted for approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders regarding the appointment and dismissal of Directors. As stated above, under the Companies Act, a majority of the members of the Nominating Committee must be outside Directors. Under the Charter of the Board of Directors, at least two members of the Nominating Committee must concurrently be Corporate Executive Officers. The Nominating Committee is comprised of the following members as of June 27, 2012: Peter Bonfield, who is the Chair of the Nominating Committee and an outside Director; Osamu Nagayama, Roland A. Hernandez and Yorihiko Kojima, who are each outside Directors; Kazuo Hirai and Ryoji Chubachi, who are Corporate Executive Officers and Howard Stringer, who is the Chairman of the Board.

Under the Charter of the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee must consist of three or more Directors, a majority of whom, as stated above, must be outside Directors. In addition, under the Companies Act, a member of the Audit Committee may not concurrently be a director of Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries who is engaged in the business operations of Sony Corporation or such subsidiaries, as the case may be, or a corporate executive officer of Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or an accounting counselor (or if such accounting counselor is a juridical person, partners who perform the duties of the accounting counselor), general manager or other employee of any of such subsidiaries. Further, under the Charter of the Board of Directors, members of the Audit Committee must meet the independence and other equivalent requirements of U.S. securities laws and regulations to the extent applicable to Sony Corporation. The Audit Committee’s primary responsibility is to review the consolidated and non-consolidated financial statements and business reports to be submitted by the Board of Directors at the General Meeting of Shareholders; to monitor the performance of duties by Directors and Corporate Executive Officers (with respect to structures to ensure the adequacy of the financial reporting process, to enable management to ensure the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, to ensure timely and appropriate disclosure and to ensure compliance with any applicable law, Articles of Incorporation and internal policies and rules, and with respect to the status of any other items described in the “Internal Control and Governance Framework” determined or reaffirmed by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 416, paragraph 1, item (1) of the Companies Act), in each case pursuant to the Companies Act; and to propose the appointment/dismissal or non-reappointment of, approve the compensation of, and oversee and evaluate the work of Sony’s independent auditor and its independence and qualification. Under the Companies Act, the Audit Committee has a statutory duty to prepare and submit each year its audit report (Kansa-hokoku) to the Corporate Executive Officer designated by the Board of Directors. A member of the Audit Committee may note his or her opinion in the audit report if it is different from the opinion of the Audit Committee that is expressed in the audit report.

The Audit Committee discusses with Sony Corporation’s independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata, the scope and results of audits by the independent auditor including their evaluation of Sony Corporation’s internal controls, compatibility with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S., and the overall quality of financial reporting. The Audit Committee makes an assessment of the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata by overseeing their activities through regular communications and discussions with them, and by pre-approving audit and non-audit services to be provided. The Audit Committee is comprised of the following members as of June 27, 2012: Takaaki Nimura, who is the Chair of the Audit Committee and an outside Director, and Mitsuaki Yahagi and Kanemitsu Anraku, who are also outside Directors. Takaaki Nimura and Kanemitsu Anraku are each “audit committee financial experts” within the meaning of Item 16A of this report.

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As required by the Companies Act, the Compensation Committee determines the policy and the content of compensation, bonus and any other benefits (including equity-related rights or options given for the purpose of stock incentive options) to be received by each Director and Corporate Executive Officer in consideration of the execution of their duties. In addition to such statutory duties, the Compensation Committee sets policy on the composition of individual compensation to be received by other senior management of Sony Group (Directors or other officers of Sony Group companies whose appointment is subject to approval by the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Sony Corporation), and also submits proposals to the Board of Directors regarding the issuance of stock acquisition rights for the purpose of granting stock options and other forms of stock price-based compensation utilizing shares etc. of Sony Group, as individual compensation to the aforementioned senior management. Under the Charter of the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee shall consist of three or more Directors, and as a general rule, at least one member shall concurrently serve as Corporate Executive Officer; provided, however, that a Director who is the CEO or the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) of Sony Group or in any equivalent position shall not be a member of the Compensation Committee. As stated above, a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee must be outside Directors. The Compensation Committee is comprised of the following members as of June 27, 2012: Ryuji Yasuda, who is the Chair of the Compensation Committee and an outside Director, Tsun-yan Hsieh, who is also an outside Director; and Masaru Kato, who is a Corporate Executive Officer.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the Board of Directors convened ten times. The Nominating Committee met five times, the Audit Committee met ten times and the Compensation Committee met eight times. All 13 outside Directors participated in all meetings of the Board of Directors held during his/her tenure period of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 except for Sir Peter Bonfield, Fujio Cho, Yukako Uchinaga, Yorihiko Kojima, and Osamu Nagayama. (Sir Peter Bonfield participated in eight meetings out of ten; Fujio Cho participated in seven meetings out of ten; Yukako Uchinaga, Yorihiko Kojima and Osamu Nagayama each participated in nine meetings out of ten.) Also, all 12 outside Directors who are members of Committees participated in at least 80 percent of the aggregate number of meetings of each Committee held during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. All three outside Directors who are members of the Audit Committee participated in all meetings of the Audit Committee held during his/her tenure period of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

No Directors have executed service contracts with Sony providing for benefits upon termination of service as a Director.

Under the Companies Act and the Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation, Sony Corporation may, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, exempt Directors from liabilities to Sony Corporation to the extent permitted by law arising in connection with their failure to execute their duties. Also, in accordance with the Companies Act and its Articles of Incorporation, Sony Corporation has entered into a liability limitation agreement with each outside Director that limits the maximum amount of liabilities owed by each outside Director to Sony Corporation arising in connection with their failure to execute their duties to the greater of either 30 million yen or an amount equal to the aggregate sum of the amounts prescribed in each item of Article 425, Paragraph 1 of the Companies Act.

The Board of Directors must appoint one or more Corporate Executive Officers who are authorized to determine matters delegated to them by the Board of Directors. The Corporate Executive Officers are responsible for conducting all the business operations of Sony within the scope of authority delegated by the Board of Directors. As of June 27, 2012, there are ten Corporate Executive Officers, some of whom are also Directors. Significant decision-making authority has been delegated to the CEO and also to each Corporate Executive Officer with respect to investments, strategic alliances and other actions related to the execution of business operations. Sony Corporation believes that this significant delegation enables Sony to be managed in a dynamic and responsive manner. The terms of office of Corporate Executive Officers expire at the conclusion of the first meeting of the Board of Directors held immediately after the conclusion of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held with respect to the last business year ending within one year after their election. From among those Corporate Executive Officers who, as a general rule, are also Directors, the Board of Directors shall elect Representative Corporate Executive Officers. Each Representative Corporate Executive Officer has the statutory authority to represent Sony Corporation in the conduct of its affairs.

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(Supplementary Information)

At a Board meeting held on April 26, 2006, the Board of Directors reaffirmed the internal control and governance framework in effect as of the date of determination and determined to continue to evaluate and improve such framework going forward, as appropriate. At a Board meeting held on May 13, 2009 the Board of Directors reaffirmed such internal control and governance framework, as slightly amended, in effect as of the date of determination and determined to continue to evaluate and improve such amended framework going forward, as appropriate. This determination was required by and met the requirements of the Companies Act. Details of the determination are posted on the following website: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/IR/library/control.html

For an explanation as to the significant differences between the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance standards and Sony’s corporate governance practices, please refer to “Disclosure About Differences in Corporate Governance” in Item 16G or visit Sony’s website at: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/IR/info/strategy/NYSEGovernance.html

D. Employees

As of March 31, 2012, Sony had approximately 162,700 employees, a decrease of approximately 5,500 employees from March 31, 2011. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, while employees increased due to the consolidation of Sony Ericsson, the total number of employees decreased significantly due to restructuring and production adjustments implemented during the fiscal year, mainly at manufacturing sites in the East Asia and Asia-Pacific areas (excluding Japan). As of March 31, 2012, approximately 58,100 employees were located in Japan and approximately 104,600 employees were located outside Japan. Approximately 24 percent of the total number of employees were members of labor unions.

As of March 31, 2011, Sony had approximately 168,200 employees, approximately the same number of employees as of March 31, 2010. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, while the employee numbers in Europe and Japan decreased due to restructuring initiatives, the employee numbers at manufacturing sites in the Asia-Pacific area (excluding Japan) increased due to recovery and expansion of production. As of March 31, 2011, approximately 59,000 employees were located in Japan and approximately 109,200 employees were located outside Japan. Approximately 26 percent of the total number of employees were members of labor unions.

As of March 31, 2010, Sony had approximately 167,900 employees, a decrease of approximately 3,400 employees from March 31, 2009. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, while the employee numbers increased due to the recovery in production at manufacturing sites in the Asia-Pacific area (excluding Japan), the total number of employees decreased due to restructuring initiatives implemented mainly in North America, Japan and Europe. As of March 31, 2010, approximately 60,200 employees were located in Japan and approximately 107,700 employees were located outside Japan. Approximately 23 percent of the total number of employees were members of labor unions.

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The following table shows the number of employees of Sony by segment as of March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Number of Employees by Segment

	March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Consumer Products & Services		53,400		52,000		54,600
Professional, Device & Solutions		74,200		74,300		57,200
Pictures		6,400		7,000		7,200
Music		7,100		6,800		6,400
Financial Services		7,400		7,500		7,800
Sony Mobile Communications*		—		—		8,900
All Other		9,700		9,800		9,600
Unallocated — Corporate employees		9,700		10,800		11,000
Total*		167,900		168,200		162,700

* Employees of Sony Mobile Communications were not included in the number of total employees before the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, as it was an equity-method company.

As of March 31, 2012, Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) employees were included in the number of total employees following the consolidation of Sony Ericsson in February 2012. The number of employees in the Professional, Device & Solutions (“PDS”) segment decreased compared to March 31, 2011, reflecting production adjustments at manufacturing facilities. While the number of employees in the Music and All Other segments decreased, excluding the PDS segment and Sony Mobile, no significant increase or decrease was seen overall.

As of March 31, 2011, the number of employees in the CPS and Music segments decreased compared to March 31, 2010, reflecting continuing restructuring initiatives. Corporate employees increased as a result of newly established horizontal platform organizations at the global headquarters. The number of employees in the Pictures segment increased, recovering to the level as of March 31, 2009.

As of March 31, 2010, the number of employees in the CPS and Pictures segments, and All Other decreased compared to March 31, 2009, mainly due to restructuring activities.

As a part of transformation efforts during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony’s headquarters established three functional platforms for manufacturing, logistics, procurement and customer services, R&D and common software development, and global sales and marketing. The number of Corporate employees increased as employees transferred from other segments, partially offset by restructuring activities at headquarters.

In addition, the average number of employees for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 calculated by averaging the total number of employees at the end of each quarter, were approximately 170,200, 169,900 and 165,900, respectively.

Sony generally considers its labor relations to be good.

In Japan, Sony Corporation and several subsidiaries have labor unions.

Regarding labor relations in the CPS and PDS segments by area, in Asia, where Sony owns many manufacturing sites, a few of these sites have labor unions that have union contracts. In China, most employees are members of labor unions. In the Americas, some manufacturing sites have labor unions. Sony has generally maintained good relationships with these labor unions. In Europe, Sony maintains good labor relations with the Work Councils in each country.

In the Pictures segment, Sony also generally considers its labor relations to be good. A number of Pictures’ subsidiaries are signatories to union contracts. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, negotiations were

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successfully concluded for new three year agreements with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the Teamsters, Local 817 (New York), the Directors Guild of Canada, British Columbia, the British Columbia Council of Unions and IATSE Local 873 (Toronto, Canada). Negotiations have also concluded and new three year agreements are pending ratification by the membership of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (“IATSE”) in connection with the following agreements: the West Coast Studio Locals Agreements, the West Coast Studio Basic Agreement, the West Coast Studio Videotape Agreement and the West Coast Studio Digital Supplemental Agreement. Negotiations are continuing for new three year agreements with the Teamsters, Local 399 (Hollywood) as well as the Union of British Columbia Performers. Negotiations will commence in May 2012 with the IATSE for new three-year Area Standards Agreement and Local 52 (New York) Agreement.

In the Music segment, Sony has several labor unions that have labor contracts and generally considers its labor relations to be good.

Sony continuously strives to provide competitive wages and benefits and good working conditions for all of its employees.

E. Share Ownership

The total number of shares of Sony Corporation’s Common Stock beneficially owned by Directors and Corporate Executive Officers (11 people) listed in “Directors and Senior Management” above was approximately 0.01 percent of the total shares outstanding as of June 5, 2012. Refer to “Board Practices” above.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony granted stock acquisition rights, which represent rights to subscribe for shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation, to Corporate Executive Officers, Corporate Executives, Group Executives, and selected employees. The stock acquisition rights cannot be exercised for one year from the date of grant and generally vest ratably up to three years from the date of grant and are generally exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant. The following table shows the portion of those stock acquisition rights which were granted by Sony to Corporate Executive Officers as of May 31, 2012 and which were outstanding as of the same date.

Year granted (Fiscal year ended March 31)	Total number of shares  subject to stock acquisition rights		Exercise price per share
	(in thousands)
2012		610	19.44 U.S. dollars
2012		190	1,523 yen
2011		580	35.48 U.S. dollars
2011		226	2,945 yen
2010		580	29.56 U.S. dollars
2010		205	2,595 yen
2009		560	30.24 U.S. dollars
2009		179	2,987 yen
2008		460	48.15 U.S. dollars
2008		155	5,514 yen
2007		454	40.05 U.S. dollars
2007		157	4,756 yen
2006		335	34.14 U.S. dollars
2006		149	4,060 yen
2005		230	40.34 U.S. dollars
2005		51	3,782 yen
2004		225	40.90 U.S. dollars
2004		25	4,101 yen
2003		215	36.57 U.S. dollars

Regarding the above compensation plans, refer to Note 17 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

A. Major Shareholders

To the knowledge of Sony Corporation, there were no significant changes in the percentage ownership held by any major beneficial shareholders during the past three fiscal years. Major shareholders of Sony Corporation do not have different voting rights.

As of March 31, 2012, there were 1,004,638,164 shares of Common Stock outstanding, of which 66,940,684 shares were in the form of ADRs and 98,441,596 shares were held of record in the form of Common Stock by residents in the U.S. As of March 31, 2012, the number of registered ADR holders was 6,514 and the number of registered holders of Common Stock of Sony Corporation in the U.S. was 335.

To the knowledge of Sony Corporation, it is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person severally or jointly. As far as is known to Sony Corporation, there are no arrangements the operation of which may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of Sony Corporation.

B. Related Party Transactions

In the ordinary course of business, Sony purchases materials, supplies, and services from numerous suppliers throughout the world, including firms with which certain members of the Board of Directors are affiliated. In addition, in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into the following sales/purchase transactions with equity affiliates accounted for under the equity method: sales to Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, a joint venture focused on mobile phone handsets that, as of February 15, 2012 became a consolidated subsidiary of Sony Corporation, totaling 63.9 billion yen; purchases from S-LCD Corporation, a joint venture with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., which Sony exited by selling its entire equity interest, for the manufacture of liquid crystal display panels, totaling 147.2 billion yen.

As of March 31, 2012, Sony does not have material amounts of accounts receivable and notes and accounts payable with equity affiliates accounted for under the equity method. Refer to Note 5 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding Sony’s investments in and transactions with equity affiliates.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not Applicable

Item 8. Financial Information

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Refer to the consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Legal Proceedings

In May 2011, Sony Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, Sony Electronics Inc., received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) Antitrust Division seeking information about its secondary batteries business. Sony understands that the DOJ and agencies outside the United States are investigating competition in the secondary batteries market. Based on the stage of the proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of this matter.

Beginning in early 2011, the network services of PlayStation^®Network, Qriocity™, Sony Online Entertainment LLC and websites of other subsidiaries came under cyber-attack. As of June 27, 2012, Sony has

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not received any confirmed reports of customer identity theft issues or misuse of credit cards from such cyber-attacks. However, in connection with certain of these matters, Sony has received inquiries from authorities in a number of jurisdictions, including orders for reports issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan as well as the Financial Services Agency of Japan, formal and/or informal requests for information from Attorneys General from a number of states in the United States and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, various U.S. congressional inquiries and others. Additionally, Sony Corporation and/or certain of its subsidiaries have been named in a number of purported class actions in certain jurisdictions, including the United States. Based on the stage of these inquiries and proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of all of these matters.

In October 2009, Sony Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, Sony Optiarc America Inc., received a subpoena from the DOJ seeking information about its optical disk drive business. Sony understands that the DOJ and agencies outside the United States are investigating competition in optical disk drives. Subsequently, a number of purported class action lawsuits were filed in certain jurisdictions, including the United States, in which the plaintiffs allege that Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries violated antitrust laws and seek recovery of damages and other remedies. Based on the stage of these proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of these matters.

In addition, Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants or otherwise involved in other pending legal and regulatory proceedings. However, based upon the information currently available, Sony believes that the outcome from such legal and regulatory proceedings would not have a material effect on Sony’s consolidated financial statements.

Dividend Policy

Sony believes that continuously increasing corporate value and providing dividends are essential to rewarding shareholders. It is Sony’s policy to utilize retained earnings, after ensuring the perpetuation of stable dividends, to carry out various investments that contribute to an increase in corporate value such as those that ensure future growth and strengthen competitiveness.

A fiscal year-end dividend of 12.5 yen per share of Common Stock of Sony Corporation was approved at the Board of Directors meeting held on May 9, 2012 and the payment of such dividend started on June 6, 2012. Sony Corporation has already paid an interim dividend for Common Stock of 12.5 yen per share to each shareholder; accordingly, the total annual dividend per share of Common Stock for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 is 25.0 yen.

B. Significant Changes

No significant change has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this annual report.

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

A. Offer and Listing Details

Trading Markets

The principal trading markets for Sony Corporation’s ordinary shares 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, with no par value per share, has been listed on the TSE since 1958, and is also listed on the London Stock Exchange in the United Kingdom and the Osaka Securities Exchange in Japan.

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Sony Corporation’s ADRs have been traded in the U.S. since 1961 and have been listed on the NYSE since 1970 under the symbol “SNE.” Sony Corporation’s ADRs are issued and exchanged by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the Depositary.

Trading on the TSE and the NYSE

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the reported high and low sales prices per share of Sony Corporation’s Common Stock on the TSE and the reported high and low sales prices per share of Sony Corporation’s ADS on the NYSE.

	Tokyo Stock Exchange price per share of Common Stock				New York Stock Exchange price per share of ADS
	High		Low		High		Low
	(yen)				(U.S. dollars)
Annual highs and lows*
The fiscal year ended March 31, 2008		7,190		3,910		59.84		39.91
The fiscal year ended March 31, 2009		5,560		1,491		52.36		15.64
The fiscal year ended March 31, 2010		3,645		2,050		40.45		21.27
Quarterly highs and lows*
The fiscal year ended March 31, 2011		3,620		2,100		38.67		25.85
1st quarter		3,620		2,350		38.67		26.58
2nd quarter		2,803		2,258		32.19		25.85
3rd quarter		3,090		2,520		36.88		30.23
4th quarter		3,105		2,100		36.97		28.95
Quarterly highs and lows*
The fiscal year ended March 31, 2012		2,727		1,253		32.09		16.16
1st quarter		2,727		1,911		32.09		24.21
2nd quarter		2,226		1,421		27.32		18.39
3rd quarter		1,737		1,253		22.49		16.16
4th quarter		1,832		1,267		22.35		16.75
Monthly highs and lows*
2011
December		1,467		1,304		18.61		16.67
2012
January		1,468		1,267		18.75		16.75
February		1,822		1,321		22.35		16.85
March		1,832		1,620		22.05		20.01
April		1,750		1,305		20.83		16.11
May		1,297		1,015		16.07		12.97
June (through June 22)		1,165		990		14.47		12.63

* Stock price data are based on prices throughout the sessions for each corresponding period at each stock exchange.

On June 22, 2012, the closing sales price per share of Sony Corporation’s Common Stock on the TSE was 1,163 yen. On June 22, 2012, the closing sales price per share of Sony Corporation’s ADS on the NYSE was 14.31 U.S. dollars.

B. Plan of Distribution

Not Applicable

C. Markets

Please refer to Item 9 A “Offer and Listing Details.”

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D. Selling Shareholders

Not Applicable

E. Dilution

Not Applicable

F. Expenses of the Issue

Not Applicable

Item 10. Additional Information

A. Share Capital

Not Applicable

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

Organization

Sony Corporation is a joint stock corporation (Kabushiki Kaisha) incorporated in Japan under the Companies Act (Kaishaho) of Japan. It is registered in the Commercial Register (Shogyo Tokibo) maintained by the Minato Branch Office of the Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau.

Objects and purposes

The Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation provide that its purpose is to engage in the following business activities:

(i) manufacture and sale of electronic and electrical machines and equipment, medical instruments, optical instruments and other equipment, machines and instruments;

(ii) planning, production and sale of audio-visual software and computer software programs;

(iii) manufacture and sale of metal industrial products, chemical industrial products and ceramic industrial products, textile products, paper products and wood-crafted articles, daily necessities, foodstuffs and toys, transportation machines and equipment, and petroleum and coal products;

(iv) real estate activities, construction business, transportation business and warehousing business;

(v) publishing business and printing business;

(vi) advertising agency business, insurance agency business, broadcasting enterprise, recreation business such as travel, management of sporting facilities, etc. and other service enterprises;

(vii) financial business;

(viii) Type I and Type II telecommunications business under the Telecommunications Business Law;

(ix) investing in stocks and bonds, etc.;

(x) manufacture, sale, export and import of products which are incidental to or related to those mentioned above;

(xi) rendering of services related to those mentioned above;

(xii) investment in businesses mentioned above operated by other companies or persons; and

(xiii) all businesses which are incidental to or related to those mentioned above.

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Directors

Under the Companies Act, because Sony Corporation has adopted the “Company with Committees” system, Directors have no power to execute the business of Sony Corporation except in limited circumstances as permitted by law. If a Director also serves concurrently as a Corporate Executive Officer, then he or she can execute the business of Sony Corporation in the capacity of Corporate Executive Officer. Under the Companies Act, Directors must refrain from engaging in any business competing with Sony Corporation unless approved by the Board of Directors, and any Director who has a material interest in the subject matter of a resolution to be taken by the Board of Directors cannot vote on such resolution. The amount of remuneration to each Director is determined by the Compensation Committee, which consists of Directors, the majority of whom are outside Directors (Refer to “Board Practices” in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees”). No member of the Compensation Committee may vote on a resolution with respect to his or her own compensation as a Director or a Corporate Executive Officer.

Neither the Companies Act nor Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation make a special provision as to the borrowing powers exercisable by Directors (subject to requisite internal authorizations as required by the Companies Act), their retirement age, or a requirement to hold any shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation.

For more information on Directors, refer to “Board Practices” in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”

Capital stock

(General)

Unless indicated otherwise, set forth below is information relating to Sony Corporation’s capital stock, including brief summaries of the relevant provisions of Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation and Share Handling Regulations, currently in effect, and of the Companies Act and related regulations.

On January 5, 2009, a central book-entry transfer system for shares of Japanese listed companies was established pursuant to the Act Concerning Book-entry Transfer of Corporate Bonds, Shares, etc. (including regulations promulgated thereunder, “Book-entry Transfer Act”), and this system is applied to the shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation. Under this system, shares of all Japanese companies listed on any Japanese stock exchange are dematerialized, and shareholders must have accounts at account management institutions to hold their shares unless such shareholder has an account at Japan Securities Depository Center, Inc. (“JASDEC”). “Account management institutions” are financial instruments traders (i.e., securities companies), banks, trust companies and certain other financial institutions that meet the requirements prescribed by the Book-entry Transfer Act. Transfer of the shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation is effected exclusively through entry in the records maintained by JASDEC and the account management institutions, and title to the shares passes to the transferee at the time when the transfer of the shares is recorded at the transferee’s account at an account management institution. The holder of an account at an account management institution is presumed to be the legal holder of the shares recorded in such account.

Under the Companies Act and the Book-entry Transfer Act, in order to assert shareholders’ rights against Sony Corporation, a shareholder of shares must have its name and address registered in Sony Corporation’s register of shareholders. Under the central book-entry transfer system operated by JASDEC, shareholders shall notify the relevant account management institutions of certain information prescribed under the Book-entry Transfer Act or Sony Corporation’s Share Handling Regulations, including their names and addresses, and the registration on Sony Corporation’s register of shareholders is updated upon receipt by Sony Corporation of necessary information from JASDEC (as described in “Record date”). On the other hand, in order to assert, against Sony Corporation, shareholders’ rights to which shareholders are entitled regardless of record dates such as minority shareholders’ rights, including the right to propose a matter to be considered at a General Meeting of Shareholders, except for shareholders’ rights to request that Sony Corporation purchase or sell shares constituting less than a full unit (as described in “Unit share system”), JASDEC shall, upon the shareholder’s request, issue a notice of certain information, including the name and address of such shareholder, to Sony Corporation.

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Thereafter, such shareholder is required to present Sony Corporation a receipt of the notice request in accordance with the Sony Corporation’s Share Handling Regulations. Under the Book-entry Transfer Act, the shareholder shall exercise such shareholders’ right within four weeks after the notice above has been given to Sony Corporation.

Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation is the transfer agent for Sony Corporation’s capital stock. As such, it keeps Sony Corporation’s register of shareholders in its office at 4-5, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

Non-resident shareholders are required to appoint a standing proxy in Japan or file notice of a mailing address in Japan. Notices from Sony Corporation to non-resident shareholders are delivered to such standing proxies or mailing address. Japanese securities companies and commercial banks customarily act as standing proxies and provide related services for standard fees. The recorded holder of deposited shares underlying the American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) is the depositary for the ADSs. Accordingly, holders of ADSs will not be able to directly assert shareholders’ rights against Sony Corporation.

(Authorized capital)

Under the Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation, Sony Corporation may only issue shares of Common Stock. Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation provide that the total number of shares authorized to be issued by Sony Corporation is 3.6 billion shares.

All shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation have no par value. All issued shares are fully-paid and non-assessable.

(Distribution of Surplus)

Distribution of Surplus — General

Under the Companies Act, distributions of cash or other assets by joint stock corporations to their shareholders, so called “dividends,” are referred to as “distributions of Surplus” (“Surplus” is defined in “— Restriction on distributions of Surplus”). Sony Corporation may make distributions of Surplus to shareholders any number of times per business year, subject to certain limitations described in “— Restriction on distributions of Surplus.” Distributions of Surplus are required in principle to be authorized by a resolution of a General Meeting of Shareholders, but Sony Corporation may authorize distributions of Surplus by a resolution of the Board of Directors as long as its non-consolidated annual financial statements and certain documents for the last business year present fairly its assets and profit or loss, as required by ordinances of the Ministry of Justice.

Distributions of Surplus may be made in cash or in kind in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by each shareholder. A resolution of the Board of Directors or a General Meeting of Shareholders authorizing a distribution of Surplus must specify the kind and aggregate book value of the assets to be distributed, the manner of allocation of such assets to shareholders, and the effective date of the distribution. If a distribution of Surplus is to be made in kind, Sony Corporation may, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or (as the case may be) a General Meeting of Shareholders, grant a right to the shareholders to require Sony Corporation to make such distribution in cash instead of in kind. If no such right is granted to shareholders, the relevant distribution of Surplus must be approved by a special resolution of a General Meeting of Shareholders (refer to “Voting rights” with respect to a “special resolution”).

Under the Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation, year-end dividends and interim dividends may be distributed to shareholders appearing in Sony Corporation’s register of shareholders as of March 31 and September 30 each year, respectively, in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by each shareholder following approval by the Board of Directors or (as the case may be) the General Meeting of Shareholders. Sony Corporation is not obliged to pay any dividends unclaimed for a period of five years after the date on which they first became payable.

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In Japan, the ex-dividend date and the record date for dividends precede the date of determination of the amount of the dividends to be paid. The price of the shares of Common Stock generally goes ex-dividend on the second business day prior to the record date (or if the record date is not a business day, the third business day prior thereto).

Distribution of Surplus — Restriction on distribution of Surplus

In making a distribution of Surplus, Sony Corporation must, until the sum of its additional paid-in capital and legal reserve reaches one quarter of its stated capital, set aside in its additional paid-in capital and/or legal reserve an amount equal to one-tenth of the amount of Surplus so distributed.

The amount of Surplus at any given time must be calculated in accordance with the following formula:

A + B + C + D — (E + F + G)

In the above formula:

“A” =	the total amount of other capital surplus and other retained earnings, each such amount being that appearing on the non-consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the last business year
“B” =	(if Sony Corporation has disposed of its treasury stock after the end of the last business year) the amount of the consideration for such treasury stock received by Sony Corporation less the book value thereof
“C” =	(if Sony Corporation has reduced its stated capital after the end of the last business year) the amount of such reduction less the portion thereof that has been transferred to additional paid-in capital or legal reserve (if any)
“D” =	(if Sony Corporation has reduced its additional paid-in capital or legal reserve after the end of the last business year) the amount of such reduction less the portion thereof that has been transferred to stated capital (if any)
“E” =	(if Sony Corporation has cancelled its treasury stock after the end of the last business year) the book value of such treasury stock
“F” =	(if Sony Corporation has distributed Surplus to its shareholders after the end of the last business year) the total book value of the Surplus so distributed
“G” =	certain other amounts set forth in ordinances of the Ministry of Justice, including (if Sony Corporation has reduced Surplus and increased its stated capital, additional paid-in capital or legal reserve after the end of the last business year) the amount of such reduction and (if Sony Corporation has distributed Surplus to the shareholders after the end of the last business year) the amount set aside in additional paid-in capital or legal reserve (if any) as required by ordinances of the Ministry of Justice.

The aggregate book value of Surplus distributed by Sony Corporation may not exceed a prescribed distributable amount (the “Distributable Amount”), as calculated on the effective date of such distribution. The Distributable Amount at any given time shall be equal to the amount of Surplus less the aggregate of the following:

(a) the book value of its treasury stock;

(b) the amount of consideration for any of treasury stock disposed of by Sony Corporation after the end of the last business year; and

(c) certain other amounts set forth in ordinances of the Ministry of Justice, including (if the sum of one-half of goodwill and the deferred assets exceeds the total of stated capital, additional paid-in

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capital and legal reserve, each such amount being that appearing on the non-consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the last business year) all or certain part of such exceeding amount as calculated in accordance with ordinances of the Ministry of Justice.

As Sony Corporation has become a company with respect to which consolidated balance sheets should also be considered in the calculation of the Distributable Amount (renketsu haito kisei tekiyo kaisha), Sony Corporation must further deduct from the amount of Surplus the excess amount, if any, of (x) the total amount of stockholders’ equity appearing on the non-consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the last business year and certain other amounts set forth by ordinances of the Ministry of Justice over (y) the total amount of stockholders’ equity and certain other amounts set forth by ordinances of the Ministry of Justice appearing on the consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the last business year.

If Sony Corporation has prepared interim financial statements as described below, and if such interim financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors or (if so required by the Companies Act) by a General Meeting of Shareholders, then the Distributable Amount must be adjusted to take into account the amount of profit or loss, and the amount of consideration for any of the treasury stock disposed of by Sony Corporation, during the period in respect of which such interim financial statements have been prepared. Sony Corporation may prepare non-consolidated interim financial statements consisting of a balance sheet as of any date subsequent to the end of the last business year and an income statement for the period from the first day of the current business year to the date of such balance sheet. Interim financial statements so prepared by Sony Corporation must be audited by the Audit Committee and the independent auditor, as required by ordinances of the Ministry of Justice.

(Capital and reserves)

Sony Corporation may generally reduce its additional paid-in capital or legal reserve by resolution of a General Meeting of Shareholders and, if so decided by the same resolution, may account for the whole or any part of the amount of such reduction as stated capital. On the other hand, Sony Corporation may generally reduce its stated capital by a special shareholders’ resolution (as defined in (“Voting rights”) and, if so decided by the same resolution, may account for the whole or any part of the amount of such reduction as additional paid-in capital. In addition, Sony Corporation may reduce its Surplus and increase either (i) stated capital or (ii) additional paid-in capital and/or legal reserve by the same amount, in either case by resolution of a General Meeting of Shareholders.

(Stock splits)

Sony Corporation may at any time split shares in issue into a greater number of shares at the determination of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and may amend its Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of the authorized shares to be issued to allow such stock split pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or a determination by a Corporate Executive Officer to whom the authority to make such determination has been delegated by a resolution of the Board of Directors, rather than relying on a special shareholders’ resolution, which is otherwise required for amending the Articles of Incorporation.

When a stock split is to be made, Sony Corporation must give public notice of the stock split, specifying the record date thereof, at least two weeks prior to such record date. Under the central book-entry transfer system operated by JASDEC, Sony Corporation must also give notice to JASDEC regarding a stock split at least two weeks prior to the relevant effective date of the stock split. On the effective date of the stock split, the numbers of shares recorded in all accounts held by Sony Corporation’s shareholders at account managing institutions or JASDEC will be increased in accordance with the applicable ratio.

(Consolidation of shares)

Sony Corporation may at any time consolidate issued shares into a smaller number of shares by a special shareholders’ resolution. When a consolidation of shares is to be made, Sony Corporation must give public notice

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or notice to each shareholder at least two weeks prior to the effective date of the consolidation of shares. Under the central book-entry transfer system operated by JASDEC, Sony Corporation must also give notice to JASDEC regarding a consolidation of shares at least two weeks prior to the effective date of the consolidation of shares. On the effective date of the consolidation of shares, the numbers of shares recorded in all accounts held by Sony Corporation’s shareholders at account managing institutions or JASDEC will be decreased in accordance with the applicable ratio. Sony Corporation must disclose the reason for the consolidation of shares at a General Meeting of Shareholders.

(General Meeting of Shareholders)

The Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Sony Corporation for each business year is normally held in June of each year in Tokyo, Japan. In addition, Sony Corporation may hold an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders whenever necessary by giving notice thereof at least two weeks prior to the date set for the meeting.

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 such shareholder’s resident proxy or mailing address in Japan) at least two weeks prior to the date set for the meeting. Under the Companies Act, such notice may be given to shareholders by electronic means, subject to obtaining consent by the relevant shareholders. The record date for an Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders is March 31 of each year.

Any shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least three percent of the total number of voting rights for a period of six months or more may require the convocation of a General Meeting of Shareholders for a particular purpose. Unless such a shareholders’ meeting is convened promptly or a convocation notice of a meeting which is to be held not later than eight weeks from the day of such demand is dispatched, the requiring shareholder may, upon obtaining a court approval, convene such a shareholders’ meeting.

Any shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 300 voting rights or one percent of the total number of voting rights for a period of six months or more may propose a matter to be considered at a General Meeting of Shareholders by submitting a written request to Sony Corporation at least eight weeks prior to the date set for such meeting.

If the Articles of Incorporation so provide, any of the minimum voting rights or percentages, time periods and number of voting rights necessary for exercising the minority shareholder rights described above may be decreased or shortened. Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation currently do not include any such provisions.

(Voting rights)

So long as Sony Corporation maintains the unit share system, a holder of shares constituting one or more units is entitled to one vote for each such unit of stock (refer to (“Unit share system”) below; currently 100 shares constitute one unit), except that no voting rights with respect to shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation are afforded to Sony Corporation or any corporate or certain other entity more than one-quarter of the total voting rights of which are directly or indirectly held by Sony Corporation. If Sony Corporation eliminates from its Articles of Incorporation the provisions relating to units of stock, holders of capital stock will have one vote for each share they hold. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation, a resolution can be adopted at a General Meeting of Shareholders by a majority of the number of voting rights of all the shareholders represented at the meeting. The Companies Act and Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation provide, however, that the quorum for the election of Directors shall be one-third of the total number of voting rights of all the shareholders. Sony Corporation’s shareholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of Directors. Shareholders may cast their votes in writing and may also exercise their voting rights through proxies, provided that the proxies are also shareholders holding voting rights. Shareholders may also exercise their voting rights by electronic means pursuant to the method designated by Sony Corporation.

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The Companies Act and the Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation provide that in order to amend the Articles of Incorporation and in certain other instances, including:

(1) acquisition of its own shares from a specific party other than its subsidiaries;

(2) consolidation of shares;

(3) any offering of new shares or existing shares held by Sony Corporation as treasury stock at a “specially favorable” price (or any offering of stock acquisition rights to acquire shares of capital stock, or bonds with stock acquisition rights on “specially favorable” conditions) to any persons other than shareholders;

(4) the exemption of liability of a Director, Corporate Executive Officer or independent auditor with certain exceptions;

(5) a reduction of stated capital with certain exceptions;

(6) a distribution of in-kind dividends which meets certain requirements;

(7) dissolution, merger, consolidation, or corporate split with certain exceptions;

(8) the transfer of the whole or a material part of the business;

(9) the taking over of the whole of the business of any other corporation with certain exceptions; or

(10) share exchange or share transfer for the purpose of establishing 100 percent parent-subsidiary relationships with certain exceptions,

the quorum shall be one-third of the total number of voting rights of all the shareholders, and the approval by at least two-thirds of the number of voting rights of all the shareholders represented at the meeting is required (the “special shareholders’ resolutions”).

(Issue of additional shares and pre-emptive rights)

Holders of Sony Corporation’s shares of capital 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 or the CEO determines, subject to the limitations as to the offering of new shares at a “specially favorable” price mentioned under (“Voting rights”) above. In the case of an issuance of shares (including a transfer of treasury shares) of Sony Corporation or its stock acquisition rights by way of an allotment to a third party which would dilute the outstanding voting shares by 25 percent or more or change the controlling shareholder, in addition to a resolution of the Board of Directors, the approval of the shareholders or an affirmative vote from a person independent of the management is generally required pursuant to the regulations of the Japanese stock exchanges on which shares of Sony Corporation are listed. The Board of Directors or the CEO 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 of a record date of which not less than two weeks’ prior public notice is 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.

Subject to certain conditions, Sony Corporation may issue stock acquisition rights by a resolution of the Board of Directors or a determination by the CEO. Holders of stock acquisition rights may exercise their rights to acquire a certain number of shares within the exercise period as prescribed in the terms of their stock acquisition rights. Upon exercise of stock acquisition rights, Sony Corporation will be obliged to issue the relevant number of new shares or alternatively to transfer the necessary number of treasury stock held by it.

In cases where a particular issue of new shares or stock acquisition rights (i) violates laws and regulations or Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, or (ii) will be performed in a manner materially unfair, and shareholders may suffer disadvantages therefrom, such shareholders may file an injunction to enjoin such issue with a court.

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(Liquidation rights)

In the event of a liquidation of Sony Corporation, the assets remaining after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes will be distributed among the holders of shares of Common Stock in proportion to the respective numbers of shares of Common Stock held.

(Record date)

March 31 is the record date for Sony Corporation’s year-end dividends, if declared. So long as Sony Corporation maintains the unit share system, shareholders who are registered as the holders of one or more unit of stock in Sony Corporation’s register of 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 business year 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 entitled to other rights and for other purposes by giving at least two weeks prior public notice.

JASDEC is required to promptly give Sony Corporation notice of the names and addresses of Sony Corporation’s shareholders, the numbers of shares of Common Stock held by them and other relevant information as of such respective record dates.

The price of shares generally goes ex-dividends or ex-rights on Japanese stock exchanges on the second business day prior to a record date (or if the record date is not a business day, the third business day prior thereto), for the purpose of dividends or rights offerings.

(Acquisition by Sony Corporation of its capital stock)

Under the Companies Act and the Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation, Sony Corporation may acquire shares of Common Stock (i) from a specific shareholder other than any of its subsidiaries (pursuant to the special shareholders’ resolution), (ii) from any of its subsidiaries (pursuant to a determination by the CEO as delegated by the Board of Directors), or (iii) by way of purchase on any Japanese stock exchange on which Sony Corporation’s shares of Common Stock are listed or by way of tender offer (pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, as long as its non-consolidated annual financial statements and certain documents for the last business year present fairly its assets and profit or loss, as required by ordinances of the Ministry of Justice).

In the case of (i) above, any other shareholder may make a request to Sony Corporation that such other shareholder be included as a seller in the proposed purchase, provided that no such right will be available if the purchase price or any other consideration to be received by the relevant specific shareholder will not exceed the last trading price of the shares on the relevant stock exchange on the day immediately preceding the date on which the resolution mentioned in (i) above was adopted (or, if there is no trading in the shares on the stock exchange or if the stock exchange is not open on such day, the price at which the shares are first traded on such stock exchange thereafter).

The total amount of the purchase price of shares of Common Stock may not exceed the Distributable Amount, as described in “(Distribution of Surplus) — Distributions of Surplus — Restriction on distributions of Surplus.”

Shares acquired by Sony Corporation may be held for any period or may be retired at the determination of the CEO. Sony Corporation may also transfer (by public or private sale or otherwise) to any person the treasury shares held by it, subject to a determination by the CEO, and subject also to other requirements similar to those applicable to the issuance of new shares, as described in (“Issue of additional shares and pre-emptive rights”) above. Sony Corporation may also utilize its treasury stock for the purpose of transfer to any person upon exercise of stock acquisition rights or for the purpose of acquiring another company by way of merger, share exchange or corporate split through exchange of treasury stock for shares or assets of the acquired company.

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(Unit share system)

The Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation provide that 100 shares constitute one “unit” of shares of stock. The Board of Directors or the Corporate Executive Officer to whom the authority to make such a determination has been delegated by a resolution of the Board of Directors is permitted to amend the Articles of Incorporation to reduce the number of shares that constitute a unit or to abolish the unit share system entirely. Under the Companies Act, the number of shares constituting one unit cannot exceed 1,000 shares nor 0.5 percent of the total number of issued shares.

Under the unit share system, shareholders have one voting right for each unit of stock that they hold. Any number of shares less than one full unit have neither voting rights nor rights related to voting rights. Holders of shares constituting less than one unit will have no other shareholder rights if Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation so provide, except that such holders may not be deprived of certain rights specified in the Companies Act or an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, including the right to receive distribution of Surplus.

A holder of shares constituting less than one full unit may require Sony Corporation to purchase such shares at their market value in accordance with the provisions of the Share Handling Regulations of Sony Corporation. In addition, the Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation provide that a holder of shares constituting less than one full unit may request Sony Corporation to sell to such holder such amount of shares which will, when added together with the shares constituting less than one full unit, constitute one full unit of stock. Such request by a holder and the sale by Sony Corporation must be made in accordance with the provisions of the Share Handling Regulations of Sony Corporation. As prescribed in the Share Handling Regulations, such requests shall be made through an account management institution and JASDEC pursuant to the rules set by JASDEC, without going through the notification procedure required for the exercise of shareholders’ rights entitled regardless of record dates as described in “General.” Shares constituting less than a full unit are transferable, under the new book-entry transfer system described in “General.” Under the rules of the stock exchanges, however, shares constituting less than a full unit do not comprise a trading unit, except in limited circumstances, and accordingly may not be sold on the Japanese stock exchanges.

(Sale by Sony Corporation of shares held by shareholders whose location is unknown)

Sony Corporation is not required to send a notice to a shareholder if a notice to such shareholder fails to arrive at the registered address of the shareholder in Sony Corporation’s register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to Sony Corporation continuously for five years or more.

In addition, Sony Corporation may sell or otherwise dispose of shares of capital stock for which the location of the shareholder is unknown. Generally, if (i) notices to a shareholder fail to arrive continuously for five years or more at the shareholder’s registered address in Sony Corporation’s register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to Sony Corporation, and (ii) the shareholder fails to receive distributions of Surplus on the shares continuously for five years or more at the address registered in Sony Corporation’s register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to Sony Corporation, Sony Corporation may sell or otherwise dispose of such shareholder’s shares at the then market price of the shares by a determination of a Corporate Executive Officer and after giving at least three months’ prior public and individual notice, and hold or deposit the proceeds of such sale or disposal of shares for such shareholder.

Reporting of substantial shareholdings

The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan and its related regulations require any person, regardless of residence, who has become, beneficially and solely or jointly, a holder of more than five percent of the total issued shares of capital stock 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 Director General of the competent Local Finance Bureau of the Ministry of Finance within five business days a report concerning such shareholdings. A similar report must also be filed in respect of any subsequent change of one percent or more in any such holding, or any change in material matters set out in reports previously filed, with certain exceptions. For this purpose, shares issuable to such persons upon conversion of convertible securities or exercise of share subscription warrants or

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stock acquisition rights are taken into account in determining both the number of shares held by such holders and the issuer’s total issued share capital. Any such report shall be filed with the Director General of the relevant Local Finance Bureau of the Ministry of Finance through the Electronic Disclosure for Investors’ Network (EDINET) system. Copies of such report must also be promptly furnished to the issuer of such shares and all Japanese stock exchanges on which such shares are listed.

Except for the general limitation under Japanese anti-trust and anti-monopoly regulations against holding of shares of capital stock of a Japanese corporation which leads or may lead to a restraint of trade or monopoly, except for the limitations under the Foreign Exchange Regulations as described in D.Exchange Controls below, and except for general limitations under the Companies Act or Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation on the rights of shareholders applicable regardless of residence or nationality, there is no limitation under Japanese laws and regulations applicable to Sony Corporation or under its Articles of Incorporation on the rights of non-residents or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on the shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation.

There is no provision in Sony Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or internal regulations that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Sony Corporation and that would operate only with respect to merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving Sony Corporation.

C. Material Contracts

None

D. Exchange Controls

The Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act of Japan and its related cabinet orders and ministerial ordinances (the “Foreign Exchange Regulations”) govern the acquisition and holding of shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation by “exchange non-residents” and by “foreign investors.” The Foreign Exchange Regulations currently in effect do not, however, affect transactions between exchange non-residents to purchase or sell shares outside Japan using currencies other than Japanese yen.

Exchange non-residents are:

• individuals who do not reside in Japan; and

• corporations whose principal offices are located outside Japan.

Generally, branches and other offices of non-resident corporations that are located within Japan are regarded as residents of Japan. Conversely, branches and other offices of Japanese corporations located outside Japan are regarded as exchange non-residents.

Foreign investors are:

• individuals who are exchange non-residents;

• corporations that are organized under the laws of foreign countries or whose principal offices are located outside of Japan; and

• corporations (i) 50 percent or more of whose shares are held, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are exchange non-residents and/or corporations (a) that are organized under the laws of foreign countries or (b) whose principal offices are located outside of Japan or (ii) a majority of whose officers, or officers having the power of representation, are individuals who are exchange non-residents.

In general, the acquisition of shares of a Japanese company (such as the shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation) by an exchange non-resident from a resident of Japan is not subject to any prior filing requirements. In certain limited circumstances, however, the Minister of Finance may require prior approval of an acquisition of this type. While prior approval, as described above, is not required, in the case where a resident of Japan

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transfers shares of a Japanese company (such as the shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation) for consideration exceeding 100 million yen to an exchange non-resident, the resident of Japan who transfers the shares is required to report on the transfer to the Minister of Finance through the Bank of Japan within 20 days from the date of the transfer or the date of the receipt of payment, whichever comes later, unless the transfer was made through a bank or financial instruments business operator registered under Japanese law.

If a foreign investor acquires shares of a Japanese company that is listed on a Japanese stock exchange (such as the shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation) or that is traded on an over-the-counter market in Japan and, as a result of the acquisition, the foreign investor, in combination with any existing holdings, directly or indirectly holds 10 percent or more of the issued shares of the relevant company, the foreign investor must file a report of the acquisition with the Minister of Finance and any other competent Ministers having jurisdiction over that Japanese company by the 15th day of the month immediately following the month in which such acquisition took place. In limited circumstances, such as where the foreign investor is in a country that is not listed on an exemption schedule in the Foreign Exchange Regulations, or where that Japanese company is engaged in certain businesses designated by the Foreign Exchange Regulations, a prior notification of the acquisition must be filed with the Minister of Finance and any other competent Ministers, who may then modify or prohibit the proposed acquisition.

Under the Foreign Exchange Regulations, dividends paid on and the proceeds from sales in Japan of shares of capital stock of Sony Corporation held by non-residents of Japan may generally be converted into any foreign currency and repatriated abroad.

E. Taxation

The following is a summary of the major Japanese national tax and U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership, acquisition and disposition of shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation and of ADRs evidencing ADSs representing shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation by a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation without a permanent establishment in Japan. The summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to any particular investor, and does not take into account any specific individual circumstances of any particular investor. Accordingly, holders of shares of Common Stock or ADSs of Sony Corporation are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the considerations discussed below to their particular circumstances.

This summary is based upon the representations of the depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement in relation to the ADSs dated as of June 1, 1961, as amended and restated as of October 31, 1991, as further amended and restated as of March 17, 1995, and as of February 25, 2010, and in any related agreement, will be performed in accordance with its terms.

For purposes of the income tax convention between Japan and the United States (the “Treaty”) and the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. holders of ADSs generally will be treated as owning shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation underlying the ADSs evidenced by the ADRs. For the purposes of the following discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a holder that:

(i) is a resident of the U.S. for purposes of the Treaty;

(ii) does not maintain a permanent establishment in Japan (a) with which shares of Common Stock or ADSs of Sony Corporation are effectively connected and through which the U.S. holder carries on or has carried on business or (b) of which shares of Common Stock or ADSs of Sony Corporation form part of the business property; and

(iii) is eligible for benefits under the Treaty with respect to income and gain derived in connection with shares of Common Stock or ADSs of Sony Corporation.

The following is a summary of the principal Japanese tax consequences (limited to national taxes) to non-residents of Japan or non-Japanese corporations without a permanent establishment in Japan (“non-resident

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Holders”) who are holders of shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation or of ADRs evidencing ADSs representing shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation. The information given below regarding Japanese taxation is based on the tax laws and tax treaties in force and their interpretations by the Japanese tax authorities as of June 27, 2012. Tax laws and tax treaties as well as their interpretations may change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. Sony Corporation will not update this summary for any changes in the tax laws or tax treaties or their interpretation that occurs after such date.

Generally, non-resident Holders are subject to Japanese withholding tax on dividends paid by Japanese corporations. Such taxes are withheld prior to payment of dividends as required by Japanese law. Stock splits are, in general, not a taxable event.

In the absence of an applicable tax treaty, convention or agreement reducing the maximum rate of Japanese withholding tax or allowing exemption from Japanese withholding tax, the rate of Japanese withholding tax applicable to dividends paid by Japanese corporations to non-resident Holders is generally 20 percent (20.42 percent on or after January 1, 2013), provided, with respect to dividends paid on listed shares issued by a Japanese corporation (such as the shares of Common Stock or ADSs of Sony Corporation) to non-resident Holders other than any individual shareholder who holds 3 percent or more of the total shares issued by the relevant Japanese corporation, the aforementioned 20 percent (20.42 percent on or after January 1, 2013) withholding tax rate is reduced to (i) 7 percent for dividends due and payable on or before December 31, 2012, (ii) 7.147 percent for dividends due and payable on or after January 1, 2013 and on or before December 31, 2013, and (iii) 15.315 percent for dividends due and payable on or after January 1, 2014. Due to the imposition of a special additional withholding tax (2.1 percent of the original withholding tax amount) to secure funds for reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the original withholding tax rate of 7 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent as applicable, will be effectively increased to 7.147 percent, 15.315 percent and 20.42 percent, respectively, during the period beginning on January 1, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2037.

As of the date of this document, Japan has income tax treaties, conventions or agreements in force, whereby the above-mentioned withholding tax rate is reduced, in most cases to 15 percent or 10 percent for portfolio investors (15 percent under the income tax treaties with, among other countries, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain and Sweden, and 10 percent under the income tax treaties with Australia, France, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the U.K. and the United States). Under the Treaty, the maximum rate of Japanese withholding tax that may be imposed on dividends paid by a Japanese corporation to a U.S. holder that does not own directly or indirectly at least 10 percent of the voting stock of the Japanese corporation is generally reduced to 10 percent of the gross amount actually distributed, and dividends paid by a Japanese corporation to a U.S. holder that is a pension fund are exempt from Japanese income taxation by way of withholding or otherwise unless such dividends are derived from the carrying on of a business, directly or indirectly, by such pension fund.

If the maximum tax rate provided for in the income tax treaty applicable to dividends paid by Sony Corporation to any particular non-resident Holder is lower than the withholding tax rate otherwise applicable under Japanese tax law, or if any particular non-resident Holder is exempt from Japanese income tax with respect to such dividends under the income tax treaty applicable to such particular non-resident Holder, such non-resident Holder who is entitled to a reduced rate of or exemption from Japanese withholding tax on payment of dividends on shares of Common Stock by Sony Corporation is required to submit an Application Form for Income Tax Convention Regarding Relief from Japanese Income Tax on Dividends (together with any other required forms and documents) in advance through the withholding agent to the relevant tax authority before the payment of dividends. A standing proxy for non-resident Holders of a Japanese corporation may provide this application service. With respect to ADSs, this reduced rate or exemption is applicable if the depositary or its agent submits two Application Forms (one before payment of dividends and the other within eight months after the record date concerning such payment of dividends). To claim this reduced rate or exemption, a non-resident Holder of ADSs will be required to file a proof of taxpayer status, residence and beneficial ownership (as applicable) and to provide other information or documents as may be required by the depositary. A non-resident Holder who is entitled, under an applicable income tax treaty, to a reduced rate which is lower than the withholding tax rate otherwise applicable under Japanese tax law or an exemption from the withholding tax, but

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failed to submit the required application in advance will be entitled to claim the refund of taxes withheld in excess of the rate under an applicable tax treaty (if such non-resident Holder is entitled to a reduced treaty rate under the applicable income tax treaty) or the full amount of tax withheld (if such non-resident Holder is entitled to an exemption under the applicable income tax treaty) from the relevant Japanese tax authority, by complying with a certain subsequent filing procedure. Sony Corporation does not assume any responsibility to ensure withholding at the reduced treaty rate or to ensure not withholding for shareholders who would be so eligible under any applicable income tax treaty but where the required procedures as stated above are not followed.

Gains derived from the sale of shares of Common Stock or ADSs of Sony Corporation outside Japan by a non-resident Holder holding such shares or ADSs as portfolio investors are, in general, not subject to Japanese income tax or corporation tax under Japanese tax law. U.S. holders are not subject to Japanese income or corporation tax with respect to such gains under the Treaty.

Japanese inheritance tax and gift tax at progressive rates may be payable by an individual who has acquired from another individual shares of Common Stock or ADSs of Sony Corporation as a legatee, heir or donee even though neither the acquiring individual nor the deceased nor donor is a Japanese resident.

Holders of shares of Common Stock or ADSs of Sony Corporation 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 U.S. and Japan.

United States Taxation with respect to shares of Common Stock and ADSs

The U.S. dollar amount of dividends received (prior to deduction of Japanese taxes) by a U.S. holder of ADSs or Common Stock of Sony Corporation will be included 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 certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual prior to January 1, 2013 with respect to the ADSs or Common Stock will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15 percent if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Dividends paid on the ADSs or Common Stock will be treated as qualified dividends if Sony Corporation was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). Based on Sony Corporation’s audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, Sony Corporation believes that it was not treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to its 2011 taxable year. In addition, based on Sony Corporation’s audited financial statements and Sony Corporation’s current expectations regarding the value and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income, and relevant market and shareholder data, Sony Corporation does not anticipate becoming a PFIC for the 2012 taxable year. The U.S. Treasury has announced its intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which holders of ADSs or Common Stock and intermediaries through whom such securities are held will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to treat dividends as qualified for tax reporting purposes. Because such procedures have not yet been issued, it is not clear whether Sony Corporation will be able to comply with them. Holders of ADSs and Common Stock of Sony Corporation should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of the considerations discussed above and their own particular circumstances.

Subject to applicable limitations and special considerations discussed below, a U.S. holder of ADSs or Common Stock of Sony Corporation will be entitled to a credit for Japanese tax withheld in accordance with the Treaty from dividends paid by Sony Corporation. For purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation, dividends will be foreign source income, and will generally constitute “passive” income. Foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term of hedged positions and may not be allowed in respect of arrangements in which economic profit, after non-U.S. taxes, is insubstantial. Holders of ADSs and Common Stock should consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of these rules in light of their particular circumstances.

Dividends paid by Sony Corporation to U.S. corporate holders of ADSs or Common Stock of Sony Corporation will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

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In general, a U.S. holder will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Stock of Sony Corporation equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or disposition and the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the ADSs or Common Stock. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the ADSs or Common Stock have been held for more than one year on the date of the sale or disposition. The net amount of long-term capital gain recognized by an individual holder before January 1, 2013 generally is subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15 percent. The net long-term capital gain recognized by an individual holder after December 31, 2012 generally is subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 20 percent.

Under the Code, a U.S. holder of ADSs or Common Stock of Sony Corporation may be subject, under certain circumstances, to information reporting and possibly backup withholding with respect to dividends and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Stock, unless the U.S. holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or correct taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules is not additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the U.S. holder’s federal income tax liability, so long as the required information is furnished to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

F. Dividends and Paying Agent

Not Applicable

G. Statement by Experts

Not Applicable

H. Documents on Display

It is possible to read and copy documents referred to in this annual report on Form 20-F that have been filed with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. You can also access the documents at the SEC’s home page (http://www.sec.gov/index.html).

I. Subsidiary Information

Not Applicable

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Sony’s business is continuously exposed to market fluctuation, such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates or stock prices. Sony utilizes several derivative instruments, such as foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, interest rate swap agreements and currency swap agreements in order to hedge the potential downside risk on the cash flow from the normal course of business caused by market fluctuation. Sony uses foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts primarily to reduce the foreign exchange volatility risk that accounts receivable or accounts payable denominated in yen, U.S. dollars, euros or other currencies have through the normal course of Sony’s worldwide business. Interest rate swap agreements and currency swap agreements are utilized to diversify funding conditions or to reduce funding costs, and in the Financial Services segment, these transactions are used for asset liability management. Sony uses these derivative financial instruments mainly for risk-hedging purposes as described above, and few derivative transactions, such as bond futures and bond options are held or utilized for trading purposes in the Financial Services segment. If hedge accounting cannot be applied because the accounts receivable or accounts payable to be hedged are not yet booked, or because cash flows from derivative transactions do not coincide with the underlying exposures recorded on Sony’s balance sheet, such derivatives agreements are subject to a mark-to-market evaluation and their unrealized gains or losses are recognized in earnings. In addition, Sony holds marketable securities such as straight bonds, and stocks in yen or other currencies in the Financial Services

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segment in order to obtain interest income or capital gain on the financial assets under management and these securities include a concentration of investments in long-term Japanese national government bonds, for which Sony monitors the related credit ratings and other market information on an ongoing basis. Investments in marketable securities are also subject to market fluctuation.

Sony measures the economic impact of market fluctuations on the value of derivatives agreements and marketable securities by using Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) analysis in order to comply with Item 11 disclosure requirements. VaR in this context indicates 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.

The following table shows the results of VaR. These analyses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 indicate the potential maximum loss in fair value as predicted by the VaR analysis resulting from market fluctuations in one day at a 95 percent 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 U.S. dollar and between the yen and the euro, the currencies in which a significant amount of financial assets and liabilities and derivative transactions are maintained on a consolidated basis. The VaR of interest rate risk and stock price risk consists of risks arising from the volatility of the interest rates and stock prices against invested securities and derivatives transactions in the Financial Services segment.

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, and potential profits and losses arising from each market risk may to some degree be mutually offsetting.

The disclosed VaR amounts simply represent the calculated potential maximum loss on the specified date and do not necessarily indicate an estimate of actual or future loss.

Consolidated

	June 30, 2011	September 30, 2011	December 31, 2011	March 31, 2012
	(Yen in billions)
Net VaR	1.1	2.2	1.0	1.3
VaR of currency exchange rate risk	1.2	2.3	1.0	1.3
VaR of interest rate risk	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2
VaR of stock price risk	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Financial Services

	June 30, 2011	September 30, 2011	December 31, 2011	March 31, 2012
	(Yen in billions)
Net VaR	0.6	1.0	0.6	1.0
VaR of currency exchange rate risk	0.7	1.1	0.6	1.1
VaR of interest rate risk	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2
VaR of stock price risk	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Sony without the Financial Services segment

	June 30, 2011	September 30, 2011	December 31, 2011	March 31, 2012
	(Yen in billions)
Net VaR	0.6	1.3	0.6	0.4
VaR of currency exchange rate risk	0.6	1.3	0.6	0.4
VaR of interest rate risk	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
VaR of stock price risk	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

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Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

A. Debt Securities

Not Applicable

B. Warrants and Rights

Not Applicable

C. Other Securities

Not Applicable

D. American Depositary Shares

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Depositary”) serves as the depositary for Sony Corporation’s ADSs. ADS holders are required to pay various fees to the Depositary and the Depositary may refuse to provide any service for which a fee is assessed until the applicable fee has been paid. The following fees may at any time and from time to time be changed by agreement between Sony Corporation and the Depositary.

Under the terms of the depositary agreement, ADS holders are required to pay the Depositary an annual fee of 0.05 U.S. dollar per ADS (or portion thereof) for administering the ADS program, and amounts in respect of expenses incurred by the Depositary or its agents on behalf of ADS holders, except expenses arising from (i) compliance with applicable law, taxes or other governmental charges, (ii) cable, telex or facsimile transmission, (iii) transfer or registration in connection with the deposit or withdrawal of deposited securities, and (iv) conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars. In each case, the fee may be charged on a periodic basis and the Depositary may decide in its sole discretion to seek payment by either billing holders or by deducting the fee from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions.

Under the terms of the depositary agreement, ADS holders are required to pay additional fees for certain services provided by the Depositary, as set forth in the table below.

Depositary service	Fee payable by ADS holders
Cash distribution of dividends	0.05 U.S. dollar or less per ADS
Transfers of ADRs	1.50 U.S. dollars per ADS

ADS holders also may be required to pay additional fees for certain services provided by the Depositary, as set forth in the table below.

Depositary service	Fee payable by ADS holders
Issuance and delivery of ADRs, including in connection with share distributions, sales and stock splits	5.00 U.S. dollars for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)
Distribution or sale of securities other than ADRs	5.00 U.S. dollars for each 100 shares
Withdrawal, cancellation or reduction of shares underlying ADSs	5.00 U.S. dollars per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)

Direct and Indirect Payments by the Depositary to Sony

The Depositary reimburses Sony for certain expenses Sony incurs in connection with its ADR program, subject to a ceiling agreed upon by Sony and the Depositary from time to time. These reimbursable expenses currently include legal and accounting fees, listing fees, investor relations expenses and fees payable to service providers for the distribution of material to ADR holders. For the year ended March 31, 2012, such reimbursements totaled approximately 2.1 million U.S. dollars.

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In addition, as part of its service to Sony, the Depositary waives fees for the standard costs associated with the administration of the ADR program, associated operating expenses, investor relations advice and access to an internet-based tool used in Sony’s investor relations activities. For the year ended March 31, 2012, the amount of these indirect payments was estimated to total 0.2 million U.S. dollars.

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

None

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

None

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

Item 15(a). Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Sony has carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of Sony’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Sony’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of March 31, 2012. Disclosure controls and procedures require that information to be disclosed in the reports Sony files or submits under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required, within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Sony’s management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon Sony’s evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Item 15(b). Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Sony’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sony’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Sony’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Sony;

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of Sony are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and

(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Sony’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

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Sony’s management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of Sony’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012, an assessment of internal control over financial reporting of Sony Mobile Communications AB, which became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony on February 15, 2012. Sony Mobile Communications AB had total assets of 347.0 billion yen and total sales and operating revenue of 77.7 billion yen for the period from February 16, 2012 to March 31, 2012 that were reflected in Sony’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Sony’s management evaluated the effectiveness of Sony’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012 based on the criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on the evaluation, management has concluded that Sony maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012.

Sony’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata, has issued an audit report on Sony’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012, presented on page (F-2).

Item 15(c). Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

Refer to the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on page (F-2).

Item 15(d). Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in Sony’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Sony’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16. [Reserved]

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Sony’s Board of Directors has determined that Takaaki Nimura and Kanemitsu Anraku each qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition, both are determined to be independent as defined under the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Corporate Governance Standards.

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

Sony has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The code of ethics applies to Sony’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, chief accounting officer and persons performing similar functions, as well as to directors and all other officers and employees of Sony, as defined in the code of ethics. The code of ethics is available at http://www.sony.net/code

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table presents fees for audit and other services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012.

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011		2012
	Yen in millions
Audit Fees(1)		3,976		3,751
Audit-Related Fees(2)		268		245
Tax Fees(3)		2		6
All Other Fees(4)		62		67
		4,308		4,069

134

(1) Audit Fees consist of fees billed for the annual audit services engagement and other audit services, which are those services that only the external auditor can provide.

(2) Audit-Related Fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services, and primarily include advisory services relating to the implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards, as well as audit services relating to benefit plans and audit services relating to business acquisitions and dispositions.

(3) Tax Fees primarily consist of fees for tax advice.

(4) All Other Fees comprises fees primarily for services rendered with respect to advisory services.

Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Consistent with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules regarding auditor independence, Sony Corporation’s Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, reviewing and setting compensation, retaining, and overseeing the work of Sony’s independent auditor, so that the auditor’s independence will not be impaired. The Audit Committee established a formal policy requiring pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditor to Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries. The Audit Committee periodically reviews this policy with due regard for compliance with laws and regulations of host countries where Sony Corporation is listed.

Prior to the engagement of the independent auditor for the following fiscal year’s audit, management submits an application form to the Audit Committee for comprehensive pre-approval of all recurring services expected to be rendered during that year. In order to obtain comprehensive pre-approval, management provides sufficient information regarding each service so that each service can be classified into one of four categories (Audit, Audit-Related, Tax, or All Other) as well as information regarding the fees expected to be budgeted for each service. Management describes each service in detail and indicates precisely and unambiguously the nature and scope of each particular service. Any additional services not contemplated in the application form require the Audit Committee’s separate pre-approval on an individual basis. The Audit Committee approves, if necessary, any changes in terms, conditions and fees, resulting from changes in the scope of services to be provided or from other circumstances. The Audit Committee Chair retains pre-approval authority and evaluates items for approval on a request basis. The Audit Committee or its designee establishes procedures to assure that the independent auditor is aware in a timely manner of the services that have been pre-approved.

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not Applicable

135

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table sets out information concerning purchases made by Sony Corporation during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Period	(a) Total number of shares purchased		(b) Average price paid  per share (yen)		(c) Total number of shares  purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs	(d) Maximum number of shares  that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
April 1 — 30, 2011		1,148		2,556.89	N/A	N/A
May 1 — 31, 2011		1,247		2,297.21	N/A	N/A
June 1 — 30, 2011		1,980		2,025.11	N/A	N/A
July 1 — 31, 2011		1,822		2,121.56	N/A	N/A
August 1 — 31, 2011		1,421		1,822.39	N/A	N/A
September 1 — 30, 2011		1,105		1,549.40	N/A	N/A
October 1 — 31, 2011		1,016		1,507.41	N/A	N/A
November 1 — 30, 2011		1,128		1,413.69	N/A	N/A
December 1 — 31, 2011		1,613		1,377.95	N/A	N/A
January 1 — 31, 2012		1,408		1,360.90	N/A	N/A
February 1 — 29, 2012		2,089		1,487.54	N/A	N/A
March 1 — 31, 2012		1,723		1,735.81	N/A	N/A
Total		17,700		1,770.63	N/A	N/A

Under the Companies Act, a holder of shares constituting less than one full unit may require Sony Corporation to purchase such shares at their market value (Refer to “B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Capital stock — (Unit share system)” in “Item 10. Additional Information”). During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony Corporation purchased 17,700 shares of Common Stock for a total purchase price of 31,340,067 yen upon such requests from holders of shares constituting less than one full unit.

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not Applicable

Item 16G. Disclosure About Differences in Corporate Governance

The table below discloses the significant ways in which Sony’s corporate governance practices differ from those required for U.S. companies under the listing standards of the NYSE. As a foreign private issuer listed on the NYSE, Sony is exempt from most of the exchange’s corporate governance standards requirements. For further information on Sony’s corporate governance practices and history, please refer to “Board Practices” in “Item 6. Director, Senior Management and Employees.” In the table below, any reference to “Sony” shall mean Sony Corporation.

NYSE Standards

Sony’s Corporate Governance Practices

Board Independence. A majority of board directors must be independent.

Sony has adopted the “Company with Committees” system under the Companies Act. Sony’s Charter of the Board of Directors (attached as an exhibit [1.3] to this report) requires its board to consist of between 10 to 20 directors. The Companies Act does not require Sony to have a majority of “independent” (in the meaning given by the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards) directors on its board; rather, it requires Sony to have a majority of “outside” directors (the definition of the

136

NYSE Standards	Sony’s Corporate Governance Practices
	term “outside” director is summarized below) on each of three statutory committees (the Nominating Committee, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee).
Director Independence. A director is not independent if such director is (i) a person who the board determines has a material direct or indirect relationship with the company, its parent or a consolidated subsidiary; (ii) a person who, within the last three years, has been an employee of the company or has an immediate family member of an executive officer of the company, its parent or a consolidated subsidiary; (iii) a person who had received, or whose immediate family member had received, during any 12 month period within the last three years, more than 120,000 U.S. dollars per year in direct compensation from the company, its parent or a consolidated subsidiary, other than director and committee fees or deferred compensation for prior services (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service); (iv) (A) a person who is, or whose immediate family member is, a current partner or employee of a firm that is the company’s internal or external auditor; (B) a person whose immediate family member is a partner of such a firm; (C) a person who has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and who personally participates in the firm’s audit, assurance or tax compliance (but not tax planning) practice; or (D) a person who was, or has an immediate family member who was, within the last three years, a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on the listed company’s audit within that time; (v) a person who is, or whose immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the listed company’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company’s compensation committee; or (vi) an executive officer or employee of a company, or has an immediate family member of an executive officer of a company, that makes payments to, or receives payments from, the listed company, its parent or a consolidated subsidiary for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of 1 million U.S. dollars or 2 percent of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues.	“Outside” director is defined in the Companies Act as: A director (i) who is not a director of the company or any of its subsidiaries engaged in the business operations of the company or such subsidiary, as the case may be, or a corporate executive officer or a general manager or other employee of the company or any of its subsidiaries, and (ii) who has never been a director of the company or any of its subsidiaries engaged in the business operations of the company or such subsidiary, as the case may be, or a corporate executive officer or a general manager or other employee of the company or any of its subsidiaries. Under the Companies Act, a director’s status as an “outside” director is unaffected by the director’s compensation, his or her affiliation with business partners, or the board’s affirmative determination of independence. On the other hand, under the Companies Act, a director who has had a career as a management director, corporate executive officer, or other employee of the company or its subsidiaries is by definition not an “outside” director. Sony’s Charter of the Board of Directors includes a provision requiring that each “outside” director: Shall not have received directly from Sony Group, during any consecutive 12 month period within the last three years, more than an amount equivalent to 120,000 U.S. dollars, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service); (ii) Shall not be a director, a statutory auditor, a corporate executive officer, a general manager or other employees of any company whose aggregate amount of transactions with Sony Group, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of an amount equivalent to 1,000,000 U.S. dollars, or 2 percent of the annual consolidated sales of such company; and (iii) Shall not be, or shall not have been, a director engaged in the business operation, a corporate executive officer, an accounting counselor, a general

137

NYSE Standards

Sony’s Corporate Governance Practices

manager or other employees of Sony or its subsidiaries*. (* This provision of the Charter is based on the definition of “outside” director under the Companies Act.) In addition, the Securities Listing Regulations of the Tokyo Stock Exchange require Sony to have at least one “Independent Director” on the Board of Directors. “Independent Director” is defined in the Securities Listing Regulations of the Tokyo Stock Exchange as an “outside” director who is unlikely to have conflicts of interest with shareholders. According to the guidelines of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, if a person falls in any of the categories listed below, such person, in principle, will be considered to have a conflict of interest with shareholders of the listed company. (1)    A person who executes business of (a) a parent company or (b) a fellow subsidiary of the listed company; (2)    (a)   A person for which the listed company is a major client or a person who executes business of a person for which the listed company is a major client, or (b)    a major client of the listed company or a person who executes business of a major client of the listed company; (3)    A consultant, accounting professional, or legal professional (or, if such consultant, accounting professional, or legal professional is a juridical person, a member of such juridical person) of the listed company who receives a large amount of money or other consideration other than remuneration for directorship/auditorship from such listed company; (4)    A person who has fallen in any of categories (1) through (3) listed above until recently; or (5)    A close relative of a person who falls in to any of categories (a) through (c) listed below (only if such person is significant): (a)    A person who falls in to any of (1) through (4) listed above; (b)    A person who executes business of the listed company or its subsidiary ; or (c)    A person who has fallen into category (b) above until recently. As of June 27, 2012, 10 of the 14 members of Sony’s Board of Directors qualified as “outside” directors. In

138

NYSE Standards	Sony’s Corporate Governance Practices
	addition, all 10 “outside” directors are qualified and designated as “Independent Directors” under the Securities Listing Regulations of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Executive Sessions. Non-management directors must meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. Independent directors should meet alone in an executive session at least once a year.	An “outside” director, as defined under the Companies Act, is equivalent to a “non-management director” under the NYSE rules because an “outside” director does not engage in the execution of business operations of the company. Neither the Companies Act nor Sony’s Charter of the Board of Directors requires non-management directors to meet regularly without management and nothing requires outside directors to meet alone in an executive session at least once a year.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee. A nominating/corporate governance committee of independent directors is required. The committee must have a charter that addresses the purpose, responsibilities (including development of corporate governance guidelines) and annual performance evaluation of the committee.	Sony’s Nominating Committee consists of at least five directors. Under the Companies Act, the Committee is responsible for determining the contents of proposals regarding the appointment and dismissal of directors to be submitted for approval to the shareholders’ meeting. Unlike listed U.S. companies under NYSE rules, it is not responsible for developing governance guidelines or overseeing the evaluation of the board and management. Under the Companies Act, a majority of its members must be “outside” directors, as defined under the Companies Act. Sony’s Charter of the Board of Directors requires at least two of the directors on the Committee to be corporate executive officers.
Compensation Committee. A compensation committee of independent directors is required. The committee must have a charter that addresses the purpose, responsibilities and annual performance evaluation of the committee.	Sony’s Compensation Committee consists of at least three directors. Under the Companies Act, a majority of its members must be “outside” directors, as defined under the Companies Act. Sony’s Charter of the Board of Directors recommends that at least one of the directors on the Committee be a corporate executive officer. The Charter prohibits the CEO and/or the COO (or a person at any equivalent position) from serving on the Compensation Committee. Under the Companies Act, the Committee is responsible for, among others, determining the compensation of each director and corporate executive officer.

139

NYSE Standards	Sony’s Corporate Governance Practices
Audit Committee. An audit committee satisfying the independence and other requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The committee must have at least three members. All members must be independent. The committee must have a charter addressing the committee’s purpose, an annual performance evaluation of the committee and the duties and responsibilities of the committee.	Sony’s Audit Committee consists of at least three directors. Under the Companies Act, a majority of its members must be “outside” directors, as defined under the Companies Act. In addition, pursuant to the Companies Act, no member of the Committee shall be a director of the company or any of its subsidiaries who is engaged in the business operations of the company or such subsidiary, as the case may be, or a corporate executive officer of the company or any of its subsidiaries, or an accounting counselor, general manager or other employee of any of such subsidiaries. Sony’s Charter of the Board of Directors also requires each member of the Audit Committee to meet the independence requirements of the applicable U.S. securities laws and regulations, and requires at least one member to meet the audit committee financial expert requirements. Currently, all the members of Sony’s Audit Committee are also “independent” as defined in the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards, and two members of the Committee are qualified as audit committee financial experts. Sony’s Charter of the Board of Directors discourages any Audit Committee member from concurrently being a member of other Committees.
Equity Compensation Plans. Equity compensation plans require shareholder approval, subject to limited exemptions.	Under the Companies Act, if Sony wishes to adopt an equity compensation plan under which stock acquisition rights are granted on specially favorable conditions, except where all of its shareholders are granted rights to subscribe for such stock acquisition rights or such stock acquisition rights are gratuitously allocated to all of its shareholders, each on a pro rata basis, then Sony must obtain shareholder approval by a “special resolution” of a general meeting of shareholders, where the quorum is one-third of the total number of voting rights of all of its shareholders and the approval by at least two-thirds of the number of voting rights of all the shareholders represented at the meeting is required under Sony’s Articles of Incorporation.
Corporate Governance Guidelines. Corporate governance guidelines must be adopted and disclosed.	Sony is required to disclose the status of its corporate governance under the Companies Act, Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and its related regulations, and the Securities Listing Regulations of the Tokyo Stock Exchange; however, Sony does not have corporate governance guidelines that cover all

140

NYSE Standards	Sony’s Corporate Governance Practices
	the requirements described in the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards, as many of the provisions do not apply to Sony. Details of the status are posted on the following website: http://www.sony.net /SonyInfo/IR/library/control.html
Code of Ethics. A code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees must be adopted and disclosed, along with any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers.	Although this provision of the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards does not apply to Sony, Sony has adopted a code of conduct to be observed by all its directors, officers and other employees. The code of conduct is available at http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/csr/management/ compliance/code_of_conduct.pdf The code’s content covers principal items described in the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards.

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not Applicable

Item 17. Financial Statements

Not Applicable

Item 18. Financial Statements

Refer to the consolidated financial statements.

141

Item 19. Exhibits

Documents filed as exhibits to this annual report:

1.1	Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation (English Translation), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Sony’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 (Commission file number 001-06439) filed on June 28, 2010
1.2	Share Handling Regulations (English Translation), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to Sony’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 (Commission file number 001-06439) filed on June 28, 2010
1.3	Charter of the Board of Directors (English Translation), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.3 to Sony’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 (Commission file number 001-06439) filed on June 28, 2010
8.1	Significant subsidiaries (as defined in §210.1-02(w) of Regulation S-X) of Sony Corporation, including additional subsidiaries that management has deemed to be significant, as of March 31, 2012: Incorporated by reference to “Business Overview” and “Organizational Structure” in “Item 4. Information on the Company”
12.1	302 Certification
12.2	302 Certification
13.1	906 Certification
15.1(a)	Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata
15.1(b)	Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers

142

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

SONY CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:	/s/  MASARU KATO
	(Signature)
	Masaru Kato
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: June 27, 2012

143

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2011 and 2012		F-4
Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012		F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012		F-8
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012		F-10
Index to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-13
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-14
Financial Statement Schedule II for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts		F-101

************************************************************************

Consolidated Financial Statements of Sony Mobile Communications AB	A-1
Report of Independent Auditors	A-30

Consolidated Financial Statements of Sony Mobile Communications AB are provided pursuant to Regulation S-X Rule 3-09.

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Sony

Corporation (Sony Kabushiki Kaisha)

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at March 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Sony Mobile Communications AB from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012, because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during the year ended March 31, 2012. We have also excluded Sony Mobile Communications AB from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Sony Mobile Communications AB is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and total sales and operating revenue represent 347.0 billion yen and 77.7 billion yen, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended March 31, 2012.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata

Tokyo, Japan

May 31, 2012

F-2

[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

F-3

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31

	Yen in millions
	2011			2012
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		1,014,412			894,576
Marketable securities		646,171			680,913
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		834,221			840,924
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns		(90,531	)		(71,009	)
Inventories		704,043			707,052
Other receivables		215,181			202,044
Deferred income taxes		133,059			36,769
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		387,490			463,693
Total current assets		3,844,046			3,754,962
Film costs		275,389			270,048
Investments and advances:
Affiliated companies		221,993			36,800
Securities investments and other		5,670,662			6,282,676
		5,892,655			6,319,476
Property, plant and equipment:
Land		145,968			139,413
Buildings		868,615			817,730
Machinery and equipment		2,016,956			1,957,134
Construction in progress		53,219			35,648
		3,084,758			2,949,925
Less — Accumulated depreciation		2,159,890			2,018,927
		924,868			930,998
Other assets:
Intangibles, net		391,122			503,699
Goodwill		469,005			576,758
Deferred insurance acquisition costs		428,262			441,236
Deferred income taxes		300,702			100,460
Other		385,073			398,030
		1,974,164			2,020,183
Total assets		12,911,122			13,295,667

(Continued on following page.)

F-4

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

	Yen in millions
	2011			2012
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		53,737			99,878
Current portion of long-term debt		109,614			310,483
Notes and accounts payable, trade		793,275			758,680
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses		1,013,037			1,073,241
Accrued income and other taxes		87,396			63,396
Deposits from customers in the banking business		1,647,752			1,761,137
Other		430,488			463,166
Total current liabilities		4,135,299			4,529,981
Long-term debt		812,235			762,226
Accrued pension and severance costs		271,320			309,375
Deferred income taxes		306,227			284,499
Future insurance policy benefits and other		2,924,121			3,208,843
Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business		1,301,252			1,449,644
Other		204,766			240,978
Total liabilities		9,955,220			10,785,546
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		19,323			20,014
Commitments and contingent liabilities
EQUITY
Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value —
2011 — Shares authorized: 3,600,000,000, shares issued: 1,004,636,664		630,921
2012 — Shares authorized: 3,600,000,000, shares issued: 1,004,638,164					630,923
Additional paid-in capital		1,159,666			1,160,236
Retained earnings		1,566,274			1,084,462
Accumulated other comprehensive income —
Unrealized gains on securities, net		50,336			64,882
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net		(1,589	)		(1,050	)
Pension liability adjustment		(152,165	)		(186,833	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(700,786	)		(719,092	)
		(804,204	)		(842,093	)
Treasury stock, at cost
Common stock
2011 — 1,051,588 shares		(4,670	)
2012 — 1,061,803 shares					(4,637	)
		2,547,987			2,028,891
Noncontrolling interests		388,592			461,216
Total equity		2,936,579			2,490,107
Total liabilities and equity		12,911,122			13,295,667

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-5

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

Fiscal year ended March 31

	Yen in millions
	2010			2011			2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Net sales		6,293,005			6,304,401			5,526,611
Financial services revenue		838,300			798,495			868,971
Other operating revenue		82,693			78,377			97,630
		7,213,998			7,181,273			6,493,212
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales		4,892,563			4,831,363			4,386,447
Selling, general and administrative		1,544,890			1,501,813			1,375,887
Financial services expenses		671,550			675,788			736,050
Other operating (income) expense, net		42,988			(13,450	)		(59,594	)
		7,151,991			6,995,514			6,438,790
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(30,235	)		14,062			(121,697	)
Operating income (loss)		31,772			199,821			(67,275	)
Other income:
Interest and dividends		13,191			11,783			15,101
Gain on sale of securities investments, net		9,953			14,325			671
Foreign exchange gain, net		—			9,297			—
Other		20,690			9,561			7,706
		43,834			44,966			23,478
Other expenses:
Interest		22,505			23,909			23,432
Loss on devaluation of securities investments		2,946			7,669			3,604
Foreign exchange loss, net		10,876			—			5,089
Other		12,367			8,196			7,264
		48,694			39,774			39,389
Income (loss) before income taxes		26,912			205,013			(83,186	)
Income taxes:
Current		79,120			117,918			108,545
Deferred		(65,162	)		307,421			206,694
		13,958			425,339			315,239
Net income (loss)		12,954			(220,326	)		(398,425	)
Less — Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		53,756			39,259			58,235
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(40,802	)		(259,585	)		(456,660	)

(Continued on following page.)

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Consolidated Statements of Income (Continued)

	Yen
	2010			2011			2012
Per share data:
Common stock
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders
— Basic		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)
— Diluted		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)
Cash dividends		25.00			25.00			25.00

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-7

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Fiscal year ended March 31

	Yen in millions
	2010			2011			2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)		12,954			(220,326	)		(398,425	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities —
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs		371,004			325,366			319,594
Amortization of film costs		277,665			250,192			188,836
Stock-based compensation expense		2,202			1,952			1,952
Accrual for pension and severance costs, less payments		(9,763	)		(15,229	)		36,647
Other operating (income) expense, net		42,988			(13,450	)		(59,594	)
(Gain) loss on sale or devaluation of securities investments, net		(7,007	)		(6,656	)		2,933
(Gain) loss on revaluation of marketable securities held in the financial services business for trading purposes, net		(49,837	)		10,958			(21,080	)
(Gain) loss on revaluation or impairment of securities investments held in the financial services business, net		(53,984	)		5,080			2,819
Deferred income taxes		(65,162	)		307,421			206,694
Equity in net (income) loss of affiliated companies, net of dividends		36,183			(11,479	)		138,772
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in notes and accounts receivable, trade		(53,306	)		104,515			4,427
(Increase) decrease in inventories		148,584			(112,089	)		29,778
Increase in film costs		(296,819	)		(244,063	)		(186,783	)
Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable, trade		262,032			(18,119	)		(59,410	)
Increase (decrease) in accrued income and other taxes		71,939			(8,020	)		(44,635	)
Increase in future insurance policy benefits and other		284,972			278,897			332,728
Increase in deferred insurance acquisition costs		(71,999	)		(69,196	)		(68,634	)
Increase in marketable securities held in the financial services business for trading purposes		(8,335	)		(30,102	)		(39,161	)
Increase in other current assets		(32,405	)		(89,473	)		(35,181	)
Increase in other current liabilities		5,321			56,076			10,595
Other		45,680			113,990			156,667
Net cash provided by operating activities		912,907			616,245			519,539

(Continued on following page.)

F-8

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

	Yen in millions
	2010			2011			2012
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchases of fixed assets		(338,050	)		(253,688	)		(382,549	)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets		15,671			18,743			22,661
Payments for investments and advances by financial services business		(1,581,841	)		(1,458,912	)		(1,028,150	)
Payments for investments and advances (other than financial services business)		(41,838	)		(15,316	)		(28,021	)
Proceeds from sales or return of investments and collections of advances by financial services business		1,128,500			874,031			474,466
Proceeds from sales or return of investments and collections of advances (other than financial services business)		54,324			30,332			93,165
Proceeds from sales of businesses		22,084			99,335			8,430
Payment for Sony Ericsson acquisition, net of cash acquired		—			—			(71,843	)
Other		(4,854	)		(8,964	)		28,955
Net cash used in investing activities		(746,004	)		(714,439	)		(882,886	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		510,128			1,499			216,887
Payments of long-term debt		(144,105	)		(216,212	)		(112,043	)
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net		(250,252	)		6,120			(26,158	)
Increase in deposits from customers in the financial services business, net		276,454			229,327			211,597
Dividends paid		(25,085	)		(25,098	)		(25,078	)
Other		(2,126	)		(5,748	)		(7,869	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		365,014			(10,112	)		257,336
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(1,098	)		(68,890	)		(13,825	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		530,819			(177,196	)		(119,836	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year		660,789			1,191,608			1,014,412
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year		1,191,608			1,014,412			894,576
Supplemental data:
Cash paid during the fiscal year for —
Income taxes		60,022			116,376			127,643
Interest		19,821			20,583			20,276
Non-cash investing and financing activities —
Obtaining assets by entering into capital leases		2,553			3,738			56,403
Collections of deferred proceeds from sales of receivables —		—			153,550			132,636

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-9

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

	Yen in millions
	Common stock		Additional paid-in capital		Retained earnings			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Treasury stock, at cost			Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity			Noncontrolling interests			Total equity
Balance at March 31, 2009		630,765		1,155,034		1,916,951			(733,443	)		(4,654	)		2,964,653			251,949			3,216,602
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		57		57											114			6			120
Stock-based compensation				2,174											2,174						2,174
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)						(40,802	)								(40,802	)		53,756			12,954
Other comprehensive income, net of tax —
Unrealized gains on securities									32,267						32,267			16,527			48,794
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments									1,548						1,548			2			1,550
Pension liability adjustment									23,720						23,720			(27	)		23,693
Foreign currency translation adjustments									6,850						6,850			(343	)		6,507
Total comprehensive income															23,583			69,915			93,498
Dividends declared						(25,088	)								(25,088	)		(5,399	)		(30,487	)
Purchase of treasury stock												(139	)		(139	)					(139	)
Reissuance of treasury stock						(57	)					118			61						61
Transactions with noncontrolling interests shareholders and other				547											547			3,179			3,726
Balance at March 31, 2010		630,822		1,157,812		1,851,004			(669,058	)		(4,675	)		2,965,905			319,650			3,285,555

(Continued on following page.)

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)

	Yen in millions
	Common stock		Additional paid-in capital			Retained earnings			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Treasury stock, at cost			Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity			Noncontrolling interests			Total equity
Balance at March 31, 2010		630,822		1,157,812			1,851,004			(669,058	)		(4,675	)		2,965,905			319,650			3,285,555
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		99		99												198			22			220
Stock-based compensation				1,782												1,782						1,782
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)							(259,585	)								(259,585	)		39,259			(220,326	)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax —
Unrealized losses on securities										(12,001	)					(12,001	)		(3,516	)		(15,517	)
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments										(1,553	)					(1,553	)					(1,553	)
Pension liability adjustment										(3,176	)					(3,176	)		(123	)		(3,299	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments										(118,416	)					(118,416	)		(616	)		(119,032	)
Total comprehensive income (loss)																(394,731	)		35,004			(359,727	)
Stock issue costs, net of tax							(8	)								(8	)					(8	)
Dividends declared							(25,089	)								(25,089	)		(6,599	)		(31,688	)
Purchase of treasury stock													(111	)		(111	)					(111	)
Reissuance of treasury stock							(48	)					116			68						68
Transactions with noncontrolling interests shareholders and other				(27	)											(27	)		40,515			40,488
Balance at March 31, 2011		630,921		1,159,666			1,566,274			(804,204	)		(4,670	)		2,547,987			388,592			2,936,579

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)

	Yen in millions
	Common stock		Additional paid-in capital			Retained earnings			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Treasury stock, at cost			Sony Corporation’s stockholders’ equity			Noncontrolling interests			Total equity
Balance at March 31, 2011		630,921		1,159,666			1,566,274			(804,204	)		(4,670	)		2,547,987			388,592			2,936,579
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		2		2												4			165			169
Stock-based compensation				1,838												1,838						1,838
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)							(456,660	)								(456,660	)		58,235			(398,425	)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax —
Unrealized gains on securities										14,546						14,546			6,011			20,557
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments										539						539						539
Pension liability adjustment										(34,668	)					(34,668	)		1,495			(33,173	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments										(18,306	)					(18,306	)		395			(17,911	)
Total comprehensive income (loss)																(494,549	)		66,136			(428,413	)
Stock issue costs, net of tax							(1	)								(1	)					(1	)
Dividends declared							(25,090	)								(25,090	)		(7,760	)		(32,850	)
Purchase of treasury stock													(79	)		(79	)					(79	)
Reissuance of treasury stock							(61	)					112			51						51
Transactions with noncontrolling interests shareholders and other				(1,270	)											(1,270	)		14,083			12,813
Balance at March 31, 2012		630,923		1,160,236			1,084,462			(842,093	)		(4,637	)		2,028,891			461,216			2,490,107

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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Index to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Sony Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries

		Page
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.	Nature of operations	F-14
2.	Summary of significant accounting policies	F-14
3.	Inventories	F-27
4.	Film costs	F-27
5.	Related party transactions	F-28
6.	Transfer of financial assets	F-31
7.	Marketable securities and securities investments	F-33
8.	Leased assets	F-35
9.	Goodwill and intangible assets	F-37
10.	Insurance-related accounts	F-39
11.	Short-term borrowings and long-term debt	F-41
12.	Housing loans and deposits from customers in the banking business	F-42
13.	Fair value measurements	F-43
14.	Derivative instruments and hedging activities	F-49
15.	Pension and severance plans	F-53
16.	Stockholders’ equity	F-62
17.	Stock-based compensation plans	F-65
18.	Great East Japan Earthquake and Thai Floods	F-67
19.	Restructuring charges and asset impairments	F-68
20.	Supplemental consolidated statements of income information	F-74
21.	Income taxes	F-75
22.	Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS	F-80
23.	Variable interest entities	F-80
24.	Acquisitions	F-83
25.	Divestitures	F-90
26.	Collaborative arrangements	F-91
27.	Commitments, contingent liabilities and other	F-91
28.	Business segment information	F-94

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Sony Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries

1. Nature of operations

Sony Corporation and its 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, professional and industrial markets as well as game consoles and software. Sony’s primary manufacturing facilities are located in Asia including Japan. Sony also utilizes third-party contract manufacturers for certain products. Sony’s products are marketed throughout the world by sales subsidiaries and unaffiliated distributors as well as direct sales via the Internet. Sony is engaged in the development, production and acquisition, manufacture, marketing, distribution and broadcasting of image-based software, including motion picture, home entertainment and television products. Sony is also engaged in the development, production, manufacture, and distribution of recorded music. Further, Sony is also engaged in various financial services businesses, including life and non-life insurance operations through its Japanese insurance subsidiaries and banking operations through a Japanese Internet-based banking subsidiary. In addition to the above, Sony is engaged in a network services business and an advertising agency business in Japan.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain adjustments and reclassifications have been incorporated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform with U.S. GAAP. These adjustments were not recorded in the statutory books and records as Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries in Japan maintain their records and prepare their statutory 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.

(1) Significant accounting policies:

Basis of consolidation and accounting for investments in affiliated companies -

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sony Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiary companies, general partnerships and other entities in which Sony has a controlling interest, and variable interest entities for which Sony is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated. Investments in business entities in which Sony does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, generally through 20-50% ownership, are accounted for under the equity method. In addition, investments in general partnerships in which Sony does not have a controlling interest and limited partnerships are also accounted for under the equity method if more than minor influence over the operation of the investee exists (generally through more than 3-5% ownership). When the interest in the partnership is so minor that Sony has no significant influence over the operation of the investee, the cost method is used. Under the equity method, investments are stated at cost plus/minus Sony’s portion of equity in undistributed earnings or losses. Sony’s equity in current earnings or losses of such entities is reported net of income taxes and is included in operating income (loss) after the elimination of unrealized intercompany profits. If the value of an investment has declined and is judged to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value.

On occasion, a consolidated subsidiary or an affiliated company accounted for by the equity method may issue its shares to third parties in either a public or private 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

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

earnings for the year the change in interest transaction occurs, while a change in interest of a consolidated subsidiary that does not result in a change in control is accounted for as a capital transaction and no gains or losses are recorded in earnings.

The excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies accounted for on an equity basis is allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on fair values at the date of acquisition. The unassigned residual value of the excess of the cost over Sony’s underlying net equity is recognized as goodwill as a component of the investment balance.

Use of estimates -

The preparation of the consolidated 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. The most significant estimates include those used in determining the valuation of investment securities, valuation of inventories, fair values of long-lived assets, fair values of goodwill, intangible assets and assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, product warranty liability, pension and severance plans, valuation of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, film costs, and insurance related liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Translation of foreign currencies -

All asset and liability accounts of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated into Japanese yen at appropriate fiscal year end current exchange rates and all income and expense accounts are translated at exchange 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. Upon remeasurement of a previously held equity interest in accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations achieved in stages, accumulated translation adjustments, if any, remain as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income as there has not been sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment.

Receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies are translated at appropriate fiscal year end exchange rates and the resulting translation gains or losses are taken into income.

Cash and cash equivalents -

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments, 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.

Marketable debt and equity securities -

Debt 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 fair 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.

Sony regularly evaluates its investment portfolio to identify other-than-temporary impairments of individual securities. Factors that are considered by Sony in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the length of time and extent to which the market value of the security has been less than

F-15

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

its original cost, the financial condition, operating results, business plans and estimated future cash flows of the issuer of the security, other specific factors affecting the market value, deterioration of the credit condition of the issuers, sovereign risk, and whether or not Sony is able to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for the anticipated recovery in market value.

In evaluating the factors for available-for-sale securities whose fair values are readily determinable, Sony presumes a decline in value to be other-than-temporary if the fair value of the security is 20 percent or more below its original cost for an extended period of time (generally for a period of up to six months). This criterion is employed as a threshold to identify securities which may have a decline in value that is other-than-temporary. The presumption of an other-than-temporary impairment in such cases may be overcome if there is evidence to support that the decline is temporary in nature due to the existence of other factors which overcome the duration or magnitude of the decline. On the other hand, there may be cases where impairment losses are recognized when the decline in the fair value of the security is not more than 20 percent or such decline has not existed for an extended period of time, as a result of considering specific factors which may indicate the decline in the fair value is other-than-temporary.

When an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security has occurred, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in income depends on whether Sony intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. If the debt security meets either of these two criteria, the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in income, measured as the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost and its fair value at the impairment measurement date. For other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities that do not meet these two criteria, the net amount recognized in income is a credit loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and its net present value calculated by discounting Sony’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any difference between the fair value and the net present value of the debt security at the impairment measurement date is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains or losses on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in income are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Equity securities in non-public companies -

Equity securities in non-public companies are primarily carried at cost if fair value is not readily determinable. If the carrying value of a non-public equity investment is estimated to have declined and such decline is judged to be other-than-temporary, Sony recognizes the impairment of the investment and the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Determination of impairment is based on the consideration of several factors, including operating results, business plans and estimated future cash flows. Fair value is determined through the use of various methodologies such as discounted cash flows, valuation of recent financings and comparable valuations of similar companies.

Allowance for doubtful accounts -

Sony maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. Sony reviews accounts receivable by amounts due by customers which are past due to identify specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In determining the amount of the reserve, Sony makes judgments about the creditworthiness of customers based on past collection experience and ongoing credit risk evaluations.

Inventories -

Inventories in the Consumer Products & Services, Professional, Device & Solutions and Music segments as well as non-film inventories for the Pictures segment 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

F-16

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

companies which is determined on the “first-in, first-out” basis, including the inventories in the Sony Mobile Communications segment. The market value of inventory is determined as the net realizable value - i.e., estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less predictable costs of completion and disposal. Sony does not consider a normal profit margin when calculating the net realizable value.

Other receivables -

Other receivables include receivables which relate to arrangements with certain component manufacturers whereby Sony procures goods, including product components, for these component manufacturers and is reimbursed for the related purchases. No revenue or profit is recognized on these transfers. Sony usually will repurchase the inventory at a later date from the component manufacturers as either finished goods inventory or as partially assembled product.

Film costs -

Film costs include direct production costs, production overhead and acquisition costs for both motion picture and television productions and are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated fair value and classified as noncurrent assets. Film costs are amortized and the estimated liabilities for residuals and participations are accrued using an individual-film-forecast method based on the ratio of current period actual revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues. Film costs also include broadcasting rights which consist of acquired programming to be aired on Sony’s worldwide channel network and are recognized when the license period begins and the program is available for use. Broadcasting rights are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value, classified as either current or noncurrent assets based on timing of expected use, and amortized based on estimated usage or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Estimates used in calculating the fair value of the film costs and the net realizable value of the broadcasting rights are based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions and are reviewed on a periodic basis.

Property, plant and equipment and depreciation -

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed on the declining-balance method for Sony Corporation and its Japanese subsidiaries, except for certain semiconductor manufacturing facilities and buildings whose depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment for foreign subsidiaries is also computed on the straight-line method. Useful lives for depreciation range from two to 50 years for buildings and from two 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.

Goodwill and other intangible assets -

Goodwill and certain other intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized and are tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Reporting units are Sony’s operating segments or one level below the operating segments. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is

F-17

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Fair value of reporting units and indefinite lived intangible assets is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates, determination of appropriate comparable entities and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. In addition to the estimates of future cash flows, two of the most significant estimates involved in the determination of fair value of the reporting units are the discount rates and perpetual growth rate applied to terminal values used in the discounted cash flow analysis. The discount rates used in the cash flow models for the goodwill impairment testing consider market and industry data as well as specific risk factors for each reporting unit. The perpetual growth rates for the individual reporting units, for purposes of the terminal value determination, are generally set after an initial three-year forecasted period, although certain reporting units utilized longer forecasted periods, and are based on historical experience, market and industry data.

Intangible assets with finite useful lives mainly consist of patent rights, know-how, license agreements, customer relationships, trademarks, software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed, music catalogs, artist contracts and television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements). Patent rights, know-how, license agreements, trademarks and software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed are generally amortized on a straight-line basis, generally, over three to eight years. Customer relationships, music catalogs, artist contracts and television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements) are amortized on a straight-line basis, generally, over 10 to 40 years.

Software to be sold, leased, or marketed -

Sony accounts for software development costs in accordance with accounting guidance for the costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed. The costs related to establishing the technological feasibility of a software product are expensed as incurred as a part of research and development in cost of sales. Costs that are incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility is established are capitalized and amortized to cost of sales over the estimated economic life, which is generally three years. The technological feasibility of game software is established when the product master is completed. Consideration to capitalize game software development costs before this point is limited to the development costs of games for which technological feasibility can be proven to be at an earlier stage. At each balance sheet date, Sony performs periodic reviews to ensure that unamortized capitalized software costs remain recoverable from future profits of the related software products.

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 include such items as commissions, medical examination costs and inspection report fees, and are subject to recoverability testing at least annually to ensure that the capitalized amounts do not exceed the present value of anticipated gross profits or premiums less benefits and maintenance expenses, as applicable. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related insurance policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy reserves. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for non-traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the expected life in proportion to the estimated gross profits.

Product warranty -

Sony provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The product warranty is calculated based upon product sales, estimated probability of failure and estimated cost per claim. The variables used in the calculation of the provision are reviewed on a periodic basis.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Certain subsidiaries in the Consumer Products & Services and Professional, Device & Solutions segments offer extended warranty programs. The consideration received for extended warranty service is deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the extended warranty.

Future insurance policy benefits -

Liabilities for future insurance policy benefits are primarily comprised of the present value of estimated future payments to policyholders. These liabilities are computed by the net level premium method based upon the assumptions, including future investment yield, morbidity, mortality, withdrawals and other factors. These assumptions are reviewed on a periodic basis. Liabilities for future insurance policy benefits also include liabilities for guaranteed benefits related to certain non-traditional life and annuity contracts.

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business -

Liabilities for policyholders’ account in the life insurance business represent the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholders as of the balance sheet date. This liability is generally equal to the accumulated account deposits, plus interest credited, less policyholder withdrawals and other charges assessed against the account balances.

Impairment of long-lived assets -

Sony reviews the recoverability of the carrying value of its long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, and assets to be disposed of, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the individual carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group with their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the cash flows are determined to be less than the carrying value of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss has occurred and the loss would be recognized during the period for the difference between the carrying value of the asset or asset group and estimated fair value. Long-lived assets that are to be disposed of other than by sale are considered held and used until they are disposed of. Long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less cost to sell and are not depreciated. Fair value is determined using the present value of estimated net cash flows or comparable market values. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates applied to determine terminal values, determination of appropriate market comparables and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables.

Fair value measurement -

Sony measures fair value as an exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of inputs to valuation techniques based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Sony’s assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable market data is used if such data is available without undue cost and effort. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of three levels which is determined by the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are:

Level 1	—	Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2	—	Inputs are based on observable inputs other than level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations, in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3	—	One or more significant inputs are unobservable.

When available, Sony uses unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets to measure fair value and classifies such items within level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates, currency rates and option volatilities. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation. For certain financial assets and liabilities, Sony determines fair value using third-party information such as indicative quotes from dealers and quantitative input from investment advisors following Sony’s established valuation procedures including validation against internally developed prices. Additionally, Sony considers both counterparty credit risk and Sony’s own creditworthiness in determining fair value. Sony attempts to mitigate credit risk to third parties by entering into netting agreements and actively monitoring the creditworthiness of counterparties and its exposure to credit risk through the use of credit limits and by selecting major international banks and financial institutions as counterparties.

Transfers between levels are deemed to have occurred at the beginning of the each interim period in which the transfers occur.

Derivative financial instruments -

All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in income or stockholders’ equity (as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income), depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies as a hedge and the derivative is being used to hedge changes in fair value or cash flows.

The accounting guidance for hybrid financial instruments permits an entity to elect fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument if the hybrid instrument contains an embedded derivative that would otherwise be required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The election to measure the hybrid instrument at fair value is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irreversible. Certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have hybrid financial instruments, disclosed in Note 7 as debt securities, that contain embedded derivatives where the entire instrument is carried at fair value.

In accordance with accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the various derivative financial instruments held by Sony are classified and accounted for as described below.

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Fair value hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as fair value hedges for recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments are recognized in earnings as offsets to changes in the fair value of the related hedged assets or liabilities.

Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as cash flow hedges for forecasted transactions or exposures associated with recognized assets or liabilities are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion are recognized in current period earnings.

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized in current period earnings.

Assessment of hedges

When applying hedge accounting, Sony formally documents all hedging relationships between the derivatives designated as hedges and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedging activities. Sony links all hedges that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or to the specific forecasted transactions. Sony also assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, Sony discontinues hedge accounting. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is included in the current period earnings.

Stock-based compensation -

Sony accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair value based method, measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The expense is mainly included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Sony recognizes this compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, only for the rights expected to vest ratably over the requisite service period of the stock acquisition rights, which is generally a period of three years. The estimated forfeiture rate is based on Sony’s historical experience in the stock acquisition rights plans where the majority of the vesting terms have been satisfied.

Revenue recognition -

Revenues from sales in the Consumer Products & Services, Professional, Device & Solutions, Music and Sony Mobile Communications segments are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer has taken title to the product and the risks and rewards of ownership have been substantively transferred. If the sales contract contains a customer acceptance provision, then sales are recognized after customer acceptance occurs or the acceptance provisions lapse. Revenues are recognized net of anticipated returns and sales incentives.

Revenue arrangements with customers may include multiple elements, including any combination of products, services and software. An example includes sales of electronics products with rights to receive promotional goods. For Sony’s multiple element arrangements where at least one of the elements is not subject to existing software revenue recognition guidance, elements are separated into more than one unit of accounting when the delivered element(s) have value to the customer on a standalone basis, and delivery of the undelivered

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element(s) is probable and substantially in the control of Sony. Revenue is then allocated to each unit of accounting based on the relative selling price of each unit of accounting based first on vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”) if it exists, based next on third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) if VSOE does not exist, and, finally, if both VSOE and TPE do not exist, based on estimated selling prices (“ESP”). VSOE is limited to either the price charged for an element when it is sold separately or, for an element not yet being sold separately, the price established by management having the relevant authority; it must be probable that the price, once established, will not change before the separate introduction of the element into the market place. TPE is the price of Sony’s or any competitor’s largely interchangeable products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. ESP is the price at which Sony would transact if the element were sold by Sony regularly on a standalone basis. When determining ESP, Sony considers all relevant inputs, including sales, cost and margin analysis of the product, targeted rate of return of the product, competitors’ and Sony’s pricing practices and customer perspectives.

Certain software products published by Sony provide limited on-line features at no additional cost to the customer. Generally, such features are considered to be incidental to the overall software product and an inconsequential deliverable. Accordingly, revenue related to software products containing these limited on-line features is not deferred. In instances where the software products’ on-line features or additional functionality is considered a substantive deliverable in addition to the software product, revenue and costs of sales are recognized ratably over an estimated service period, which is estimated to be six months.

Revenues from the theatrical exhibition of motion pictures are recognized as the customer exhibits the film. Revenues from the licensing of motion picture and television product are recorded when the product is available for exploitation by the licensee and when any restrictions regarding the use of the product lapse. Revenues from the sale of DVDs and Blu-ray Disc^™, net of anticipated returns and sales incentives, are recognized upon availability of sale to the public. Revenues from the sale of broadcast advertising are recognized when the advertisement is aired. Revenues from subscription fees received by the television networks are recognized when the service is provided.

Traditional life insurance policies that the life insurance subsidiary underwrites, most of which are categorized as long-duration contracts, mainly consist of whole life, term life and accident and health insurance contracts. Premiums from these policies are reported as revenue when due from policyholders.

Amounts received as payment for non-traditional contracts such as interest sensitive whole life contracts, single payment juvenile contracts and other contracts without life contingencies are recognized in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business. Revenues from these contracts are comprised of fees earned for administrative and contract-holder services, which are recognized over the period of the contracts, and included in financial services revenue.

Property and casualty insurance policies that the non-life insurance subsidiary underwrites are primarily automotive insurance contracts which are categorized as short-duration contracts. Premiums from these policies are reported as revenue over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.

Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

Consideration given to a customer or a reseller -

In accordance with the accounting guidance for consideration given by a vendor to a customer or reseller of the vendor’s products, sales incentives or other cash consideration given to a customer or a reseller including payments for buydowns, slotting fees and cooperative advertising programs, are accounted for as a reduction of revenue unless Sony receives an identifiable benefit (goods or services) in exchange for the consideration, the fair value of the benefit is reasonably estimated and documentation from the reseller is received to support the amounts paid to the reseller. Payments meeting these criteria are recorded as selling, general and administrative

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

expenses. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, consideration given to a reseller, primarily for free promotional shipping and cooperative advertising programs included in selling, general and administrative expenses totaled 23,591 million yen, 23,250 million yen and 17,641 million yen, respectively.

Cost of sales -

Costs classified as cost of sales relate to the producing and manufacturing of products and include items such as material cost, subcontractor cost, depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of intangible assets, personnel expenses, research and development costs, and amortization of film costs related to motion picture and television products.

Research and development costs -

Research and development costs, included in cost of sales, include items such as salaries, personnel expenses and other direct and indirect expenses associated with research and product development. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Selling, general and administrative -

Costs classified as selling expense relate to promoting and selling products and include items such as advertising, promotion, shipping, and warranty expenses. General and administrative expenses include operating items such as officers’ salaries, personnel expenses, depreciation of fixed assets, office rental for sales, marketing and administrative divisions, a provision for doubtful accounts and amortization of intangible assets.

Financial services expenses -

Financial services expenses include a provision for policy reserves and amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs, and all other operating costs such as personnel expenses, depreciation of fixed assets, and office rental of subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment.

Advertising costs -

Advertising costs are expensed when the advertisement or commercial appears in the selected media.

Shipping and handling costs -

The majority of shipping and handling, warehousing and internal transfer costs for finished goods are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. An exception to this is in the Pictures segment where such costs are charged to cost of sales as they are an integral part of producing and distributing films under accounting guidance for accounting by producers or distributors of films. All other costs related to Sony’s distribution network are included in cost of sales, including inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs and warehousing costs for raw materials and in-process inventory. Amounts paid by customers for shipping and handling costs are included in net sales.

Income taxes -

The provision for income taxes is computed based on the pretax income included in the consolidated statements of income, and the tax liability attributed to undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method expected to be remitted in the foreseeable future. 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.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Carrying amounts of deferred tax assets require a reduction by a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically with appropriate consideration given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. Management’s judgments related to this assessment consider, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses on an individual tax jurisdiction basis, forecasts of future profitability after consideration of uncertain tax positions, excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of net assets, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, the past utilization of net operating loss carryforwards prior to expiration, as well as prudent and feasible tax planning strategies which would be employed by Sony to prevent net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards from expiring unutilized.

Sony records assets and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Sony continues to recognize interest and penalties, if any, with respect to income taxes, including unrecognized tax benefits, as interest expense and as income tax expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income. The amount of income taxes Sony pays is subject to ongoing audits by various taxing authorities, which may result in proposed assessments. In addition, several significant items related to intercompany transfer pricing are currently the subject of negotiations between taxing authorities in different jurisdictions as a result of pending advance pricing agreement applications and competent authority requests. Sony’s estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issues is judgmental and requires significant estimates. Sony assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examinations based upon the evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at that reporting date. For those tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, Sony records the amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. If Sony does not believe that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. However, Sony’s future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to Sony’s estimated tax liabilities due to closure of income tax examinations, the outcome of negotiations between taxing authorities in different jurisdictions, new regulatory or judicial pronouncements or other relevant events. As a result, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, and the effective tax rate, may fluctuate significantly.

Net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders per share (“EPS”) -

Basic EPS is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted EPS reflects the maximum possible dilution from conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities including the conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments regardless of whether the conditions to exercise the conversion rights have been met. All potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation in a situation where there is a net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders.

(2) Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:

Goodwill impairment testing for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts -

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that modifies the first step of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with existing authoritative guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This guidance was effective for Sony as of April 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

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Disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations -

In December 2010, the FASB issued new accounting guidance addressing when a business combination should be assumed to have occurred for the purpose of providing pro forma disclosure. The new guidance requires disclosure of revenue and income of the combined entity as though the business combination occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior reporting period. The guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosure to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The guidance was effective for Sony as of April 1, 2011. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption did not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Amendments to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) -

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance to substantially converge fair value measurement and disclosure requirements under U.S. GAAP and IFRS, including a consistent definition of fair value. The amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. For many of the requirements, the FASB does not intend for the new guidance to result in a change in the application of the existing guidance for fair value measurements. However, some of the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements and other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The guidance was effective for Sony in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosures about an employer’s participation in a multiemployer plan -

In September 2011, the FASB issued new disclosure guidance regarding multiemployer pension and other postretirement benefit plans. This guidance requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures for all individually significant multiemployer pension plans on annual basis, and revises the disclosures for multiemployer plans that provide other postretirement benefits. This guidance does not change the current recognition and measurement guidance for an employer’s participation in a multiemployer plan. This guidance was effective for Sony beginning with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, and is applied retrospectively. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, and Sony does not have any significant participation in multiemployer plans, its adoption did not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

(3) Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted:

Accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts -

In October 2010, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. Under the new guidance acquisition costs are to include only those costs that are directly related to the acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts by applying a model similar to the accounting for loan origination costs. An entity may defer incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that are incurred in transactions with independent third parties or employees as well as the portion of employee compensation and other costs directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical inspection, and contract selling for successfully negotiated contracts. Additionally, an entity may capitalize as a deferred acquisition cost only those advertising costs meeting the capitalization criteria for direct-response advertising. This change is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. Sony will apply this guidance prospectively from the date of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Testing goodwill for impairment -

In September 2011, the FASB issued a new standard to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. The new standard allows companies an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining if it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under the new standard, a company is no longer required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the company determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The new standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. This standard is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Presentation of comprehensive income -

In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for presentation of comprehensive income. The amendments require reporting entities to report components of comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements. This change is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and will be applied retrospectively. Subsequently, in December 2011, the FASB issued update accounting guidance for deferral of the effective date for amendments to the presentation of reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The remaining requirements of the guidance issued in June 2011 will become effective as originally issued. The guidance is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption will not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosure about balance sheet offsetting -

In December 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable financial statement users to understand the effect of such arrangements on the statement of financial position as well as to improve comparability of balance sheets prepared under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The new guidance is required to be applied retrospectively and is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2013. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption will not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

(4) Reclassifications:

Certain reclassifications of the financial statements and accompanying footnotes for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 have been made to conform to the presentation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

(5) Out of period adjustments:

The calculation of indirect taxes at a subsidiary -

In the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an out of period adjustment to correct an error in the calculation of indirect taxes at a subsidiary. The indirect tax calculation error began in 2005 and continued until it was identified by Sony in the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The adjustment, substantially all of which related to the Consumer Products & Services segment, impacted net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and interest expenses and, in the aggregate, increased loss before income taxes in consolidated statements of income by 4,413 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Sony determined that the adjustment was not material to the consolidated financial statements for any prior annual or interim periods and for the year ended March 31, 2012.

Revision of the presentation in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 -

The presentation of certain amounts for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 have been revised to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2012 to reflect the results of an analysis of deferred tax assets in relation to certain unrecognized tax benefits that was completed during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. For

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, within income taxes in the consolidated statements of income, this revision increased current income taxes by 30,422 million yen with a corresponding decrease to deferred income taxes, with no impact on net income and net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, this revision decreased deferred income taxes by 30,422 million yen, increased accrued income and other taxes by 8,320 million yen and increased other by 22,102 million yen, with no impact on net cash provided by operating activities. This revision had no impact on Sony’s consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, in the consolidated balance sheets, this revision increased deferred income taxes in other assets by 61,115 million yen, decreased other noncurrent assets by 74,981 million yen, decreased total assets by 13,866 million yen, increased accrued income and other taxes by 8,320 million yen, decreased other noncurrent liabilities by 22,186 million yen and decreased total liabilities and equity by 13,866 million yen. This revision had no impact on Sony’s consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

3. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Finished products		529,666		498,430
Work in process		70,969		88,236
Raw materials, purchased components and supplies		103,408		120,386
		704,043		707,052

4. Film costs

Film costs are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Motion picture productions:
Released		102,415			98,910
Completed and not released		14,260			10,800
In production and development		107,811			102,295
Television productions:
Released		40,581			44,461
In production and development		1,688			2,853
Broadcasting rights		24,544			27,830
Less: current portion of broadcasting rights included in inventories		(15,910	)		(17,101	)
Film costs		275,389			270,048

Sony estimates that approximately 90% of the unamortized costs of released films at March 31, 2012 will be amortized within the next three years. Approximately 84 billion yen of completed film costs are expected to be amortized during the next twelve months. Approximately 91 billion yen of accrued participation liabilities included in accounts payable, other and accrued expenses are expected to be paid during the next twelve months.

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5. Related party transactions

Sony accounts for its investments in affiliated companies over which Sony has significant influence under the equity method. In addition, investments in general partnerships in which Sony does not have a controlling interest and limited partnerships are also accounted for under the equity method if more than minor influence over the operation of the investee exists (generally through more than 3-5% ownership).

During fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony Corporation acquired the remaining interests in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”) and sold all of its shares of S-LCD Corporation (“S-LCD”), both of which were considered significant equity affiliates. There are no remaining individually significant investments at March 31, 2012.

The summarized combined financial information that is based on information provided by the equity investees including information for significant equity affiliates and the reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements is shown below:

Balance Sheets

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Current assets		254,858			188,903			183,597			627,358
Noncurrent assets		92,925			233,988			137,720			464,633
Total assets		347,783			422,891			321,317			1,091,991
Current liabilities		282,857			71,572			166,056			520,485
Long-term liabilities and noncontrolling interests		8,089			29,696			61,036			98,821
Stockholders’ equity		56,837			321,623			94,225			472,685
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity investment and undistributed earnings of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		28,419			160,812
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		(79	)		—
Investment in and advances to equity investees at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition		28,340			160,812			32,841			221,993
	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
Current assets		167,786
Noncurrent assets		168,143
Total assets		335,929
Current liabilities		93,535
Long-term liabilities and noncontrolling interests		79,513
Stockholders’ equity		162,881
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		20%-50	%
Investment in and advances to equity investees at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition		36,800

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Statements of Income

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		837,149			796,575			323,576			1,957,300
Operating income (loss)		(81,385	)		3,825			29,686			(47,874	)
Other income (expense), net		(4,676	)		(4,055	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(86,061	)		(230	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		20,470			53
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3,318	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		(68,909	)		(177	)		17,064			(52,022	)
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		(34,455	)		(89	)
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		(59	)		476
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(34,514	)		387			3,892			(30,235	)
	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		673,464			807,955			268,604			1,750,023
Operating income (loss)		16,453			12,527			17,630			46,610
Other income (expense), net		(1,572	)		(4,119	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		14,881			8,408
Income tax (expense) benefit		(6,065	)		3,094
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(520	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		8,296			11,502			8,895			28,693
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		4,148			5,751
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		7			1,463
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		4,155			7,214			2,693			14,062

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	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		475,898			146,002			123,610			745,510
Operating income (loss)		(44,239	)		(4,644	)		5,247			(43,636	)
Other income (expense), net		4,504			(3,098	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(39,735	)		(7,742	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(73,054	)		(374	)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2,729	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		(115,518	)		(8,116	)		950			(122,684	)
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		(57,759	)		(4,058	)
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Impairment loss including translation adjustments		—			(60,019	)
Other		79			(1	)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(57,680	)		(64,078	)		61			(121,697	)

Sony Ericsson, a 50/50 joint venture with Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (“Ericsson”) focused on mobile phone handsets, was established in October 2001 and was included in affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method through February 15, 2012. On February 15, 2012, Sony Corporation acquired Ericsson’s 50 percent stake in Sony Ericsson, making the mobile handset business a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. Refer to Note 24.

S-LCD, a joint venture with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (“Samsung”) focused on manufacturing amorphous TFT panels, was established in April 2004 with Sony’s ownership interest of 50% minus 1 share. S-LCD was strategic to Sony’s television business as it provided a source of high quality large screen LCD panels to differentiate Sony’s Bravia LCD televisions. In June 2011, S-LCD decreased its capital stock by 0.6 trillion Korean won and Sony received a cash distribution of 22,100 million yen from S-LCD. However, LCD panel and television market conditions became increasingly challenging and in order to respond to the situation and to strengthen their respective market competitiveness, Sony and Samsung agreed to shift to a new LCD panel business alliance in December 2011. As a result of this agreement, on January 19, 2012, Sony sold to Samsung all of its shares of S-LCD, and received cash consideration of 71,986 million yen (1.07 trillion Korean won) from Samsung. Following the transaction S-LCD was no longer an equity affiliate. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded a 60,019 million yen other-than-temporary impairment loss on its share of S-LCD, including the reclassification to net income of foreign currency translation adjustments and the impact of exchange rate fluctuations between the initial impairment loss and closing of the sale to Samsung. Cash proceeds from the sale of the investment in S-LCD are included in sales of securities investments in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

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There was no significant difference between Sony’s proportionate share in the underlying net assets of the investees and the carrying value of investments in affiliated companies at March 31, 2011 and 2012.

There were no affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method with a market quotation at March 31, 2011 and 2012.

The number of affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method at March 31, 2011 and 2012 were 82 and 95, respectively.

Account balances and transactions with affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method are presented below:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Accounts receivable, trade		18,631		4,125
Accounts payable, trade		45,434		508
Capital lease obligations		—		39,080

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales		132,937		96,164		79,677
Purchases		309,550		383,922		157,930
Lease payments		—		—		24,159

SFI Leasing Company, Limited (“SFIL”), a leasing company in Japan, is accounted for under the equity method and 34% is owned by Sony after deconsolidation in November 2010. Sony entered into a three year sale and leaseback transaction regarding certain acquired machinery and equipment with SFIL in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Refer to Note 24.

Dividends from affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 5,948 million yen, 2,583 million yen and 1,964 million yen, respectively.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 and prior to the sale of its shares of S-LCD, Sony paid additional LCD panel related expenses of 22,759 million yen (292 million U.S. dollars) resulting from low capacity utilization of S-LCD.

6. Transfer of financial assets

The below transactions are accounted for as sales in accordance with the accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets, because Sony has relinquished control of the receivables. In each case, losses from these transactions were insignificant, and although Sony continues servicing the receivables subsequent to being sold or contributed, no servicing liabilities are recorded as the costs of collection of the sold receivables are insignificant. In addition to the cash proceeds from the sales below, net cash flows related to these transactions, including servicing fees, in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were insignificant.

Sony has established several accounts receivable sales programs in Japan whereby Sony can sell up to 50,200 million yen of eligible trade accounts receivable in the aggregate at any one time. Through these programs, Sony can sell receivables to special purpose entities owned and operated by banks. Sony can sell

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

receivables in which the agreed upon original due dates are no more than 190 days after the sales of receivables. Total trade accounts receivable sold during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 109,271 million yen, 136,232 million yen and 126,513 million yen, respectively.

A subsidiary of the Financial Services segment has established several receivables sales programs whereby the subsidiary can sell up to 24,000 million yen of eligible receivables in the aggregate at any one time. Through these programs, the subsidiary can sell receivables to special purpose entities owned and operated by banks. The subsidiary can sell receivables in which the agreed upon original due dates are no more than 180 days after the sales of receivables. Total receivables sold during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 183,805 million yen, 166,025 million yen and 130,060 million yen, respectively.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony established an accounts receivable sales program in the United States. Through this program, a bankruptcy-remote entity, which is consolidated by Sony’s U.S. subsidiary, can sell up to 450 million U.S. dollars of eligible trade accounts receivables in the aggregate at any one time to a commercial bank. Total trade accounts receivables sold during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 were 258,085 million yen. Subsequent to its establishment, Sony amended this program. While the transactions continued to qualify as sales under the new accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets, the amended program requires that a portion of the sales proceeds be held back and deferred until collection of the related receivables by the purchaser. The portion of the sales proceeds held back and deferred is initially recorded at estimated fair value, is included in other current assets and was 32,751 million yen at March 31, 2011 and 16,272 million yen at March 31, 2012. Sony includes collections on such receivables as cash flows within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows since the receivables are the result of operating activities and the associated interest rate risk is insignificant due to its short-term nature. Total trade receivables sold, deferred proceeds from those sales and collections of deferred proceeds during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 were 414,147 million yen, 185,647 million yen and 153,550 million yen, respectively. Total trade receivables sold, deferred proceeds from those sales and collections of deferred proceeds during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 were 476,855 million yen, 117,343 million yen and 132,636 million yen, respectively.

The accounts receivable sales programs in Japan and in the Financial Services segment above involved qualified special purpose entities (“QSPEs”) under the accounting guidance effective prior to April 1, 2010 for transfers of financial assets. Since the QSPEs met certain criteria, they were not consolidated by Sony. From April 1, 2010, the entities that formerly met the criteria to be a QSPE are subject to the same consolidation accounting guidance as other variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Refer to Note 23.

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7. Marketable securities and securities investments

Marketable securities and securities investments, mainly included in the Financial Services segment, are comprised of debt and equity securities of which the aggregate cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value pertaining to available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011									March 31, 2012
	Cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses			Fair value		Cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses			Fair value
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		1,124,704		24,032		(4,971	)		1,143,765		1,036,946		55,384		(879	)		1,091,451
Japanese local government bonds		22,845		184		(64	)		22,965		33,513		163		(1	)		33,675
Japanese corporate bonds		332,567		1,511		(440	)		333,638		293,885		1,489		(224	)		295,150
Foreign corporate bonds		332,316		4,872		(11,367	)		325,821		377,609		4,705		(7,063	)		375,251
Other		8,241		109		(118	)		8,232		22,383		1,548		(6	)		23,925
		1,820,673		30,708		(16,960	)		1,834,421		1,764,336		63,289		(8,173	)		1,819,452
Equity securities		80,983		63,822		(3,316	)		141,489		60,694		53,016		(1,513	)		112,197
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		2,902,342		22,420		(48,149	)		2,876,613		3,404,069		157,740		(4,499	)		3,557,310
Japanese local government bonds		18,912		218		(2	)		19,128		12,592		277		—			12,869
Japanese corporate bonds		32,349		158		(67	)		32,440		31,379		1,501		—			32,880
Foreign corporate bonds		47,330		13		(3	)		47,340		46,441		10		—			46,451
		3,000,933		22,809		(48,221	)		2,975,521		3,494,481		159,528		(4,499	)		3,649,510
Total		4,902,589		117,339		(68,497	)		4,951,431		5,319,511		275,833		(14,185	)		5,581,159

The following table presents the cost and fair value of debt securities classified as available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Available-for-sale securities				Held-to-maturity securities
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less		230,037		223,870		23,552		23,625
Due after one year through five years		505,497		510,183		18,280		18,559
Due after five year through ten years		210,411		215,180		27,225		28,219
Due after ten years		818,391		870,219		3,425,424		3,579,107
Total		1,764,336		1,819,452		3,494,481		3,649,510

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were 785,698 million yen, 532,619 million yen and 177,850 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. On these sales, gross realized gains were 39,622 million yen, 38,654 million yen and 9,593 million yen and gross realized losses were 37,537 million yen, 2,014 million yen and 1,834 million yen, respectively.

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Marketable securities classified as trading securities at March 31, 2011 and 2012 were 375,802 million yen and 433,491 million yen, respectively, which consist of debt and equity securities.

In the ordinary course of business, Sony maintains long-term investment securities, included in securities investments and other, issued by a number of non-public companies. The aggregate carrying amounts of the investments in non-public companies at March 31, 2011 and 2012, totaled 75,930 million yen and 93,050 million yen, respectively. Non-public equity investments are primarily valued at cost as fair value is not readily determinable.

With respect to trading securities, primarily in the Financial Services segment, Sony recorded net unrealized gains of 50,992 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, net unrealized losses of 10,768 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and net unrealized gains of 21,216 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Changes in the fair value of trading securities are primarily recognized in financial services revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses on, and fair value of, Sony’s investment securities with unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2011 and 2012.

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Less than 12 months					12 months or More					Total
	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		223,686		(3,230	)		54,477		(1,741	)		278,163		(4,971	)
Japanese local government bonds		12,434		(64	)		—		—			12,434		(64	)
Japanese corporate bonds		130,318		(440	)		—		—			130,318		(440	)
Foreign corporate bonds		126,184		(7,183	)		30,277		(4,184	)		156,461		(11,367	)
Other		3,182		(118	)		—		—			3,182		(118	)
		495,804		(11,035	)		84,754		(5,925	)		580,558		(16,960	)
Equity securities		36,391		(3,223	)		386		(93	)		36,777		(3,316	)
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		1,812,196		(48,149	)		—		—			1,812,196		(48,149	)
Japanese local government bonds		531		(2	)		—		—			531		(2	)
Japanese corporate bonds		20,788		(67	)		—		—			20,788		(67	)
Foreign corporate bonds		194		(3	)		—		—			194		(3	)
		1,833,709		(48,221	)		—		—			1,833,709		(48,221	)
Total		2,365,904		(62,479	)		85,140		(6,018	)		2,451,044		(68,497	)

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Less than 12 months					12 months or More					Total
	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		55,450		(877	)		3,048		(2	)		58,498		(879	)
Japanese local government bonds		2,364		(1	)		—		—			2,364		(1	)
Japanese corporate bonds		1,034		(196	)		25,243		(28	)		26,277		(224	)
Foreign corporate bonds		68,277		(6,065	)		83,650		(998	)		151,927		(7,063	)
Other		335		(6	)		—		—			335		(6	)
		127,460		(7,145	)		111,941		(1,028	)		239,401		(8,173	)
Equity securities		4,337		(318	)		280		(1,195	)		4,617		(1,513	)
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		—		—			333,702		(4,499	)		333,702		(4,499	)
Japanese local government bonds		70		(0	)		—		—			70		(0	)
Japanese corporate bonds		—		—			—		—			—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		—			—		—			—		—
		70		(0	)		333,702		(4,499	)		333,772		(4,499	)
Total		131,867		(7,463	)		445,923		(6,722	)		577,790		(14,185	)

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, total realized impairment losses were 5,508 million yen, 9,763 million yen and 5,530 million yen, respectively.

At March 31, 2012, Sony determined that the decline in value for securities with unrealized losses shown in the above table is not other-than-temporary in nature.

8. Leased assets

Sony leases certain communication and commercial equipment, plant, office space, warehouses, employees’ residential facilities and other assets. Certain of these leases have renewal and purchase options. In addition, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into a three year sale and leaseback transaction, accounted for as a capital lease, for certain machinery and equipment. Sony received proceeds of 50,537 million yen based on the amounts recorded at fair value in the acquisition described in Note 24, and as such there was no gain in the sale and leaseback transaction. Sony has also entered into capital lease arrangements with third parties to finance certain of its motion picture productions.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Leased assets under capital leases are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
Class of property	2011			2012
Machinery, equipment and others		9,288			58,751
Film costs		19,208			9,465
Accumulated amortization		(4,634	)		(20,514	)
		23,862			47,702

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, 2012:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		20,652
2014		20,098
2015		2,035
2016		1,469
2017		1,346
Later years		5,647
Total minimum lease payments		51,247
Less — Amount representing interest		1,493
Present value of net minimum lease payments		49,754
Less — Current obligations		20,494
Long-term capital lease obligations		29,260

Rental expenses under operating leases for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 87,077 million yen, 78,538 million yen and 76,188 million yen, respectively. Sublease rentals received under operating leases for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 1,675 million yen, 1,974 million yen and 1,423 million yen, respectively. The total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases for operating leases as of March 31, 2012 were 4,527 million yen.

The minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at March 31, 2012 are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		42,789
2014		33,110
2015		24,087
2016		17,368
2017		13,653
Later years		49,174
Total minimum future rentals		180,181

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9. Goodwill and intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 totaled 174,430 million yen, of which 174,275 million yen is subject to amortization and are comprised of the following:

	Intangible assets acquired  during the year		Weighted-average amortization period
	Yen in millions		Years
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements*1		103,036		7
Customer relationships		19,793		14
Trademarks		14,177		7
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed		23,621		3
Other		13,648		4

*1 Includes intellectual property cross-licensing and developed technology relating to the Sony Ericsson acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

Intangible assets subject to amortization are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011					March 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements		122,444		(69,224	)		226,142		(80,334	)
Customer relationships		3,051		(1,105	)		23,758		(1,409	)
Trademarks		4,938		(1,401	)		20,214		(2,154	)
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed		76,112		(40,447	)		98,852		(58,865	)
Music catalogs		160,325		(40,455	)		157,699		(45,570	)
Artist contracts		27,727		(17,903	)		27,401		(19,419	)
Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements)		35,874		(228	)		36,216		(2,370	)
Other		82,519		(40,136	)		87,843		(54,338	)
Total		512,990		(210,899	)		678,125		(264,459	)

The aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 57,069 million yen, 52,763 million yen and 57,023 million yen, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		68,735
2014		58,885
2015		48,971
2016		41,218
2017		36,509

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Total carrying amount of intangible assets having an indefinite life are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Trademarks		66,967		66,729
Distribution agreements		18,834		18,807
Other		3,230		4,497
Total		89,031		90,033

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Consumer Products & Services			Professional, Device & Solutions			Pictures			Music			Financial Services			Sony Mobile*1		All Other			Total
Balance, March 31, 2010:
Goodwill — gross		135,591			65,123			102,481			110,192			3,020			—		36,749			453,156
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(7,655	)		(14,287	)
Goodwill		130,271			64,823			102,481			109,886			2,314			—		29,094			438,869
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisitions*2		—			1,085			46,504			203			—			—		55			47,847
Sales and dispositions		(257	)		—			—			—			—			—		—			(257	)
Impairments		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			—
Translation adjustments		(770	)		31			(8,401	)		(6,956	)		—			—		(1,239	)		(17,335	)
Other*3		171			232			—			(445	)		—			—		(77	)		(119	)
Balance, March 31, 2011:
Goodwill — gross		134,735			66,471			140,584			102,994			3,020			—		35,488			483,292
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(7,655	)		(14,287	)
Goodwill		129,415			66,171			140,584			102,688			2,314			—		27,833			469,005
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisitions		166			—			1,330			—			—			128,522		4,358			134,376
Sales and dispositions		—			(589	)		—			—			—			—		—			(589	)
Impairments*4		—			—			—			—			—			—		(932	)		(932	)
Translation adjustments		(65	)		(184	)		(3,073	)		(1,891	)		—			9,733		(559	)		3,961
Other*3*5		(201	)		(28,773	)		(521	)		(147	)		—			—		579			(29,063	)
Balance, March 31, 2012:
Goodwill — gross		134,635			36,925			138,320			100,956			3,020			138,255		39,866			591,977
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(8,587	)		(15,219	)
Goodwill		129,315			36,625			138,320			100,650			2,314			138,255		31,279			576,758

*1 The amounts in the Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) segment relate to the Sony Ericsson acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

*2 Substantially all of the acquisition amounts in the Pictures segment relate to the Game Show Network, LLC (“GSN”) acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

*3 Other primarily consists of purchase price adjustments for prior years and amounts reclassified as held for sale.

*4 During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded impairment losses of 932 million yen in a reporting unit included in All Other. The impairment charge reflected the overall decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

*5 During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into a memorandum of understanding with a third-party to sell the chemical products business, which is included in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment. Sony classified certain assets and liabilities related to the business as held for sale as of March 31, 2012, and anticipates completing the divestiture during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. No impairment loss was recognized as a result of the held for sale classification. The assets held for sale include 29,182 million yen of goodwill and it was reclassified to other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 25.

As described in Note 2, Sony performs an annual impairment test for goodwill. As a result of the impairment test, there were no impairments other than the one noted above for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

10. Insurance-related accounts

Sony’s Financial Services segment subsidiaries in Japan maintain their accounting records as described in Note 2 in accordance with the accounting principles and practices generally accepted in Japan, which vary in some respects from U.S. GAAP.

Those differences are mainly that insurance acquisition costs for life and non-life insurance are charged to income when incurred in Japan whereas in the U.S. those costs are deferred and amortized generally over the premium-paying period of the related insurance policies, and that future policy benefits for life insurance calculated locally under the authorization of the supervisory administrative agencies 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 the accounting for these items in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The combined amounts of statutory net equity of the insurance subsidiaries, which is not measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 were 232,160 million yen and 282,846 million yen, respectively.

(1) Insurance policies:

Life insurance policies that a subsidiary in the Financial Services segment underwrites, most of which are categorized as long-duration contracts, mainly consist of whole life, term life and accident and health insurance contracts. The life insurance revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 554,650 million yen, 600,291 million yen and 654,986 million yen, respectively. Property and casualty insurance policies that a subsidiary in the Financial Services segment underwrites are primarily automotive insurance contracts, which are categorized as short-duration contracts. The non-life insurance revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 64,987 million yen, 71,037 million yen and 76,958 million yen, respectively.

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(2) 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 include such items as commissions, medical examination costs and inspection report fees, and are subject to recoverability testing at least annually to ensure that the capitalized amounts do not exceed the present value of anticipated gross profits or premiums less benefits and maintenance expenses, as applicable. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related insurance policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy reserves. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for non-traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the expected life in proportion to the estimated gross profits. Amortization charged to income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 amounted to 53,767 million yen, 59,249 million yen and 55,427 million yen, respectively.

(3) Future insurance policy benefits:

Liabilities for future policy benefits, which mainly related to individual life insurance policies, are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in force. These liabilities, which require significant management judgment and estimates, are computed by the net level premium method based upon the assumptions as to future investment yield, morbidity, mortality, withdrawals and other factors. Future policy benefits are computed using interest rates ranging from 1.4% to 4.5% and are based on factors such as market conditions and expected investment returns. Morbidity, mortality and withdrawal assumptions for all policies are based on either the subsidiary’s own experience or various actuarial tables. Generally these assumptions are locked-in throughout the life of the contract upon the issuance of new insurance, although significant changes in experience or assumptions may require Sony to provide for expected future losses. At March 31, 2011 and 2012, future insurance policy benefits amounted to 2,918,960 million yen and 3,202,066 million yen, respectively.

(4) Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business:

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business represents an accumulation of account deposits plus credited interest less withdrawals, expenses and mortality charges. Policyholders’ account includes universal life insurance and investment contracts. Universal life insurance includes interest sensitive whole life contracts and variable contracts. The credited rate associated with interest sensitive whole life contracts is 2.0%. For variable contracts, policy values are expressed in terms of investment units. Each unit is linked to an asset portfolio. The value of a unit increases or decreases based on the value of the linked assets portfolio. Investment contracts mainly include single payment juvenile contracts and policies after the start of annuity payments. The credited rates associated with investment contracts ranges from 0.1% to 6.3%.

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Universal life insurance		896,539		1,010,277
Investment contracts		322,580		340,600
Other		82,133		98,767
Total		1,301,252		1,449,644

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11. Short-term borrowings and long-term debt

Short-term borrowings are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Unsecured loans:
with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.40%		43,737
with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.98%				89,878
Secured call money:
with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.11%		10,000
with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.11%				10,000
		53,737		99,878

At March 31, 2012, securities investments with a book value of 10,845 million yen were pledged as collateral for 10,000 million yen of call money, by subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment. In addition, marketable securities with a book value of 129,472 million yen were pledged as collateral for cash settlements, variation margins of futures markets and certain other purposes at March 31, 2012.

Long-term debt is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Unsecured loans, representing obligations principally to banks:
Due 2011 to 2018, with interest rates ranging from 0.20% to 4.50% per annum		441,976
Due 2012 to 2024, with interest rates ranging from 0.23% to 4.50% per annum				564,275
Unsecured 1.52% bonds, due 2011, net of unamortized discount		50,000
Unsecured 1.16% bonds, due 2012, net of unamortized discount		39,996		39,999
Unsecured 1.52% bonds, due 2013, net of unamortized discount		34,999		35,000
Unsecured 1.57% bonds, due 2015, net of unamortized discount		29,991		29,993
Unsecured 1.75% bonds, due 2015, net of unamortized discount		24,996		24,997
Unsecured 1.17% bonds, due 2011		10,500
Unsecured 0.95% bonds, due 2012		60,000		60,000
Unsecured 1.40% bonds, due 2013		10,700		10,700
Unsecured 1.30% bonds, due 2014		110,000		110,000
Unsecured 0.55% bonds, due 2016				10,000
Unsecured 0.66% bonds, due 2017				45,000
Unsecured 2.00% bonds, due 2018		16,300		16,300
Unsecured 2.07% bonds, due 2019		50,000		50,000
Unsecured 1.41% bonds, due 2022				10,000
Capital lease obligations:
Due 2011 to 2021, with interest rates ranging from 0.03% to 9.09% per annum Due 2012 to 2026, with interest rates ranging from 0.03% to 8.74% per annum		24,673		49,754
Guarantee deposits received		17,718		16,691
		921,849		1,072,709
Less — Portion due within one year		109,614		310,483
		812,235		762,226

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In March 2012, Sony executed a 1,365 million U.S. dollar unsecured bank loan with a group of lenders having six to ten year maturity terms in connection with acquiring Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson. This bank loan utilizes the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (“JBIC”) Facility, which was established to facilitate overseas mergers and acquisitions by Japanese companies as one of countermeasures against yen appreciation. Of the 1,365 million U.S. dollar loan, 60% or 819 million U.S. dollars is from the JBIC Facility and 40% or 546 million U.S. dollars is from private banks. The terms of this U.S. dollar loan agreement require accelerated repayment of the loan if Sony Corporation or its wholly-owned subsidiaries discontinue the business of mobile devices featuring telephone functionality.

There are no significant adverse debt covenants or cross-default provisions related to the above borrowings.

Aggregate amounts of annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		310,483
2014		135,487
2015		209,814
2016		77,391
2017		97,419
Later years		242,115
Total		1,072,709

At March 31, 2012, Sony had unused committed lines of credit amounting to 800,306 million yen and can generally borrow up to 180 days from the banks with whom Sony has committed line contracts. Furthermore, at March 31, 2012, Sony has commercial paper programs, the size of which was 746,570 million yen. Sony can issue commercial paper for a period generally not in excess of 270 days up to the size of the programs.

12. Housing loans and deposits from customers in the banking business

(1) Housing loans in the banking business:

Sony acquires and holds certain financial receivables in the normal course of business. A majority of financing receivables held by Sony consist of housing loans in the banking business and no other significant financial receivables exist.

A subsidiary in the banking business monitors the credit quality of housing loans based on the classification set by the financial conditions and the past due status of individual obligators. Past due status is monitored on a daily basis and the aforementioned classification is reviewed on a quarterly basis.

The allowance for the credit losses is established based on the aforementioned classifications and the evaluation of collateral. The amount of housing loans in the banking business and the corresponding allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2011 were 656,047 million yen and 925 million yen, and at March 31, 2012 were 749,636 million yen and 1,066 million yen, respectively. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, charge-offs on housing loans in the banking business and changes in the allowance for credit losses, which took into consideration the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake discussed in Note 18, were not significant.

In addition, the balance of housing loans placed on nonaccrual status or past due status were not significant at March 31, 2011 and 2012. A subsidiary in the banking business assesses the nonaccrual status based on the aforementioned classification, and may resume the accrual of the interest on the housing loan if the classification of the housing loan is changed.

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(2) Deposits from customers in the banking business:

All deposits from customers in the banking business within the Financial Services segment are interest bearing deposits. At March 31, 2011 and 2012, the balances of time deposits issued in amounts of 10 million yen or more were 247,799 million yen and 374,665 million yen, respectively. These amounts have been classified as current liabilities due to the ability of the customers to make withdrawals prior to maturity.

At March 31, 2012, aggregate amounts of annual maturities of time deposits with a remaining term of more than one year are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2014		32,531
2015		11,421
2016		9,064
2017		3,946
2018		2,104
Later years		33,721
Total		92,787

13. Fair value measurements

As discussed in Note 2, assets and liabilities subject to the accounting guidance for fair value measurements held by Sony are classified and accounted for as described below.

(1) Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

The following section describes the valuation techniques used by Sony to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified.

Trading securities, available-for-sale securities and other investments

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 securities include exchange-traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available for the specific security or the market is inactive, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows and mainly classified in level 2 of the hierarchy. Level 2 securities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, such as the majority of government bonds and corporate bonds. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 securities do not have actively traded quotes at the balance sheet date and require the use of unobservable inputs, such as indicative quotes from dealers and qualitative input from investment advisors, to value these securities. Level 3 assets include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow techniques, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset. Level 3 securities primarily include certain hybrid financial instruments and certain private equity investments not classified within levels 1 or 2.

Derivatives

Exchange-traded derivatives valued using quoted prices are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. However, few classes of derivative contracts are listed on an exchange; thus, the majority of Sony’s

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derivative positions are valued using internally developed models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters — i.e., parameters that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources, including industry pricing services. Depending on the types and contractual terms of derivatives, fair value can be modeled using a series of techniques, such as the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which are consistently applied. Where derivative products have been established for some time, Sony uses models that are widely accepted in the financial services industry. These models reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and market-based parameters such as interest rates, volatility, and the credit rating of the counterparty. Further, many of these models do not contain a high level of subjectivity as the techniques used in the models do not require significant judgment, and inputs to the model are readily observable from actively quoted markets. Such instruments are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

In determining the fair value of Sony’s interest rate swap derivatives, Sony uses the present value of expected cash flows based on market observable interest rate yield curves commensurate with the term of each instrument. For foreign currency derivatives, Sony’s approach is to use forward contract and option valuation models employing market observable inputs, such as spot currency rates, time value and option volatilities. These derivatives are classified within level 2 since Sony primarily uses observable inputs in its valuation of its derivative assets and liabilities.

The fair value of Sony’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
									Presentation in the consolidated balance sheets
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Marketable securities		Securities investments and other		Other current assets/ liabilities		Other noncurrent assets/ liabilities
Assets:
Trading securities		189,320		186,482		—		375,802		375,802		—		—		—
Available-for-sale securities
Debt securities
Japanese national government bonds		—		1,143,765		—		1,143,765		71,472		1,072,293		—		—
Japanese local government bonds		—		22,965		—		22,965		3,415		19,550		—		—
Japanese corporate bonds		—		329,057		4,581		333,638		96,745		236,893		—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		306,070		19,751		325,821		81,486		244,335		—		—
Other		—		7,933		299		8,232		—		8,232		—		—
Equity securities		141,408		81		—		141,489		—		141,489		—		—
Other investments*1		5,459		4,637		74,026		84,122		—		84,122		—		—
Derivative assets*2		—		15,110		—		15,110		—		—		15,101		9
Total assets		336,187		2,016,100		98,657		2,450,944		628,920		1,806,914		15,101		9
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities*2		—		33,759		—		33,759		—		—		32,096		1,663
Total liabilities		—		33,759		—		33,759		—		—		32,096		1,663

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	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
									Presentation in the consolidated balance sheets
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Marketable securities		Securities investments and other		Other current assets/ liabilities		Other noncurrent assets/ liabilities
Assets:
Trading securities		214,036		219,455		—		433,491		433,491		—		—		—
Available-for-sale securities
Debt securities
Japanese national government bonds		—		1,091,451		—		1,091,451		23,267		1,068,184		—		—
Japanese local government bonds		—		33,675		—		33,675		1,405		32,270		—		—
Japanese corporate bonds		—		293,637		1,513		295,150		123,434		171,716		—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		359,960		15,291		375,251		75,764		299,487		—		—
Other		—		23,616		309		23,925		—		23,925		—		—
Equity securities		111,517		680		—		112,197		—		112,197		—		—
Other investments*1		5,475		4,592		73,451		83,518		—		83,518		—		—
Derivative assets*2		—		18,518		—		18,518		—		—		18,513		5
Total assets		331,028		2,045,584		90,564		2,467,176		657,361		1,791,297		18,513		5
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities*2		—		41,218		—		41,218		—		—		40,034		1,184
Total liabilities		—		41,218		—		41,218		—		—		40,034		1,184

*1 Other investments include certain hybrid financial instruments and certain private equity investments.

*2 Derivative assets and liabilities are recognized and disclosed on a gross basis.

There were no significant transfers between levels 1 and 2 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Transfers into level 1 were 2,169 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 as quoted prices for certain trading securities became available in an active market. Transfers out of level 1 were 7,221 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 as quoted prices for certain trading securities were not available in an active market.

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The changes in fair value of level 3 assets and liabilities for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities									Other investments
	Debt securities
	Japanese corporate bonds			Foreign corporate bonds			Other
Beginning balance		1,097			17,433			—			73,608
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings*1		(13	)		(224	)		—			(3,332	)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)*2		(18	)		(841	)		(1	)		2,638
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements		3,515			7,951			300			1,112
Transfers in and/or out of level 3		—			(4,568	)		—			—
Ending balance		4,581			19,751			299			74,026
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date:
Included in earnings*1		(2	)		10			—			(3,779	)
	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities									Other investments
	Debt securities
	Japanese corporate bonds			Foreign corporate bonds			Other
Beginning balance		4,581			19,751			299			74,026
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings*1		—			27			—			(1,214	)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)*2		(2	)		271			10			505
Purchases		—			6,994			—			3,144
Settlements		(500	)		(5,961	)		—			(2,784	)
Transfers into level 3*3		2,116			956			—			—
Transfers out of level 3*4		(4,682	)		(6,747	)		—			—
Other		—			—			—			(226	)
Ending balance		1,513			15,291			309			73,451
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date:
Included in earnings*1		—			(2	)		—			(1,215	)

*1 Earning effects are included in financial services revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

*2 Unrealized gains (losses) are included in unrealized gains (losses) on securities in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

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*3 Certain corporate bonds were transferred into level 3 because differences between fair value determined by indicative quotes from dealers and internally developed prices became significant and the observability of inputs decreased.

*4 Certain corporate bonds were transferred out of level 3 because quoted prices became available.

Level 3 assets include certain hybrid financial instruments for which the price fluctuates primarily based on the main stock index in Japan (Nikkei index), certain private equity investments, and certain domestic and foreign corporate bonds for which quoted prices are not available in a market and where there is less transparency around inputs. In determining the fair value of such assets, Sony uses third-party information such as indicative quotes from dealers without adjustment. For validating the fair values, Sony primarily uses internal models which include management judgment or estimation of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset.

(2) Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Sony also has assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when certain circumstances occur. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, such measurements of fair value related primarily to the impairments of long-lived assets, the remeasurement of the previously owned equity interests as part of the Game Show Network and Sony Ericsson acquisitions, and the S-LCD impairment.

Long-lived assets impairments

Long-lived assets are measured at the lesser of carrying value or fair value if such assets are held for sale or when there is a determination that the asset is impaired. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, Sony recorded impairment losses of 23,735 million yen and 59,583 million yen related to long-lived assets with carrying values prior to impairment of 27,513 million yen and 67,875 million yen; the fair value of the long-lived assets after impairments was 3,778 million yen and 8,292 million yen, respectively. Sony’s determination of fair value was based on the comparable market values or estimated net cash flows which considered prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving comparable assets or cash flow projections based upon the most recent business plan. These measurements are classified as level 3 because significant unobservable inputs, such as the conditions of the assets or projections of future cash flows, were considered in the fair value measurements.

Remeasurement of previously owned equity interests

During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, Sony remeasured to fair value the previously owned equity interests as part of the Game Show Network and Sony Ericsson acquisitions. These measurements are classified as level 3 because significant unobservable inputs, such as projections of future cash flows and market comparables of similar transactions and companies were considered in the fair value measurements. Refer to Note 24.

S-LCD impairment

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded a 60,019 million yen other-than-temporary impairment loss on its share of S-LCD, including the reclassification to net income of foreign currency translation adjustments and the impact of the exchange rate fluctuations between the initial impairment loss and closing of the sale to Samsung. The fair value of the shares of S-LCD after impairment was 71,662 million yen which approximated the cash consideration of 1.07 trillion Korean won subsequently received from Samsung upon its acquisition of Sony’s share of S-LCD. This measurement is classified as level 3 because significant unobservable inputs, primarily the estimate of the cash that would be received upon the sale to Samsung were considered in the fair value measurement. Refer to Note 5.

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(3) Financial instruments:

The estimated fair values by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments that are not reported at fair value are summarized as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Estimated fair value								Carrying amount
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Total
Assets:
Housing loans in the banking business		—		714,985		—		714,985		656,047
Total assets		—		714,985		—		714,985		656,047
Liabilities:
Long-term debt including the current portion		—		928,820		—		928,820		921,849
Investment contracts included in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business		—		320,036		—		320,036		322,649
Total liabilities		—		1,248,856		—		1,248,856		1,244,498
	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Estimated fair value								Carrying amount
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Total
Assets:
Housing loans in the banking business		—		823,668		—		823,668		749,636
Total assets		—		823,668		—		823,668		749,636
Liabilities:
Long-term debt including the current portion		—		1,069,914		—		1,069,914		1,072,709
Investment contracts included in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business		—		338,589		—		338,589		340,600
Total liabilities		—		1,408,503		—		1,408,503		1,413,309

The summary excludes cash and cash equivalents, call loans, time deposits, notes and accounts receivable, trade, call money, short-term borrowings, notes and accounts payable, trade and deposits from customers in the banking business because the carrying values of these financial instruments approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. The summary also excludes held-to-maturity securities disclosed in Note 7.

Cash and cash equivalents, call loans and call money are classified in level 1. Time deposits, short-term borrowings, deposits from customers in the banking business are classified in level 2. Held-to-maturity securities, included in marketable securities and securities investments and other in the consolidated balance sheets,

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primarily include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, such as the majority of government bonds and corporate bonds and are substantially all classified in level 2. The fair values of housing loans in the banking business, included in securities investments and other in the consolidated balance sheets, were estimated based on the discounted future cash flows using interest rates reflecting London InterBank Offered Rate base yield curve with a certain risk premium. The fair values of long-term debt including the current portion and investment contracts included in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business were estimated based on either the market value or the discounted future cash flows using Sony’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar liabilities.

14. Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Sony has certain financial instruments including financial assets and liabilities acquired in the normal course of business. Such financial instruments are exposed to market risk arising from the changes of foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. In applying a consistent risk management strategy for the purpose of reducing such risk, Sony uses derivative financial instruments, which include foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, and interest rate swap agreements (including interest rate and currency swap agreements). Certain other derivative financial instruments are entered into in the Financial Services segment for asset-liability management (ALM) purposes. 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. These derivatives generally mature or expire within six months after the balance sheet date. Other than derivatives utilized in the Financial Services segment for ALM, Sony does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. These derivative transactions utilized for ALM in the Financial Services segment are executed within a certain limit in accordance with an internal risk management policy.

Derivative financial instruments held by Sony are classified and accounted for as described below.

Fair value hedges

Both the derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the hedged items are reflected at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives designated as fair value hedges as well as offsetting changes in the carrying value of the underlying hedged items are recognized in income. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, these fair value hedges were fully effective. In addition, there were no amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness of fair value hedges.

Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are initially recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship is not significant. In addition, there were no amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for cash flow hedges.

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in income.

A description of the purpose and classification of the derivative financial instruments held by Sony is as follows:

Foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts

Foreign exchange forward contracts and purchased and written foreign currency option contracts are utilized primarily to limit the exposure affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash flows generated

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

by anticipated intercompany transactions and intercompany accounts receivable and payable denominated in foreign currencies. The majority of written foreign currency option contracts are a part of range forward contract arrangements and expire in the same month with the corresponding purchased foreign currency option contracts.

Sony also enters into foreign exchange forward contracts, which effectively fix the cash flows from foreign currency denominated debt. Accordingly, these derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges.

Foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts that do not qualify as hedges are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in other income and expenses.

Foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts and currency swap agreements held by certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in financial service revenue.

Interest rate swap agreements (including interest rate and currency swap agreements)

Interest rate swap agreements are utilized primarily to lower funding costs, to diversify sources of funding and to limit Sony’s exposure associated with underlying debt instruments and available-for-sale debt securities resulting from adverse fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in fair values. Interest rate swap agreements entered into in the Financial Services segment are used for reducing the risk arising from the changes in the fair value of fixed rate available-for-sale debt securities. These derivatives are considered to be a hedge against changes in the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities in the Financial Services segment. Accordingly, these derivatives have been designated as fair value hedges.

Sony also enters into certain interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of reducing the risk arising from the changes in anticipated cash flows of variable rate debt and foreign currency denominated debt. These interest rate swap agreements, which effectively swap foreign currency denominated variable rate debt for functional currency denominated fixed rate debt, are considered to be a hedge against changes in the anticipated cash flows of Sony’s foreign denominated variable rate obligations. Accordingly, these derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges.

Certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have interest rate swap agreements as part of their ALM, which are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in financial service revenue.

Any other interest rate swap agreements that do not qualify as hedges, which are used for reducing the risk arising from changes of variable rate debt, are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in other income and expenses.

Other agreements

Certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have credit default swap agreements, equity future contracts, other currency contracts and hybrid financial instruments as part of their ALM, which are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in financial services revenue. The hybrid financial instruments, disclosed in Note 7 as debt securities, contain embedded derivatives that are not required to be bifurcated because the entire instruments are carried at fair value.

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The estimated fair values of Sony’s outstanding derivative instruments are summarized as follows:

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Yen in millions
	Balance sheet location	Fair value				Balance sheet location	Fair value
		March 31					March 31
	Asset derivatives	2011		2012		Liability derivatives	2011		2012
Interest rate contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		416		151	Current liabilities other		9,026		14,017
Interest rate contracts			—		—	Liabilities other		1,663		1,184
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—		7,558	Current liabilities other		67		15
			416		7,709			10,756		15,216
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Yen in millions
	Balance sheet location	Fair value				Balance sheet location	Fair value
		March 31					March 31
	Asset derivatives	2011		2012		Liability derivatives	2011		2012
Interest rate contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		314		5	Current liabilities other		3,630		4,390
Interest rate contracts			—		—	Liabilities other		—		—
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,353		10,798	Current liabilities other		19,361		21,612
Foreign exchange contracts	Assets other		9		5			—		—
Credit contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		18		1	Current liabilities other		12		—
			14,694		10,809			23,003		26,002
Total derivatives			15,110		18,518			33,759		41,218

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Presented below are the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (yen in millions).

Derivatives under fair value hedging relationships	Location of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative
		Fiscal year ended March 31
		2010			2011			2012
Interest rate contracts	Financial services revenue		(3,475	)		588			(2,998	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Foreign exchange gain or (loss), net		97			(18	)		(49	)
Total			(3,378	)		570			(3,047	)

Derivatives under cash flow hedging relationships	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative			Gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)			Gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
	Amount			Location	Amount		Location	Amount
Interest rate contracts		(108	)	Interest expense		329	Interest expense		—
Total		(108	)	Total		329	Total		—
Derivatives under cash flow hedging relationships	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative			Gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)			Gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
	Amount			Location	Amount		Location	Amount
Interest rate contracts		171		Interest expense		308	Interest expense		—
Total		171		Total		308	Total		—

At March 31, 2012, amounts related to derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges amounted to a net reduction of equity of 1,050 million yen.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Location of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (Yen in millions)
		Fiscal year ended March 31
		2010			2011			2012
Interest rate contracts	Financial services revenue		(884	)		(3,332	)		(3,303	)
Interest rate contracts	Financial services expenses		32			32			—
Foreign exchange contracts	Financial services revenue		1,468			(1,294	)		(79	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Foreign exchange gain or (loss), net		(8,779	)		8,311			4,324
Equity contracts	Financial services revenue		83			—			—
Bond contracts	Financial services revenue		68			44			—
Credit contracts	Financial services revenue		(518	)		(101	)		(25	)
Total			(8,530	)		3,660			917

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The following table summarizes additional information, including notional amounts, for each type of derivative:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011					March 31, 2012
	Notional amount		Fair value			Notional amount		Fair value
Foreign exchange contracts:
Foreign exchange forward contracts		1,364,147		(8,825	)		1,227,889		(7,305	)
Currency option contracts purchased		5,822		19			9,878		91
Currency option contracts written		423		(9	)		152		(1	)
Currency swap agreements		117,028		2,015			519,041		2,206
Other currency contracts		46,201		1,734			48,347		1,743
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements		448,353		(13,589	)		451,416		(19,435	)
Credit contracts:
Credit default swap agreements		4,841		6			1,367		1

15. Pension and severance plans

Upon terminating employment, employees of Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries in Japan are entitled, under most circumstances, to lump-sum indemnities or pension payments as described below. In July 2004, Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries amended their pension plans and introduced a point-based plan under which a point is added every year reflecting the individual employee’s performance over that year. Under the point-based plan, the amount of payment is determined based on the sum of cumulative points from past services and interest points earned on the cumulative points regardless of whether or not the employee is voluntarily retiring.

Under the plans, in general, the defined benefits cover 65% of the indemnities under existing regulations to employees. The remaining indemnities are covered by severance payments by the companies. The pension benefits are payable at the option of the retiring employee either in a lump-sum amount or monthly pension payments. Contributions to the plans are funded through several financial institutions in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

From April 1, 2012, Sony Corporation and substantially all of its subsidiaries in Japan have modified existing defined benefit pension plans such that life annuities will no longer accrue additional service benefits, with those participants instead accruing fixed-term annuities. The defined benefit pension plans were closed to new participants and a defined contribution plan was also introduced. The changes have no impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position as of and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

In addition, several of Sony’s foreign subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans or severance indemnity plans, which cover substantially all of their employees. Under such plans, the related cost of benefits is currently funded or accrued. Benefits awarded under these plans are based primarily on the current rate of pay and length of service.

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The components of net periodic benefit costs for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

Japanese plans:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Service cost		30,980			29,589			29,774
Interest cost		15,402			16,067			15,196
Expected return on plan assets		(16,969	)		(17,987	)		(15,401	)
Recognized actuarial loss		16,000			11,802			12,219
Amortization of prior service costs		(10,391	)		(10,391	)		(10,380	)
Net periodic benefit costs		35,022			29,080			31,408

Foreign plans:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Service cost		3,645			4,160			3,348
Interest cost		12,083			11,165			10,082
Expected return on plan assets		(8,652	)		(9,135	)		(9,049	)
Amortization of net transition asset		67			20			139
Recognized actuarial loss		857			2,911			2,771
Amortization of prior service costs		30			(32	)		(448	)
Losses (gains) on curtailments and settlements		1,766			(31	)		1,111
Net periodic benefit costs		9,796			9,058			7,954

The estimated net actuarial loss, prior service cost and obligation (asset) existing at transition for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit costs over the next fiscal year are 11,262 million yen, 10,671 million yen and 59 million yen, respectively.

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The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets as well as the funded status and composition of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of the fiscal year		709,554			735,853			231,341			206,497
Service cost		29,589			29,774			4,160			3,348
Interest cost		16,067			15,196			11,165			10,082
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			764			684
Amendments		—			(1,119	)		(6,677	)		440
Actuarial (gain) loss		6,424			25,098			(6,869	)		12,376
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		—			—			(16,994	)		(3,273	)
Curtailments and settlements		(404	)		(301	)		(166	)		(577	)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries		—			8,852			—			3,104
Benefits paid		(25,377	)		(24,294	)		(10,227	)		(11,040	)
Benefit obligation at end of the fiscal year		735,853			789,059			206,497			221,641
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the fiscal year		515,701			536,648			134,226			140,387
Actual return on plan assets		4,327			18,447			10,930			11,421
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		—			—			(9,121	)		(1,872	)
Employer contribution		34,892			15,745			13,029			9,033
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			764			684
Curtailments and settlements		—			—			(217	)		(1,386	)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries		—			4,592			—			2,331
Benefits paid		(18,272	)		(19,185	)		(9,224	)		(9,459	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the fiscal year		536,648			556,247			140,387			151,139
Funded status at end of the fiscal year		(199,205	)		(232,812	)		(66,110	)		(70,502	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Noncurrent assets		1,454			1,769			3,894			4,399
Current liabilities		—			—			(2,716	)		(2,943	)
Noncurrent liabilities		(200,659	)		(234,581	)		(67,288	)		(71,958	)
Ending balance		(199,205	)		(232,812	)		(66,110	)		(70,502	)

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Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, excluding tax effects, consist of:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Prior service cost (credit)		(86,470	)		(75,840	)		(3,930	)		(2,933	)
Net actuarial loss		278,895			292,382			33,919			38,196
Obligation existing at transition		—			—			204			52
Ending balance		192,425			216,542			30,193			35,315

The accumulated benefit obligations for all defined benefit pension plans were as follows:

	Japanese plans				Foreign plans
	Yen in millions				Yen in millions
	March 31				March 31
	2011		2012		2011		2012
Accumulated benefit obligations		731,666		786,679		183,954		189,360

The projected benefit obligations, the accumulated benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows:

	Japanese plans				Foreign plans
	Yen in millions				Yen in millions
	March 31				March 31
	2011		2012		2011		2012
Projected benefit obligations		729,691		781,983		176,755		170,314
Accumulated benefit obligations		725,504		779,604		167,609		163,002
Fair value of plan assets		530,300		549,017		121,338		111,667

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Discount rate		2.1	%		1.9	%		5.2	%		4.7	%
Rate of compensation increase		*			*			3.5			3.5

* Substantially all of Sony’s Japanese pension plans were point-based. Point-based plans do not incorporate a measure of compensation rate increases.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

	Japanese plans									Foreign plans
	Fiscal year ended March 31									Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012			2010			2011			2012
Discount rate		2.2	%		2.3	%		2.1	%		6.5	%		5.5	%		5.2	%
Expected return on plan assets		3.6			2.9			3.0			6.5			5.9			6.5
Rate of compensation increase		2.7			*			*			3.2			4.0			3.5

* As of March 31, 2011 and 2012, substantially all of Sony’s Japanese pension plans were point-based. Point-based plans do not incorporate a measure of compensation rate increases.

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Sony reviews these assumptions for changes in circumstances.

The weighted-average rate of compensation increase is calculated based only on the pay-related plans. The point-based plans discussed above are excluded from the calculation because payments made under the plan are not based on employee compensation.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, Sony considers the current and expected asset allocations, as well as the historical and expected long-term rates of returns on various categories of plan assets. Sony’s pension investment policy recognizes the expected growth and the variability risk associated with the long-term nature of pension liabilities, the returns and risks of diversification across asset classes, and the correlation among assets. The asset allocations are designed to maximize returns consistent with levels of liquidity and investment risk that are considered prudent and reasonable. While the pension investment policy gives appropriate consideration to recent market performance and historical returns, the investment assumptions utilized by Sony are designed to achieve a long-term return consistent with the long-term nature of the corresponding pension liabilities.

The investment objectives of Sony’s plan assets are designed to generate returns that will enable the plans to meet their future obligations. The precise amount for which these obligations will be settled depends on future events, including the retirement dates and life expectancy of the plans’ participants. The obligations are estimated using actuarial assumptions, based on the current economic environment and other pertinent factors. Sony’s investment strategy balances the requirement to generate returns, using potentially higher yielding assets such as equity securities, with the need to control risk in the portfolio with less volatile assets, such as fixed-income securities. Risks include, among others, inflation, volatility in equity values and changes in interest rates that could negatively impact the funding level of the plans, thereby increasing its dependence on contributions from Sony. To mitigate any potential concentration risk, thorough consideration is given to balancing the portfolio among industry sectors and geographies, taking into account interest rate sensitivity, dependence on economic growth, currency and other factors that affect investment returns. The target allocations as of March 31, 2012, are, as a result of Sony’s asset liability management, 28% of equity securities, 58% of fixed income securities and 14% of other investments for the pension plans of Sony Corporation and most of its subsidiaries in Japan, and, on a weighted average basis, 46% of equity securities, 39% of fixed income securities and 15% of other investments for the pension plans of foreign subsidiaries.

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The fair values of the assets held by Japanese and foreign plans, which are classified in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described in Note 2, are as follows:

	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2011		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		25,151		25,151		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		127,695		125,692		2,003		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		226,183		—		226,183		—
Corporate bonds(c)		23,375		—		23,375		—
Asset-backed securities(d)		3,451		—		3,451		—
Commingled funds(e)		63,693		—		63,693		—
Commodity funds(f)		1,991		—		1,991		—
Private equity(g)		19,888		—		—		19,888
Hedge funds(h)		43,688		—		—		43,688
Real estate		1,533		—		—		1,533
Total		536,648		150,843		320,696		65,109
	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2012		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		14,586		14,586		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		130,283		127,918		2,365		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		255,010		—		255,010		—
Corporate bonds(c)		23,853		—		23,853		—
Asset-backed securities(d)		4,722		—		4,722		—
Commingled funds(e)		58,862		—		58,862		—
Commodity funds(f)		1,850		—		1,850		—
Private equity(g)		23,388		—		—		23,388
Hedge funds(h)		42,258		—		—		42,258
Real estate		1,435		—		—		1,435
Total		556,247		142,504		346,662		67,081

(a) Includes approximately 64 percent and 65 percent of Japanese equity securities, and 36 percent and 35 percent of foreign equity securities for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(b) Includes approximately 65 percent and 64 percent of debt securities issued by Japanese national and local governments, and 35 percent and 36 percent of debt securities issued by foreign national and local governments for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

(c) Includes debt securities issued by Japanese and foreign corporation and government related agencies.

(d) Includes primarily mortgage-backed securities.

(e) Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments, including primarily investment trusts. They include approximately 39 percent and 42 percent of investments in equity, 58 percent and 56 percent of investments in fixed income, and 3 percent and 2 percent of investments in other for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(f) Represents commodity futures funds.

(g) Includes multiple private equity funds of funds that primarily invest in venture, buyout, and distressed markets in the U.S. and Europe.

(h) Includes primarily funds that invest in a portfolio of a broad range of hedge funds to diversify the risks and reduce the volatilities associated with a single hedge fund.

	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2011		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		860		860		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		38,512		33,273		5,239		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		21,405		—		21,405		—
Corporate bonds(c)		14,994		—		10,148		4,846
Asset-backed securities		2,053		—		2,053		—
Insurance contracts(d)		6,718		—		6,718		—
Commingled funds(e)		50,517		—		49,987		530
Real estate and other(f)		5,328		45		1,510		3,773
Total		140,387		34,178		97,060		9,149
	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2012		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		859		859		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		36,497		30,514		5,983		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		43,504		—		43,504		—
Corporate bonds(c)		9,192		—		5,231		3,961
Asset-backed securities		648		—		648		—
Insurance contracts(d)		9,283		—		9,283		—
Commingled funds(e)		43,902		—		43,902		—
Real estate and other(f)		7,254		20		2,151		5,083
Total		151,139		31,393		110,702		9,044

(a) Includes primarily foreign equity securities.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

(b) Includes primarily foreign government debt securities.

(c) Includes primarily foreign corporate debt securities.

(d) Represents annuity contracts with or without profit sharing.

(e) Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments including mutual funds, common trust funds, and collective investment funds. They are primarily comprised of foreign equities and fixed income investments.

(f) Includes primarily private real estate investment trusts.

Each level in the fair value hierarchy in which each plan asset is classified is determined based on inputs used to measure the fair values of the asset, and does not necessarily indicate the risks or rating of the asset.

The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure Japanese and foreign plan assets at fair value. There were no changes in valuation techniques during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012.

Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded. These assets are generally classified as level 1.

The fair value of fixed income securities is typically estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows and are generally classified as level 2.

Commingled funds are typically valued using the net asset value provided by the administrator of the fund and reviewed by Sony. The net asset value is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. These assets are classified as level 1, level 2 or level 3 depending on availability of quoted market prices.

Commodity funds are valued using inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These assets are generally classified as level 2.

Private equity and private real estate investment trust valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. These assets are initially valued at cost and are reviewed periodically utilizing available and relevant market data to determine if the carrying value of these assets should be adjusted. These investments are classified as level 3. The valuation methodology is applied consistently from period to period.

Hedge funds are valued using the net asset value as determined by the administrator or custodian of the fund. These investments are classified as level 3.

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The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair values of Japanese and foreign plans’ level 3 assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012:

	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Private equity			Hedge funds			Real estate			Total
Beginning balance at April 1, 2010		21,337			51,498			1,655			74,490
Return on assets held at end of year		(1,449	)		2,467			(122	)		896
Return on assets sold during the year		—			(436	)		—			(436	)
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		—			(9,841	)		—			(9,841	)
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—
Ending balance at March 31, 2011		19,888			43,688			1,533			65,109
Return on assets held at end of year		450			470			(98	)		822
Return on assets sold during the year		—			—			—			—
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		3,050			(1,900	)		—			1,150
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—
Ending balance at March 31, 2012		23,388			42,258			1,435			67,081

	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Corporate bonds			Asset-backed securities			Commingled funds			Real estate and other			Total
Beginning balance at April 1, 2010		4,571			75			528			3,777			8,951
Return on assets held at end of year		503			—			9			490			1,002
Return on assets sold during the year		—			5			—			—			5
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		260			(72	)		—			(159	)		29
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—			—
Other*		(488	)		(8	)		(7	)		(335	)		(838	)
Ending balance at March 31, 2011		4,846			—			530			3,773			9,149
Return on assets held at end of year		447			—			—			558			1,005
Return on assets sold during the year		—			—			—			—			—
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		(1,209	)		—			(530	)		156			(1,583	)
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—			—
Other*		(123	)		—			—			596			473
Ending balance at March 31, 2012		3,961			—			—			5,083			9,044

* Primarily consists of translation adjustments.

Sony makes contributions to its defined benefit pension plans as deemed appropriate by management after considering the fair value of plan assets, expected return on plan assets and the present value of benefit obligations. Sony expects to contribute approximately 18 billion yen to the Japanese plans and approximately 9 billion yen to the foreign plans during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. At the end of the fiscal year

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ended March 31, 2011, Sony had expected to contribute approximately 35 billion yen to the Japanese plans. However, Sony actually contributed 16 billion yen to the plans in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

The expected future benefit payments are as follows:

	Japanese plans		Foreign plans
Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions		Yen in millions
2013		26,197		9,418
2014		28,084		9,485
2015		30,972		10,461
2016		33,553		10,163
2017		34,518		10,827
2018 — 2022		209,895		58,880

16. Stockholders’ equity

(1) Common stock:

Changes in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 have resulted from the following:

	Number of shares
Balance at March 31, 2009		1,004,535,364
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		36,100
Balance at March 31, 2010		1,004,571,464
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		65,200
Balance at March 31, 2011		1,004,636,664
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		1,500
Balance at March 31, 2012		1,004,638,164

At March 31, 2012, 22,417,400 shares of common stock would be issued upon the conversion or exercise of all convertible bonds and stock acquisition rights outstanding.

Conversions of convertible bonds into common stock are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act of Japan (Kaishaho) and related regulations (collectively the “Companies Act”) by crediting approximately one-half of the conversion proceeds to the common stock account and the remainder to the additional paid-in capital account.

Sony Corporation may purchase its own shares at any time by a resolution of the Board of Directors up to the retained earnings available for dividends to shareholders, in accordance with the Companies Act. No common stock had been acquired by the resolution of the Board of Directors during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

(2) Retained earnings:

The amount of statutory retained earnings of Sony Corporation available for dividends to shareholders as of March 31, 2012 was 310,522 million yen. The appropriation of retained earnings for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, including cash dividends for the six-month period ended March 31, 2012, has been incorporated

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in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. This appropriation of retained earnings was approved at the meeting of the Board of Directors of Sony Corporation held on May 9, 2012 and was then recorded in the statutory books of account, in accordance with the Companies Act.

Retained earnings include Sony’s equity in undistributed earnings of affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method in the amount of 30,809 million yen and 7,891 million yen at March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(3) Other comprehensive income:

Other comprehensive income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period*		74,501			(22,469	)		33,502
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(1,896	)		661			(1,235	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		2,040			(415	)		1,625
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(566	)		489			(77	)
Pension liability adjustment*		45,767			(22,074	)		23,720
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period		4,583			(22	)		4,561
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		2,289			—			2,289
Other comprehensive income		126,718			(43,830	)		64,385

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	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period*		(42,311	)		12,996			(25,445	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		21,548			(8,104	)		13,444
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		(662	)		52			(610	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(785	)		(158	)		(943	)
Pension liability adjustment*		3,164			(6,463	)		(3,176	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period		(118,840	)		1,256			(117,584	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(832	)		—			(832	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(138,718	)		(421	)		(135,146	)
	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period*		28,712			(10,162	)		12,369
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		3,417			(1,240	)		2,177
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		(177	)		(70	)		(247	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		911			(125	)		786
Pension liability adjustment*		(29,239	)		(3,934	)		(34,668	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period*		(32,640	)		74			(32,961	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		14,655			—			14,655
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(14,361	)		(15,457	)		(37,889	)

* Amounts allocable to the noncontrolling interests in the equity of a subsidiary and other are deducted from the net-of-tax amount for unrealized holding gains on securities, pension liability adjustment and foreign currency translation adjustments arising during the period.

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During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, losses of 2,289 million yen, gains of 832 million yen and losses of 14,655 million yen, respectively, of foreign currency translation adjustments were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income as a result of the liquidation or sale of certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. The amount transferred during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 includes losses of 12,772 million yen as a result of the other-than-temporary impairment loss on the shares of S-LCD. Refer to Note 5.

17. Stock-based compensation plans

The stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 2,202 million yen, 1,952 million yen and 1,952 million yen, respectively. The income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 271 million yen, 322 million yen and 287 million yen, respectively. The total cash received from exercises under all of the stock-based compensation plans during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 114 million yen, 198 million yen and 4 million yen, respectively. Sony issued new shares upon exercise of these rights. The actual income tax benefit realized for tax deductions from exercises under all the stock-based compensation plans for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was insignificant.

Sony has three types of stock-based compensation plans as incentive plans for selected directors, corporate executive officers and employees.

(1) Stock Acquisition Rights plan:

Sony has an equity-based compensation plan that issues common stock acquisition rights for the purpose of granting stock options to selected directors, corporate executive officers and employees of Sony, pursuant to the Companies Act. The stock acquisition rights generally vest ratably over a period of three years and are exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant.

The weighted-average fair value per share at the date of grant of stock acquisition rights granted during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 813 yen, 1,036 yen and 345 yen, respectively. The fair value of stock acquisition rights granted on the date of grant and used to recognize compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Weighted-average assumptions
Risk-free interest rate		2.08	%		1.60	%		1.08	%
Expected lives		6.49	years		6.64	years		6.77	years
Expected volatility*		33.70	%		35.74	%		36.88	%
Expected dividends		0.99	%		0.83	%		1.85	%

* Expected volatility was based on the historical volatilities of Sony Corporation’s common stock over the expected life of the stock acquisition rights.

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A summary of the activities regarding the stock acquisition rights plan during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Number of shares		Weighted- average exercise price		Weighted- average remaining life		Total intrinsic value
			Yen		Years		Yen in millions
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year		17,011,400		3,458
Granted		2,537,500		1,520
Exercised		1,500		2,347
Forfeited or expired		667,100		3,326
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year		18,880,300		3,188		5.78		336
Exercisable at end of the fiscal year		13,952,100		3,548		4.64		—

The total intrinsic value of shares exercised under the stock acquisition rights plan during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 20 million yen, 26 million yen and 0.2 million yen, respectively.

As of March 31, 2012, there was 1,425 million yen of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock acquisition rights. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.01 years.

(2) Convertible Bonds plan:

Sony had an equity-based compensation plan for selected executives of Sony’s U.S. subsidiaries using U.S. dollar-denominated non-interest bearing convertible bonds, which had characteristics similar to that of an option plan. Each convertible bond could be converted into 100 shares of the common stock of Sony Corporation at an exercise price based on the prevailing market rate shortly before the date of grant. The convertible bonds vested ratably over a three-year period and were exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant. As the convertible bonds were issued in exchange for a non-interest bearing employee loan and a right of offset exists between the convertible bonds and the employee loans, no accounting recognition was given to either the convertible bonds or the employee loans in Sony’s consolidated balance sheets.

A summary of the activities regarding the convertible bond plan during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Number of shares			Weighted-average exercise price
				Yen
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year		548,500			6,931
Expired		(548,500	)		6,931
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year		—

There were no shares granted or exercised under the convertible bond plan during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. At March 31, 2012, the remaining exercisable shares expired under this plan and there are no further shares outstanding or exercisable under the convertible bond plan as of March 31, 2012.

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(3) Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) plan:

Sony granted SARs in the United States of America for selected employees. Under the terms of these plans, employees upon exercise of such rights 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 ten years from the date of grant.

There were no SARs granted during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. As of March 31, 2012, there were 23,200 SARs outstanding and the weighted-average exercise price was 4,298 yen. All SARs were exercisable as of March 31, 2012.

The compensation expense for the SARs is measured as the excess of the quoted market price of Sony Corporation’s common stock over the SARs strike price. SAR compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012 was insignificant.

18. Great East Japan Earthquake and Thai Floods

(1) Great East Japan Earthquake

On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced a massive earthquake and tsunami (the “Great East Japan Earthquake”). The disaster caused significant damage to certain fixed assets including buildings, machinery and equipment as well as inventories in manufacturing sites and warehouses located principally in northeastern Japan.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony incurred incremental losses and expenses including repair, removal and cleaning costs directly related to the damage caused by the disaster of 10,897 million yen, including the disposal or impairment of fixed assets of 7,668 million yen. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income and were offset by insurance recoveries of 10,841 million yen, the amount that was deemed probable up to the extent of the corresponding losses recognized, as described below. The restoration costs anticipated to occur on or after April 1, 2011 were not recorded in the period ended March 31, 2011. In addition, Sony also incurred other losses and expenses of 11,821 million yen, which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites, and an additional provision for life insurance policy reserves. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in cost of sales and financial services expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony incurred incremental losses and expenses including repair, removal, restoration and cleaning costs directly related to the damage caused by the disaster of 5,864 million yen. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income and were partially offset by insurance recoveries of 2,159 million yen, as described below. In addition, Sony also incurred other losses and expenses of 6,294 million yen, which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Sony has insurance policies which cover certain damage directly caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake for Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries including manufacturing sites. The insurance policies cover the damage and costs associated with fixed assets and inventories and provide business interruption coverage, including lost profits.

Insurance claims in the amount of 15,000 million yen, the total coverage amount, were agreed to by the insurance carriers as a final settlement and were paid in March 2012. Of this amount, 2,000 million yen is due to a certain carrier as reinsurance and recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The insurance proceeds are primarily included in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

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(2) Thai Floods

In October 2011, certain of Sony’s Thailand subsidiaries temporarily closed operations due to significant floods (the “Floods”). The Floods caused significant damage to certain fixed assets including buildings, machinery and equipment as well as inventories in manufacturing sites and warehouses located in Thailand. In addition, the Floods impacted the operations of certain Sony subsidiaries in Japan and other countries.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony incurred incremental losses and expenses including repair, removal and cleaning costs directly related to the damage caused by the Floods of 13,236 million yen, including the disposal or impairment of fixed assets of 7,882 million yen. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income and were offset by insurance recoveries as described below. The restoration costs anticipated to occur on or after April 1, 2012 were not recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 and will be recorded when the services are rendered and liabilities incurred. In addition, Sony also incurred other losses and expenses of 13,899 million yen, which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites and other additional expenses. These losses and expenses were mainly recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Sony has insurance policies which cover certain damage directly caused by the Floods for Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries including manufacturing sites. The insurance policies cover the damage and costs associated with fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses including removal and cleaning costs and provide business interruption coverage, including lost profits.

Insurance claims in the amount of 50,416 million yen were agreed to by the insurance carriers and were paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Of this amount, Sony received 26,316 million yen for fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses, of which 17,520 million yen represents the portion of insurance recoveries in excess of the carrying value before the damage caused by the Floods of the insured fixed assets and inventories, and were recorded in cost of sales and other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. The remaining amount of the insurance claims paid of 24,100 million yen was for business interruption insurance recoveries, which applies to the lost profit which occurred after the Floods to December 31, 2011, and were recorded in other operating revenue in the consolidated statements of income. The insurance proceeds for fixed assets and for other than fixed assets are included in investing activities and operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, respectively.

In addition, as of March 31, 2012, Sony still had pending insurance claims for damage to fixed assets, inventories, additional expenses and business interruption. Sony recorded insurance receivables of 5,788 million yen which represents the portion of the insurance claims that were deemed probable of collection up to the extent of the amount of corresponding losses recognized in the same period and substantially all relate to damaged assets and inventories. Sony concluded that the recoveries from these insurance claims are probable based on the coverage under valid policies, communications with the insurance carriers, Sony’s past claims history with the insurance carriers, and Sony’s assessment that the insurance carriers have the financial ability to pay the claims. These receivables were primarily recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

19. Restructuring charges and asset impairments

As part of its effort to improve the performance of the various businesses, Sony has undertaken a number of restructuring initiatives. Sony defines restructuring initiatives as activities initiated by Sony, such as exiting a business or product category or implementing a headcount reduction program, which are designed to generate a positive impact on future profitability. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, Sony recorded total restructuring charges of 116,472 million yen, 62,318 million yen and 52,645 million yen, respectively.

Sony anticipates recording approximately 75 billion yen of restructuring charges for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.

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The changes in the accrued restructuring charges for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Employee termination benefits			Non-cash write-downs  and disposals, net*			Other associated costs			Total
Balance at March 31, 2009		53,813			—			11,461			65,274
Restructuring costs		65,133			31,928			19,411			116,472
Non-cash charges		—			(31,928	)		—			(31,928	)
Cash payments		(88,803	)		—			(21,754	)		(110,557	)
Adjustments		(2,925	)		—			(156	)		(3,081	)
Balance at March 31, 2010		27,218			—			8,962			36,180
Restructuring costs		38,264			8,294			15,760			62,318
Non-cash charges		—			(8,294	)		—			(8,294	)
Cash payments		(47,521	)		—			(19,086	)		(66,607	)
Adjustments		(2,376	)		—			(662	)		(3,038	)
Balance at March 31, 2011		15,585			—			4,974			20,559
Sony Ericsson acquisition		8,789			—			2,190			10,979
Restructuring costs		25,453			20,428			6,764			52,645
Non-cash charges		—			(20,428	)		—			(20,428	)
Cash payments		(24,928	)		—			(4,862	)		(29,790	)
Adjustments		98			—			(1,130	)		(1,032	)
Balance at March 31, 2012		24,997			—			7,936			32,933

* Significant asset impairments excluded from restructuring charges are described below.

The total amount of costs incurred in connection with these restructuring programs by segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Consumer Products & Services		31,255		25,532		8,972
Professional, Device & Solutions		41,067		19,507		25,645
Pictures		5,605		2,722		1,273
Music		5,225		2,662		5,710
Financial Services		5,078		5,010		1,822
Sony Mobile*		—		—		537
All Other and Corporate		28,242		6,885		8,686
Total net charges		116,472		62,318		52,645

* Sony acquired Ericsson’s shares in Sony Ericsson and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Subsequent to the acquisition, Sony Ericsson was renamed Sony Mobile. Refer to Note 24.

In addition to the restructuring charges in the tables above, Sony recorded in cost of sales 7,851 million, 4,751 million yen and 2,115 million yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation associated with

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restructured assets as used in the context of the disclosures regarding restructuring activity refers to the increase in depreciation expense caused by shortening the useful life or updating the salvage value of depreciable fixed assets to coincide with the end of production under an approved restructuring plan. Any impairment of the asset is recognized immediately in the period.

Consumer Products & Services segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Consumer Products & Services segment, Sony has undergone a number of restructuring efforts to reduce its operating costs. These efforts included headcount reduction programs, initiatives to advance rationalization of manufacturing operations, shifting and aggregating manufacturing to low-cost areas, and utilizing the services of third-party original equipment and design manufacturers (OEMs and ODMs). Significant restructuring activities are as follows:

Retirement programs -

In an effort to improve the performance of the Consumer Products & Services segment, Sony has undergone several headcount reduction programs to further reduce operating costs. Through measures including the realignment of its manufacturing sites, a review of its development and design structure, and the streamlining of its sales and administrative functions, Sony has continued to implement a company-wide (including headquarters) rationalization. Sony intends to reallocate and optimize its workforce through programs including work reassignments and outplacements. As a result of these measures, Sony recorded in the Consumer Products & Services segment restructuring charges related mainly to employee termination benefits totaling 20,189 million yen, 14,035 million yen and 8,134 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. These staff reductions were achieved worldwide mostly through the implementation of early retirement programs. Sony will continue to implement programs to reduce headcount by streamlining business operations, including closure and consolidation of manufacturing sites, and the consolidation of headquarters and administrative functions.

Realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony implemented extensive measures to better compete in terms of speed to market and profitability, including the reevaluation of both its domestic and overseas manufacturing operations. As part of this process, manufacturing operations in Japan for certain product categories were consolidated in order to increase the efficiency of these manufacturing operations.

As a result of this realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan, restructuring charges for the closure of production facilities totaling 7,132 million yen were recorded which consisted mainly of personnel related costs and the disposal or impairment of assets. Of the total restructuring charges, 3,586 million yen for employee termination benefits were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and 3,261 million yen for the disposal or impairment of assets was recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. In addition to the restructuring charges, 4,823 million yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets were recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income as a result of this realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan.

Sales and transfers of manufacturing operations outside of Japan -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony sold and transferred certain manufacturing operations outside of Japan to third parties to reduce operating costs. The resulting restructuring charges included expenses of 11,583 million yen related to the transfer of a factory in Barcelona and the impairment of related assets.

Cash flows from the sales and transfers of manufacturing operations are included in sales of businesses in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

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Professional, Device & Solutions segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Professional, Device & Solutions segment, Sony has undergone a number of restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs. These efforts included headcount reduction programs, initiatives to advance rationalization of manufacturing operations, shifting and aggregating manufacturing to low-cost areas, and utilizing the services of third-party original equipment and design manufacturers (OEMs and ODMs). Significant restructuring activities are as follows:

Retirement programs -

In an effort to improve the performance of the Professional, Device & Solutions segment, Sony has undergone several headcount reduction programs to further reduce operating costs. Through measures including the realignment of its manufacturing sites, a review of its development and design structure, and the streamlining of its sales and administrative functions, Sony has continued to implement a company-wide (including headquarters) rationalization. Sony intends to reallocate and optimize its workforce through programs including work reassignments and outplacements. As a result of these measures, Sony recorded in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment restructuring charges related mainly to employee termination benefits totaling 23,002 million yen, 14,073 million yen and 6,925 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. These staff reductions were achieved worldwide mostly through the implementation of early retirement programs. Sony will continue to implement programs to reduce headcount by streamlining business operations, including closure and consolidation of manufacturing sites, and the consolidation of headquarters and administrative functions.

Realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony implemented extensive measures to better compete in terms of speed to market and profitability, including the reevaluation of both its domestic and overseas manufacturing operations. As part of this process, manufacturing operations in Japan for certain product categories were consolidated in order to increase the efficiency of these manufacturing operations.

As a result of this realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan, restructuring charges for the closure of production facilities totaling 6,087 million yen consisted mainly of personnel related costs and the disposal or impairment of assets. Of the total restructuring charges, 5,273 million yen for employee termination benefits were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and 455 million yen for the disposal or impairment of assets were recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. In addition to the restructuring charges, 799 million yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets were recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income as a result of this realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan.

Sale and asset-impairment of small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business -

In an effort to increase efficiency and strengthen operations in the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business by consolidating manufacturing operations, Sony recorded 7,832 million yen for the impairment of TFT LCD related fixed assets for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. These charges were recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income.

As described in Note 25, Sony sold its small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business to Japan Display Inc. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an impairment loss of 19,187 million yen in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income, as the long-lived assets used by the business were classified as held for sale and recorded at the lesser of carrying value or fair value.

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Asset-impairment of OLED related equipment -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony recorded 5,265 million yen for the impairment of OLED related equipment, which was rendered obsolete due to the utilization of an alternative technology in the manufacture of OLED products. These charges were recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income.

Pictures segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Pictures segment, Sony has undergone a number of restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs and rationalize certain operations.

The resulting restructuring charges, included in the table above, were related mainly to employee termination benefits and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Music segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Music segment due to the continued contraction of the physical music market, Sony has undergone a number of restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs.

The resulting restructuring charges, included in the table above, were related mainly to employee termination benefits and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Financial Services segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Financial Services segment, Sony has undergone restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony recorded restructuring charges of 3,718 million yen in financial service expenses and 1,360 million yen in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. These restructuring charges were related mainly to the realignment of credit financing operations and the disposal or impairment of assets. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony recorded restructuring charges of 3,371 million yen in financial service expenses and 1,639 million yen in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. These restructuring charges related mainly to the partial sale of a leasing and credit card business.

Cash flows from the partial sale of a leasing and credit card business are included in sales of businesses in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Sony Mobile segment

As a result of the acquisition of Sony Ericsson, which was subsequently renamed Sony Mobile, Sony reflected in the consolidated balance sheets 10,979 million yen of restructuring liabilities which related to restructuring activities undertaken by Sony Ericsson prior to Sony’s acquisition of Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson, but which had not yet been paid or settled by Sony Ericsson. The restructuring liability relates to activities previously accrued by Sony Ericsson but which were unpaid as of the acquisition date representing severance costs of 8,789 million yen and other associated costs of 2,190 million yen.

In an effort to improve the performance of the Sony Mobile segment, Sony has undergone restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs.

The resulting restructuring charges, included in the table above, were related mainly to employee termination benefits and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

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All Other and Corporate

Realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony implemented extensive measures to better compete in terms of speed to market and profitability, including the reevaluation of both its domestic and overseas manufacturing operations. As part of this process, mobile phone customer service and manufacturing operations in Japan were consolidated in order to establish an integrated operational structure from manufacturing through to customer service.

As a result of this realignment, restructuring charges for the closure of production facilities totaling 6,041 million yen were recorded, which consisted mainly of personnel related costs and the disposal or impairment of assets. Of the total restructuring charges, 4,900 million yen for employee termination benefits was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, and 862 million yen for the disposal or impairment of assets was recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. In addition to the restructuring charges, 553 million yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets were recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Withdrawal from property lease contract -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony withdrew from the property management operation of an entertainment complex in Japan and terminated the property lease contract. Sony recorded 6,495 million yen of termination payments in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Corporate restructuring charges related to headquarters -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony underwent headquarters restructuring activities. As a result, 5,897 million yen for employee termination benefits were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

Other asset impairment information

Asset-impairment of LCD television business related long-lived assets -

Sony recorded impairment losses of 27,100 million yen and 16,700 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2012, respectively, included within the Consumer Products & Services segment, related to the LCD television assets group. These impairment losses primarily reflect a decrease in the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, management updated its strategic plans, which resulted in decreases in the assets’ estimated service periods and corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment loss.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charge reflect the continued deterioration in LCD television market conditions in Japan, Europe and North America, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

Sony excluded these losses on impairment from restructuring charges as they were not directly related to Sony’s ongoing restructuring initiatives.

Asset-impairment of network business related long-lived assets -

Sony recorded an impairment loss of 12,601 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, included within the Consumer Products & Services segment, related to the network business asset group, which has made

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investments in network improvements and security enhancements. This impairment loss primarily reflects a decrease in the estimated fair value of certain intangible and other long-lived assets.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charge reflect management’s revised forecast over the limited period applicable to the impairment determination.

Sony excluded this loss on impairment from restructuring charges as it was not directly related to Sony’s ongoing restructuring initiatives.

20. Supplemental consolidated statements of income information

(1) Other operating (income) expense, net:

Other operating (income) expense, net is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2010			2011			2012
GSN remeasurement gain*1		—			(26,991	)		—
Sony Ericsson remeasurement gain*1		—			—			(102,331	)
(Gain) loss on sale of interests in subsidiaries and affiliates, net*1,2		(30,529	)		(4,465	)		(2,882	)
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net*2,3		73,517			18,006			45,619
		42,988			(13,450	)		(59,594	)

*1 Refer to Note 24.

*2 Refer to Note 25.

*3 Refer to Notes 13, 18 and 19.

(2) Research and development costs:

Research and development costs charged to cost of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 432,001 million yen, 426,814 million yen and 433,477 million yen, respectively.

(3) Advertising costs:

Advertising costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 383,540 million yen, 396,425 million yen and 357,106 million yen, respectively.

(4) Shipping and handling costs:

Shipping and handling costs for finished goods included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 83,622 million yen, 91,926 million yen and 76,644 million yen, respectively, which included the internal transportation costs of finished goods.

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21. Income taxes

Domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes and the provision for current and deferred income taxes attributable to such income are summarized as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		45,290			143,917			(106,496	)
Foreign subsidiaries		(18,378	)		61,096			23,310
		26,912			205,013			(83,186	)
Income taxes — Current:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		42,723			60,514			33,921
Foreign subsidiaries		36,397			57,404			74,624
		79,120			117,918			108,545
Income taxes — Deferred:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		(25,589	)		365,665			2,794
Foreign subsidiaries		(39,573	)		(58,244	)		203,900
		(65,162	)		307,421			206,694
Total income tax expense		13,958			425,339			315,239

As discussed in Note 2, current income taxes and deferred income taxes in foreign subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 have been revised, with an increase in current income taxes by 30,422 million yen and a corresponding decrease to deferred income taxes. This revision had no impact on total income tax expense.

A reconciliation of the differences between the Japanese statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Statutory tax rate		41.0	%		41.0	%		(41.0	)%
Non-deductible expenses		10.3			1.3			4.2
Income tax credits		(18.0	)		(2.0	)		(3.6	)
Change in statutory tax rate		(4.6	)		0.9			(36.2	)
Change in valuation allowances		4.7			174.5			491.0
Change in deferred tax liabilities on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures		5.8			1.5			(21.2	)
Lower tax rate applied to life and non-life insurance business in Japan		(30.3	)		(2.8	)		(7.8	)
Foreign income tax differential		(17.6	)		(10.5	)		6.7
Adjustments to tax accruals and reserves		16.2			4.5			(15.9	)
Effect of equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		46.0			(2.8	)		60.0
Sony Ericsson remeasurement gain		—			—			(50.6	)
Insurance recovery tax exemptions related to the Floods		—			—			(5.2	)
Other		(1.6	)		1.9			(1.4	)
Effective income tax rate		51.9	%		207.5	%		379.0	%

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In November 2011, the Japanese legislature enacted tax law changes which included lowering the national tax rate, limiting the annual use of net operating loss carryforwards to 80% of taxable income and increasing the net operating loss carryforward period from seven to nine years for losses incurred in the tax years ending on or after April 1, 2008. As a result, the statutory tax rate during the fiscal years ending March 31, 2013 to March 31, 2015 will be approximately 38% and from the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016 will be approximately 36%. The limitation on the use of net operating loss carryforwards, however, may result in cash tax payments being due if there is taxable income in Japan even though Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan have significant net operating loss carryforwards available. These tax law changes take effect for Sony from April 1, 2012. Because accounting for income taxes requires the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates, the tax law changes resulted in a net deferred tax expense of 32,729 million yen.

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Deferred tax assets:
Operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes		387,982			533,912
Accrued pension and severance costs		103,674			87,871
Film costs		16,405			40,566
Warranty reserves and accrued expenses		94,065			82,842
Future insurance policy benefits		26,177			22,907
Inventory		35,989			37,431
Depreciation		35,128			39,473
Tax credit carryforwards		74,284			73,945
Reserve for doubtful accounts		8,404			5,580
Impairment of investments		33,743			34,387
Deferred revenue in the Pictures segment		19,254			21,980
Other		140,745			146,777
Gross deferred tax assets		975,850			1,127,671
Less: Valuation allowance		(473,713	)		(868,233	)
Total deferred tax assets		502,137			259,438
Deferred tax liabilities:
Insurance acquisition costs		(155,073	)		(140,190	)
Future insurance policy benefits		(62,933	)		(66,998	)
Unbilled accounts receivable in the Pictures segment		(40,469	)		(45,467	)
Unrealized gains on securities		(33,101	)		(43,831	)
Intangible assets acquired through stock exchange offerings		(32,136	)		(28,139	)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures		(46,261	)		(27,920	)
Other		(46,970	)		(73,399	)
Gross deferred tax liabilities		(416,943	)		(425,944	)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		85,194			(166,506	)

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As discussed in Note 2, the presentation of deferred income taxes in other assets as of March 31, 2011 in the consolidated balance sheets have been revised to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2012 to reflect the results of an analysis of deferred tax assets in relation to certain unrecognized tax benefits that was completed during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. This revision increased total deferred tax assets by 61,115 million yen, which is composed of an increase of gross deferred tax assets and valuation allowance by 71,126 million yen and 10,011 million yen, respectively, as of March 31, 2011.

The significant increase in the deferred tax asset for film costs is as a result of a change in the method of amortization for film costs for tax return purposes. For book purposes, film costs are amortized on an individual-film-forecast method based on the ratio of current period actual revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues. For tax purposes, there is a film by film election to amortize film costs on either the income forecast method or the straight line method. Sony elected straight line for all films released in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

The valuation allowance mainly relates to deferred tax assets of certain consolidated subsidiaries with operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards for tax purposes that are not more-likely-than-not to be realized. The net changes in the total valuation allowance were increases of 5,741 million yen, 347,460 million yen and 394,520 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The increase during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was primarily due to the additional valuation allowance recorded on deferred tax assets at Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan. Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan were in a three year cumulative loss position in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. In Japan, Sony Corporation files a standalone tax filing for local tax purposes and a consolidated national tax filing with its wholly-owned Japanese subsidiaries for national tax purposes. As the national tax filing group only includes wholly-owned subsidiaries, certain Japanese subsidiaries are excluded, the most significant of which are Sony Financial Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. Due to the cumulative losses in recent years, and because the net operating losses in Japan have a relatively short carryforward period of seven to nine years, a limited number of years remain in the carryforward period. The first year of expiration of the remaining net operating losses in Japan would be 2014 for local taxes and 2016 for national taxes. Carrying amounts of deferred tax assets require a reduction by a valuation allowance if, based on the available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. While the cumulative loss position and the remaining limited years in the carryforward period were significant negative evidence, there was positive evidence in the form of a history of taxable income and a history of utilizing assets before expiration, as well as the availability of tax strategies regarding the utilization of the deferred tax assets. However, based on the near term forecast at the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, including the anticipated impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the lesser weight provided to longer range forecasts when an entity is in a cumulative loss, Sony did not believe that the objectively verifiable positive evidence was sufficient to overcome the significant negative evidence of the cumulative loss. As the weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objectively verifiable negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. Accordingly, Sony, based on the weight of the available positive and negative evidence, established a valuation allowance of 362,316 million yen as of March 31, 2011.

The increase during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was primarily due to the additional valuation allowances recorded on deferred tax assets in the U.S. and the U.K. and additional valuation allowances recorded in Japan for Sony Corporation and certain Japanese subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2012, Sony has concluded that with respect to Sony Americas Holding Inc. (“SAHI”) and its consolidated tax filing group in the U.S., and Sony Europe Limited (“SEU”), a subsidiary in the U.K., the cumulative loss position was significant negative evidence that was difficult to overcome. There was positive evidence in the form of tax planning actions and strategies, the long carryforward periods for utilization, as well as a history of taxable income and utilization of assets before expiration. The tax planning strategies included changes in film amortization methods in the U.S. as described

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above, the success of which depends on future forecasts of income. Notwithstanding this positive evidence, the weight given to evidence is commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. It is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objectively verifiable negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. Accordingly, Sony, based on the weight of the available positive and negative evidence, established a valuation allowance of 203,025 million yen for SAHI and its consolidated tax filing group in the U.S., and 20,694 million yen for SEU, as of March 31, 2012. Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan remain in a cumulative loss position as of March 31, 2012, as a result, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an additional valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets at Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan. In addition, several Japanese subsidiaries are also in a cumulative loss position as of March 31, 2012 and, therefore, recorded valuation allowances of 32,631 million yen against their separate deferred tax assets for local tax purposes.

Prior to its acquisition, Sony Ericsson, principally due to its cumulative loss position, had a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets mainly in Sweden in the amount of 78,393 million yen, for which Sony reported the impact of the valuation allowance through its 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson.

Net deferred tax assets (net of valuation allowance) are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Current assets — Deferred income taxes		133,059			36,769
Other assets — Deferred income taxes		300,702			100,460
Current liabilities — Other		(42,340	)		(19,236	)
Long-term liabilities — Deferred income taxes		(306,227	)		(284,499	)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		85,194			(166,506	)

As discussed in Note 2, deferred income taxes in other assets and net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2011 have been revised, resulting in an increase of 61,115 million yen.

At March 31, 2012, deferred income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures not expected to be remitted in the foreseeable future totaling 1,043,693 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. (“SMEJ”) 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, 2012 for such temporary differences cannot be determined.

At March 31, 2012, Sony has operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes, the tax effect of which totaled 533,912 million yen, which will be available as an offset against future taxable income on tax returns to be filed in various tax jurisdictions. With the exception of 125,537 million yen with no expiration period, substantially all of the total operating loss carryforwards expire at various periods between the fiscal years ending March 31, 2013 and 2021 and the remaining amounts expire in periods up to 20 years depending on the jurisdiction.

Tax credit carryforwards for tax purposes at March 31, 2012 amounted to 73,945 million yen. With the exception of 14,021 million yen with no expiration period, total available tax credit carryforwards expire at various dates primarily up to 10 years.

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year		276,627			229,228			225,120
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(38,450	)		(39,005	)		(25,302	)
Additions for tax positions of prior years		4,816			19,947			59,159
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		10,873			41,201			44,307
Settlements		(5,921	)		(1,478	)		(4,046	)
Lapse in statute of limitations		(1,506	)		(7,770	)		(3,807	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(17,211	)		(17,003	)		(7,120	)
Balance at end of the fiscal year		229,228			225,120			288,311
Total net amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate		76,125			87,497			77,925

The major changes in the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefit balances relate to the Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (“APAs”) filed for certain subsidiaries in the Consumer Products & Services, Professional, Device & Solutions and All Other segments with respect to their intercompany cross-border transactions. These APAs include agreements between Sony and two taxing authorities under the authority of the mutual agreement procedure specified in income tax treaties. Sony reviews its estimated tax expense based on the progress made in these procedures and makes adjustments to its estimates as necessary. Because these are government to government negotiations, it is possible that the final outcomes of the agreements may differ from Sony’s current assessment of the more-likely-than-not outcomes of such agreements.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony recorded 4,707 million yen of interest expense and 1,565 million yen of penalties.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony recorded 3,612 million yen of interest expense and reversed 261 million yen of penalties. At March 31, 2011, Sony had recorded liabilities of 14,523 million yen and 4,407 million yen for the payments of interest and penalties, respectively.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony reversed 1,336 million yen of interest expense and 333 million yen of penalties. At March 31, 2012, Sony had recorded liabilities of 13,187 million yen and 4,074 million yen for the payments of interest and penalties, respectively.

Sony operates in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world, and its tax returns are periodically audited by Japanese and foreign taxing authorities. As a result of audit settlements, the conclusion of current examinations, the expiration of the statute of limitations in several jurisdictions and other reevaluations of Sony’s tax positions, it is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next twelve months. Accordingly, Sony believes it is reasonably possible that its existing unrecognized tax benefits may be reduced by an amount up to 122,227 million yen within the next twelve months.

Sony remains subject to examinations by Japanese taxing authorities for tax years from 2005 through 2011, and by the U.S. and other foreign taxing authorities for tax years from 1998 through 2011.

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22. Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS

Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders for basic and diluted EPS computation		(40,802	)		(259,585	)		(456,660	)
	Thousands of shares
Weighted-average shares outstanding		1,003,520			1,003,559			1,003,578
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock acquisition rights		—			—			—
Convertible bonds		—			—			—
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS computation		1,003,520			1,003,559			1,003,578
	Yen
Basic EPS		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)
Diluted EPS		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)

Potential shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock acquisition rights and convertible bonds, which were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 17,600 thousand shares, 19,383 thousand shares and 22,417 thousand shares, respectively. All potential shares were excluded as anti-dilutive for those fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 due to Sony incurring a net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders for those fiscal years.

23. Variable interest entities

Sony has, from time to time, entered into various arrangements with VIEs. These arrangements include facilities which provide for the leasing of certain property, several joint ventures in the recorded music business, the U.S. based music publishing business, the financing of film production and the outsourcing of manufacturing operations. In addition, Sony has entered into several accounts receivable sales programs that involve VIEs, which are described in Note 6. For the VIEs that are described below, it has been determined that Sony is the primary beneficiary and, accordingly, these VIEs are consolidated by Sony.

Sony leases the headquarters building of its U.S. subsidiary from a VIE. At the end of the lease term which expires in December 2015, Sony has agreed to either renew the lease, purchase the building or remarket it to a third-party on behalf of the owner. Under the lease, Sony has provided a minimum guarantee to the VIE that if the sales price is less than 255 million U.S. dollars, Sony is obligated to make up the lesser of the shortfall or 214 million U.S. dollars. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE due to the minimum guarantee. As a result, it has been determined that Sony is the primary beneficiary. Sony has not provided any additional support to the VIE other than its contractually obligated lease payments. Sony has the option to purchase the building at any time during the lease term for 255 million U.S. dollars. The debt held by the VIE is unsecured and there is no recourse to the creditors outside of Sony. The assets of the VIE are not available to settle the obligations of Sony. At March 31, 2012, the VIE had property, plant and equipment of 14,332 million yen and long-term debt of 20,991 million yen which were included in Sony’s consolidated balance sheets.

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Sony’s U.S. subsidiary that is engaged in the recorded music business has entered into several joint ventures with companies involved in the production and creation of recorded music. Sony has reviewed these joint ventures and determined that they are VIEs. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb the losses of theses VIEs as Sony is responsible for providing funding to these VIEs, and in most cases absorbs all losses until the VIEs become profitable. As a result, it has been determined that Sony is the primary beneficiary. The assets of these VIEs are not available to settle the obligations of Sony. On an aggregate basis, the total assets and liabilities for these VIEs at March 31, 2012 were 17,552 million yen and 7,918 million yen, respectively.

Sony’s U.S. based music publishing subsidiary is a joint venture with a third-party investor and has been determined to be a VIE. The subsidiary owns and acquires rights to musical compositions, exploits and markets these compositions and receives royalties or fees for their use. Under the terms of the joint venture, Sony has the obligation to fund any working capital deficits as well as any acquisition of music publishing rights made by the joint venture. In addition, the third-party investor receives a guaranteed annual dividend of up to 17.5 million U.S. dollars through December 31, 2013. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE due to its obligation to provide funding to the joint venture. As a result, it has been determined that Sony is the primary beneficiary. The assets of the music publishing subsidiary are not available to settle the obligations of Sony. At March 31, 2012, the assets and liabilities of the VIE that were included in Sony’s consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	Yen in millions
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		5,239
Account receivables, net		248
Other current assets		20,523
Property, plant and equipment, net		863
Intangibles, net		54,566
Goodwill		12,483
Other noncurrent assets		6,708
Total assets		100,630
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		32,835
Other current liabilities		5,222
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,254
Total liabilities		39,311

VIEs in which Sony holds a significant variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary are described as follows:

In connection with the September 2010 refinancing of the debt obligations of the third-party investor in the music publishing subsidiary described above, Sony has issued a guarantee to a creditor of the third-party investor in which Sony has agreed to repay the outstanding principal plus accrued interest up to a maximum of 303 million U.S. dollars to the creditor should the third-party investor default on its obligation. The obligation of the third-party investor is collateralized by its 50% interest in Sony’s music publishing subsidiary. Should Sony have to make a payment under the terms of the guarantee, Sony would assume the creditor’s rights to the underlying collateral. The assets of the third-party investor that are being used as collateral were placed in a separate trust which is also a VIE in which Sony has significant variable interests. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony is not the primary beneficiary as Sony does not have the power to direct

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the activities of the trust. The assets held by the trust consist solely of the third-party investor’s 50% ownership interest in the music publishing subsidiary. At March 31, 2012, the fair value of the assets held by the trust exceeded 303 million U.S. dollars.

Sony’s subsidiary in the Pictures segment entered into a joint venture agreement with a VIE to acquire the international distribution rights, as defined, to 12 pictures. The subsidiary is required to distribute these pictures internationally, for contractually defined fees determined as percentages of gross receipts and is responsible for all distribution and marketing expenses, which are recouped from such distribution fees, each as defined. The VIE was capitalized with total financing of 406 million U.S. dollars. Of this amount, 11 million U.S. dollars was contributed by the subsidiary, 95 million U.S. dollars was provided by unrelated third-party investors and the remaining funding was provided through a 300 million U.S. dollar bank credit facility. Under the agreement, the subsidiary’s 11 million U.S. dollars equity investment is the last equity to be repaid. Based on the factors above, it was previously determined that the subsidiary was the primary beneficiary as it had the power to direct the activities of the VIE and was projected to absorb a significant amount of the losses or residual returns of the VIE. As of March 31, 2009, the bank credit facility had been terminated and the third-party investors have been repaid their 95 million U.S. dollar investment. On May 11, 2009, the subsidiary repurchased from the VIE the international distribution rights to the 12 pictures and the VIE received a participation interest in these films on identical financial terms to those described above. As a result of repurchasing the international distribution rights from the VIE, Sony determined that the subsidiary was no longer the primary beneficiary as it no longer had the power to direct the activities of the VIE and was not projected to absorb a significant amount of the losses or residual returns of the VIE. No gain or loss was recognized by the subsidiary on the deconsolidation of the VIE. As of March 31, 2012, the subsidiary’s balance sheet includes no film costs related to the international distribution rights acquired from the VIE and 748 million yen of participation liabilities recorded within accounts payable, other and accrued expenses as well as other noncurrent liabilities due to the VIE. On April 11, 2012, the subsidiary acquired the VIE’s participation interest for 22 million U.S. dollars. As a result of this acquisition, the VIE no longer has any financial interest in these pictures.

Sony’s subsidiary in the Pictures segment entered into two separate production/co-financing agreements with VIEs to co-finance 19 films that were released over the 31 months ended July 31, 2008. The subsidiary received 565 million U.S. dollars over the term of the agreements to fund the production or acquisition cost of films (including fees and expenses). Under these agreements, the subsidiary is responsible for the marketing and distribution of the product through its global distribution channels. The VIEs share in the net profits, as defined, of the films after the subsidiary recoups a distribution fee, its marketing and distribution expenses, and third-party participation and residual costs, each as defined. As the subsidiary did not have the power to direct the activities of these VIEs, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of either of the VIEs. At March 31, 2012, there were no amounts recorded on the subsidiary’s balance sheet that related to either of the VIEs other than the investors’ earned but unpaid share of the films’ net profits, as defined.

Additionally, on January 19, 2007, the subsidiary entered into a third production/co-financing agreement with another VIE to co-finance a majority of the films submitted through March 2012. The subsidiary received a commitment from the VIE that it would fund up to 525 million U.S. dollars on a revolving basis to fund the production or acquisition cost of films (including fees and expenses). Under the agreement, the subsidiary is responsible for the marketing and distribution of the product through its global distribution channels. The VIE shares in the net profits, as defined, of the films after the subsidiary recoups a distribution fee, its marketing and distribution expenses, and third-party participation and residual costs, each as defined. As the subsidiary did not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. On December 16, 2011, the subsidiary and the VIE agreed to modify the production/co-financing agreement (the “Modification”). Per the Modification, the VIE paid the subsidiary 20 million U.S. dollars and transferred selected rights in the films financed prior to the Modification (the “Previously Financed Films”) to the subsidiary, including the VIE’s share in the net profits in the Previously Financed Films. In exchange, the subsidiary released the VIE from its obligation to finance future films and the VIE received a participation interest in the Previously Financed Films. As the subsidiary, after the Modification, continues to not have the

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power to direct the activities of the VIE, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. At March 31, 2012, there were no amounts recorded on the subsidiary’s balance sheet that related to the VIE other than the VIE’s participation interest in the Previously Financed Films.

In January 2010, Sony sold 90.0% of its interest in a Mexican subsidiary which primarily manufactured LCD televisions, as well as other assets including machinery and equipment of 4,520 million yen and inventories of 5,619 million yen, to a contract manufacturer. The continuing entity, which would perform this manufacturing going forward, is a VIE as it is thinly capitalized and dependent on funding from the parent entity. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony is not the primary beneficiary as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance nor does Sony have the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE. In connection with the sale of Sony’s controlling interest in the subsidiary, Sony received 11,189 million yen and recorded a loss of 1,664 million yen during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Concurrent with the sale, Sony entered into an agreement with the VIE and its parent company in which Sony agreed to purchase a significant share of the LCD televisions that Sony sells in certain markets, including the U.S. market. As of March 31, 2012, the amounts recorded on Sony’s consolidated balance sheets that relate to the VIE include receivables recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets of 10,295 million yen and accounts payable, trade of 18,830 million yen. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses is considered insignificant.

As described in Note 6, accounts receivable sales programs in Japan and in the Financial Services segment also involve VIEs that formerly met the criteria to be a QSPE. These VIEs are all special purpose entities of the sponsor banks. In addition, a counterparty of the accounts receivable transactions in the U.S. includes a VIE. Based on a qualitative assessment, Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate these entities as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities, an obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive the residual returns of these VIEs. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses from these VIEs is considered insignificant.

As described in Note 25, in connection with the sale of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business, Sony will transfer to a third-party legal ownership of a certain subsidiary within the former small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2012, this entity is a VIE. Based on a qualitative assessment, Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate the entity after the sale as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE nor does Sony have an obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive the residual returns of this VIE. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses is considered insignificant.

24. Acquisitions

(1) Game Show Network acquisition

In April 2009, Sony sold a portion of its 50% ownership interest in GSN, which operates a U.S. cable network and online business, to the other investor in GSN, which resulted in cash proceeds of 8,831 million yen and a gain of 8,322 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The gain was recorded in other operating (income) expense, net.

In March 2011, Sony acquired an additional 5% equity interest in GSN from the successor in interest to the other investor (the “Current Investor”) for 4,849 million yen, resulting in Sony owning a 40% equity interest in GSN. As part of the acquisition, Sony obtained a controlling interest in GSN, including the ability to appoint the majority of representatives on the GSN management committee, control over approval of the budget for GSN and control over the hiring, terminating, and setting compensation of the senior management of GSN. This acquisition will strengthen Sony’s presence in U.S. cable networks and Sony expects that it will allow GSN to further exploit and benefit from the light entertainment assets in the Pictures segment.

In addition to acquiring the additional 5% equity interest in GSN, Sony granted a put right to the Current Investor and received a call right from the Current Investor for an additional 18% equity interest in GSN. The put

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right is exercisable during three windows starting on April 1 of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and lasting for 60 business days (each such period, a “Trigger Window”). In the event that GSN’s audited financial statements for the most recent completed calendar year are not available on April 1, the Trigger Window shall commence on the day when GSN’s audited financial statements are delivered to the Current Investor. As of May 31, 2012, GSN’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 have not been delivered to the Current Investor. The exercise price of the put is calculated using a formula based on an agreed upon multiple of the earnings of GSN with a minimum price of 234 million U.S. dollars and a maximum price of 288 million U.S. dollars. Sony’s call right is exercisable only if the put is not exercised, and may be exercised for 60 business days immediately after the last put window has expired. The exercise price of the call is calculated using the same formula as the put with a minimum price of 234 million U.S. dollars. A buy/sell provision also applies to the equity interests in GSN owned by Sony and the Current Investor and may be exercised annually for a 60 business day window beginning April 1, 2015.

Prior to the March 2011 acquisition, Sony’s interest in GSN was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As a result of Sony obtaining a controlling interest in GSN, Sony consolidated GSN using the acquisition method of accounting and recorded the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities assumed, redeemable noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling interest and residual goodwill of GSN. In accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations achieved in stages, Sony remeasured the 35% equity interest in GSN that it owned prior to the acquisition at a fair value of 33,940 million yen which resulted in the recognition of a gain of 26,991 million yen recorded in other operating (income) expense, net.

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The following table summarizes the preliminary and final fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities of GSN that were recorded in the Pictures segment. Due to the fact that the acquisition closed in March 2011, certain areas of the purchase price allocation were not yet finalized as of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, including the fair value of certain tangible assets and liabilities acquired, the valuation of intangible assets acquired, income taxes and residual goodwill. The measurement period adjustments did not have a significant impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position and, therefore, Sony has not retrospectively adjusted the consolidated financial statements.

	Yen in millions
	Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of acquisition date (Preliminary)		Measurement period Adjustments			Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of acquisition date (Final)
Cash and cash equivalents		4,039					4,039
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		3,089					3,089
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		395					395
Film costs		4,178					4,178
Property, plant and equipment		220					220
Intangibles		46,749		574			47,323
Goodwill		46,432		(527	)		45,905
Other noncurrent assets		38					38
Total assets		105,140		47			105,187
Notes and accounts payable, trade		970					970
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses		4,131					4,131
Other current liabilities		59					59
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,683		47			1,730
Total liabilities		6,843		47			6,890
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		18,779					18,779
Noncontrolling interest		40,728					40,728
Total		38,790					38,790

The portion of the noncontrolling interest that can be put to Sony is accounted for as redeemable securities because redemption is outside of Sony’s control. As such, the redeemable noncontrolling interest is reported in the mezzanine equity section in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was calculated using a combination of a discounted cash flow model and market comparables of similar transactions and companies. A lack of control discount was not applied in determining the fair value of the noncontrolling interest as the cash flows attributable to the noncontrolling interest holder are expected to be proportional to the cash flows attributable to the controlling interest holder.

No value was allocated to in-process research and development in this acquisition. Goodwill represents unidentifiable intangible assets, such as future growth from new revenue streams and synergies with Sony’s existing assets and businesses, and is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is included in the Pictures segment.

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The intangible assets are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions		Years
	Acquired intangibles recorded at fair value		Weighted-average amortization period
Intangibles subject to amortization
Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements)		33,698		20
Other		4,736		3
Intangible having an indefinite life
Trademarks		8,889		—
Total intangibles		47,323

The results of operations of GSN are included in the Pictures segment after the acquisition date. The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Sony and GSN as though the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011:

	Yen in millions, except per share data
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011
	(Unaudited)
Net sales		6,313,222			6,325,310
Operating income		60,685			199,445
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(33,655	)		(259,731	)
Basic EPS		(33.54	)		(258.81	)
Diluted EPS		(33.54	)		(258.81	)

The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information is based on estimates and assumptions, which Sony believes are reasonable and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what Sony’s consolidated net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders would have been had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of each of these periods and should not be taken as indicative of Sony’s future consolidated net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders. The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information includes a gain from remeasurement of the previously owned equity interest and incremental intangible asset amortization, net of the related tax effects.

(2) Sony Ericsson acquisition

On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson, resulting in Sony Ericsson becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. The transaction also provided Sony with a broad intellectual property cross-licensing (“IP cross-licensing”) agreement and ownership of five essential patent families relating to wireless handset technology. The total consideration consisted of 107,174 million yen (1,050 million euros) of cash. The agreement with Ericsson also provided for contingent consideration depending on the level of certain specified costs. Based on the estimated level of the specified costs, no amounts were expected to be paid under this arrangement and therefore no amounts were recorded as additional consideration. This acquisition will integrate Sony Ericsson, renamed Sony Mobile, into Sony’s platform of network-connected consumer electronics products with the aim of accelerating convergence.

Prior to the acquisition, Sony’s interest in Sony Ericsson was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As a result of Sony obtaining a controlling interest in Sony Ericsson, Sony consolidated Sony Ericsson using the acquisition method of accounting and recorded the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interest and residual goodwill of Sony Ericsson. In accordance with the

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accounting guidance for business combinations achieved in stages, Sony remeasured the 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson that it owned prior to the acquisition at a fair value of 71,449 million yen which resulted in the recognition of a gain of 102,331 million yen recorded in other operating (income) expense, net. Sony elected not to record a deferred tax liability corresponding to the difference between the financial reporting basis which was remeasured to fair value upon an acquisition of a controlling interest in a foreign entity and the tax basis in the previously held ownership interest. In addition, accumulated translation adjustments of 11,690 million yen remained as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities of Sony Ericsson that were recorded in the Sony Mobile segment and the IP cross-licensing that was assigned to Corporate for segment reporting purposes.

	Yen  in millions
	Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date
Cash and cash equivalents		35,331
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		54,522
Inventories		54,095
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		28,618
Property, plant and equipment		18,075
Intangibles		123,097
Goodwill		128,522
Other noncurrent assets		22,463
Total assets		464,723
Notes and accounts payable, trade		66,522
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses		61,467
Other current liabilities		136,938
Other noncurrent liabilities		7,126
Total liabilities		272,053
Noncontrolling interest		14,047
Total		178,623

No value was allocated to in-process research and development in this acquisition as no material amounts were identified; however, certain significant research and development activities were substantially completed as of the acquisition date and included within acquired intangible assets as developed technology. Goodwill represents unidentifiable intangible assets, such as future growth from new revenue streams, increased market share particularly in emerging markets and the U.S., synergies with existing Sony assets and businesses and an assembled workforce, and is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is included in the Sony Mobile segment.

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The intangible assets are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions		Years
	Acquired intangibles recorded  at fair value		Weighted-average amortization period
Intangibles subject to amortization
IP cross-licensing		60,834		6
Developed technology		24,599		9
Customer relationships		19,597		14
Trademarks		14,086		7
Other		3,981		7
Total intangibles		123,097

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Sony and Sony Ericsson as though the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:

	Yen in millions, except per share data
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011			2012
	(Unaudited)
Net sales		6,901,151			5,941,131
Operating income (loss)		231,895			(187,725	)
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(226,038	)		(654,833	)
Basic EPS		(225.24	)		(652.50	)
Diluted EPS		(225.24	)		(652.50	)

The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information is based on estimates and assumptions, which Sony believes are reasonable and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what Sony’s consolidated net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders would have been had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and should not be taken as indicative of Sony’s future consolidated net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders. The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information includes:

• the elimination of equity in net income (loss) and consolidation of Sony Ericsson;

• the gain from remeasurement of the previously owned equity interest;

• incremental intangible asset amortization, net of the related tax effects;

• certain royalty adjustments; and

• additional debt issuance costs and interest expense, incurred in connection with the acquisition.

(3) Sony Semiconductor acquisition

On April 1, 2011, Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, acquired from Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) for 57,451 million yen semiconductor fabrication equipment and certain related assets. Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation has subsequently changed its name to Sony Semiconductor Corporation, effective November 1, 2011. Sony’s goal in acquiring the assets is to further strengthen its production capacity for CMOS image sensors.

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The assets were operated by Nagasaki Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (“NSM”), a joint venture among Toshiba, Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. Subsequent to the acquisition, Sony entered into a three year sale and leaseback transaction regarding certain of the acquired machinery and equipment with its equity interest affiliate, SFI Leasing Company, Limited, and received proceeds of 50,537 million yen based on the amounts recorded at fair value in the acquisition. These transactions are included within other in the investing activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.

In connection with the acquisition, Toshiba and Sony terminated their NSM joint venture relationship. Sony also entered into a supply arrangement to manufacture and supply system LSIs to Toshiba for one year following the acquisition.

The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets acquired at the acquisition date.

	Yen in millions
	Acquired assets recorded at fair value
Inventories		4,370
Other current assets		82
Machinery and equipment		51,083
Intangibles		1,223
Other noncurrent assets		693
Total		57,451

As the purchase price was fully allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and no liabilities were assumed, there was no goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition. The unaudited supplemental pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effect of the acquisition was not material.

(4) Other acquisitions

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony completed acquisitions for total consideration of 17,616 million yen, of which 1,420 million yen was contingent consideration. The remaining consideration was paid primarily in cash. As a result of the acquisitions, Sony recorded 13,425 million yen of goodwill and 3,708 million yen of intangible assets. A portion of the contingent consideration was subsequently reversed into income during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 as it was determined that the operating targets that needed to be achieved for the contingent consideration to be paid would not be met. The reversal of the accrued contingent consideration resulted in income of 896 million yen which was recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony completed other acquisitions for total consideration of 2,884 million yen which was paid primarily in cash and there was no material contingent consideration subject to future change. As a result of the acquisitions, Sony recorded 1,415 million yen of goodwill and 1,227 million yen of intangible assets.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony completed other acquisitions for total consideration of 7,914 million yen which was paid primarily in cash and there was no material contingent consideration subject to future change. As a result of the acquisitions, Sony recorded 5,853 million yen of goodwill and 3,345 million yen of intangible assets.

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No significant amounts have been allocated to in-process research and development and all of the entities described above have been consolidated into Sony’s results of operations since their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of Sony Semiconductor and the other acquisitions, individually and in aggregate, were not material.

25. Divestitures

(1) HBO Latin America and HBO Central Europe

In March 2010, Sony sold a portion of its investment and certain ancillary rights, which was included in the Pictures segment, in its HBO Latin America venture, which owns and operates certain premium pay television businesses in Latin America, to the venture’s majority shareholder (“Majority Shareholder”). Sony accounted for this sale in accordance with the accounting guidance for transfers and servicing. Prior to this transaction, Sony owned approximately 29% of this venture, which was accounted for under the equity method, and, as a result of this transaction, Sony owned approximately 8% of this venture (the “Retained Interest”), which was accounted for under the cost method.

As consideration for the transaction, Sony received cash proceeds of 19,424 million yen and received a put option valued at 1,371 million yen and the sale resulted in a gain of 18,035 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. In November 2010, Sony notified the Majority Shareholder that Sony intended to exercise the put option. The purchase of the Retained Interest by the Majority Shareholder was completed in March 2011 which resulted in cash proceeds of 5,285 million yen and a gain of 3,329 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

In January 2010, in a separate transaction, Sony sold its entire investment, which was included in the Pictures segment, in its HBO Central Europe joint venture, which owns and operates a premium pay television business in Central Europe, to an affiliate of the Majority Shareholder. The sale resulted in cash proceeds of 7,660 million yen and a gain of 3,957 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

The above mentioned transactions and the other transactions which were not material individually and in aggregate were recorded in other operating (income) expense, net due to either the nature of the transaction or in consideration of factors including the relationship to Sony’s core operations.

(2) Small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business

In March 2012, Sony sold the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business, which was included in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment, to Japan Display Inc. The sale proceeds are subject to the finalization of certain post-closing conditions and adjustments. In connection with the sale, Sony will transfer legal ownership of a certain subsidiary within the former small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business to Japan Display Inc. during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2012, this entity is a VIE, although Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate the entity after the sale. Refer to Note 23. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an impairment loss of 19,187 million yen in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income, as the disposal group was classified as held for sale and recorded at the lesser of carrying value or fair value. Following the sale, Sony purchased an equity interest in Japan Display Inc. which Sony accounts for under the cost method.

(3) S-LCD Corporation

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony sold all of its shares of S-LCD, the LCD panel manufacturing joint venture. Refer to Note 5.

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(4) Chemical products business

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into a memorandum of understanding with a third-party to sell the chemical products business, which is included in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment. Sony classified certain assets and liabilities related to the business as held for sale as of March 31, 2012, and anticipates completing the divestiture during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. No impairment loss was recognized as a result of the held for sale classification. The assets and liabilities held for sale are comprised of 14,756 million yen of current assets including accounts receivable and inventories, 29,182 million yen of goodwill, 19,028 million yen of other noncurrent assets including property, plant and equipment, 17,554 million yen of current liabilities including accounts payable and accrued expenses, and 2,657 million yen of noncurrent liabilities. The current and noncurrent assets and liabilities were reclassified to prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

26. Collaborative arrangements

Sony’s collaborative arrangements primarily relate to arrangements entered into, through a subsidiary in the Pictures segment, with one or more active participants to jointly finance, produce and/or distribute motion picture or television product under which both the subsidiary and the other active participants share in the risks and rewards of ownership. These arrangements are referred to as co-production and distribution arrangements.

Sony typically records an asset for only the portion of the motion picture or television product it owns and finances. Sony and the other participants typically distribute the product in different media or markets. Revenues earned and expenses incurred for the media or markets in which Sony distributes the product are typically recorded on a gross basis. Sony typically does not record revenues earned and expenses incurred when the other participants distribute the product. Sony and the other participants typically share in the profits from the distribution of the product in all media or markets. For motion picture product, if Sony is a net receiver of (1) Sony’s share of the profits from the media or markets distributed by the other participants less (2) the other participants’ share of the profits from the media or markets distributed by Sony then the net amount is recorded as net sales. If Sony is a net payer then the net amount is recorded in cost of sales. For television product, Sony records its share of the profits from the media or markets distributed by the other participants as sales, and the other participants’ share of the profits from the media or markets distributed by Sony as cost of sales.

For the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, 4,687 million yen, 4,866 million yen and 10,990 million yen, respectively, were recorded as cost of sales for amounts owed to the other participants and 9,936 million yen, 10,244 million yen and 14,625 million yen, respectively, were recorded as net sales for amounts due from the other participants in these collaborative arrangements.

27. Commitments, contingent liabilities and other

(1) Commitments:

A. Loan commitments

Subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have entered into loan agreements with their customers in accordance with the condition of the contracts. As of March 31, 2012, the total unused portion of the lines of credit extended under these contracts was 20,051 million yen. The aggregate amounts of future year-by-year payments for these loan commitments cannot be determined.

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B. Purchase commitments and other

Purchase commitments and other outstanding at March 31, 2012 amounted to 276,016 million yen. The major components of these commitments are as follows:

In the ordinary course of business, Sony makes commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment. As of March 31, 2012, such commitments outstanding were 35,725 million yen.

Certain subsidiaries in the Pictures segment have entered into agreements with creative talent for the development and production of motion pictures and television programming as well as agreements with third parties to acquire completed motion pictures, or certain rights therein, and to acquire the rights to broadcast certain live action sporting events. These agreements cover various periods mainly within 5 years. As of March 31, 2012, these subsidiaries were committed to make payments under such contracts of 117,187 million yen.

Certain subsidiaries in the Music segment 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 within 5 years. As of March 31, 2012, these subsidiaries were committed to make payments of 41,853 million yen under such long-term contracts.

The schedule of the aggregate amounts of year-by-year payment of purchase commitments during the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		141,236
2014		55,209
2015		35,330
2016		23,281
2017		13,310
Later years		7,650
Total		276,016

In addition to the above, Sony has other commitments as follows:

On November 11, 2011, an investor group including Sony (collectively the “Group”) executed a definitive agreement with Citigroup, Inc. (“Citi”) whereby the Group will acquire EMI Music Publishing from Citi for total consideration of 2.2 billion U.S. dollars. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Upon the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and the resolution of all other closing conditions, Sony expects to invest approximately 325 million U.S. dollars and own approximately 38% of the newly formed entity that will ultimately acquire EMI Music Publishing from Citi, with an ability to increase the investment and ownership up to 40%.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, there was a receipt of an advance payment from a commercial customer. As a result, as of March 31, 2012, Sony recorded 15,173 million yen in other current liabilities and 35,404 million yen in other long-term liabilities based on anticipated delivery dates. The advance payment is subject to reimbursement under certain contingent conditions of the contract, including a downgrade of Sony’s credit rating by either S&P (lower than “BBB”) or Moody’s (lower than “Baa2”). The advance payment amounts will be reduced at the time of future product sales to the commercial customer.

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(2) Contingent liabilities:

Sony had contingent liabilities, including guarantees given in the ordinary course of business, which amounted to 78,743 million yen at March 31, 2012. The major components of these contingent liabilities are as follows:

As discussed in Note 23, Sony has agreed to repay the outstanding principal plus accrued interest up to a maximum of 303 million U.S. dollars to the creditor of the third-party investor of Sony’s U.S. based music publishing subsidiary should the third-party investor default on its obligation. The obligation of the third-party investor is collateralized by its 50% interest in Sony’s music publishing subsidiary. Should Sony have to make a payment under the terms of the guarantee, Sony would assume the creditor’s rights to the underlying collateral. At March 31, 2012, the fair value of the collateral exceeded 303 million U.S. dollars.

In May 2011, Sony Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, Sony Electronics Inc., received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) Antitrust Division seeking information about its secondary batteries business. Sony understands that the DOJ and one agency outside the United States are investigating competition in the secondary batteries market. Based on the current stage of the proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of this matter.

Beginning earlier in 2011, the network services of PlayStation^®Network, Qriocity™, Sony Online Entertainment LLC and websites of other subsidiaries came under cyber-attack. As of May 31, 2012, Sony has not received any confirmed reports of customer identity theft issues or misuse of credit cards from the cyber-attacks. However, in connection with certain of these matters, Sony has received inquiries from authorities in a number of jurisdictions, including orders for reports issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan as well as the Financial Services Agency of Japan, formal and/or informal requests for information from Attorneys General from a number of states in the United States and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, various U.S. congressional inquiries and others. Additionally, Sony Corporation and/or certain of its subsidiaries have been named in a number of purported class actions in certain jurisdictions, including the United States. Based on the stage of these inquiries and proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of these matters.

In October 2009, Sony Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, Sony Optiarc America Inc., received a subpoena from the DOJ seeking information about its optical disk drive business. Sony understands that the DOJ and agencies outside the United States are investigating competition in optical disk drives. Subsequently, a number of purported class action lawsuits were filed in certain jurisdictions, including the United States, in which the plaintiffs allege that Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries violated antitrust laws and seek recovery of damages and other remedies. Based on the current stage of these proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of all of these matters.

In addition, Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants or otherwise involved in other pending legal and regulatory proceedings. However, based upon the information currently available, Sony currently believes that the outcome of such legal and regulatory proceedings would not have a material effect on Sony’s consolidated financial statements.

(3) Redeemable noncontrolling interest:

As discussed in Note 24, in connection with the GSN transaction, Sony granted a put right to the Current Investor for an additional 18% interest in GSN. The put right is exercisable during three windows starting on April 1 of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and lasting for 60 business days (each such period, a “Trigger Window”). In the event that GSN’s audited financial statements for the most recently completed calendar year are not available on

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

April 1, the Trigger Window will commence on the day when the GSN audited financial statements are delivered to the Current Investor. As of May 31, 2012, GSN’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 have not been delivered to the Current Investor. The exercise price of the put is calculated using a formula based on an agreed upon multiple of the earnings of GSN with a minimum price of 234 million U.S. dollars and a maximum price of 288 million U.S. dollars. The portion of the noncontrolling interest that can be put to Sony is accounted for as redeemable securities because redemption is outside of Sony’s control and is reported in the mezzanine equity section in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2012.

(4) Product warranty liabilities:

The changes in product warranty liability for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year		57,922			50,856			54,940
Additional liabilities for warranties		46,686			48,610			60,073
Settlements (in cash or in kind)		(45,218	)		(36,537	)		(39,954	)
Changes in estimate for pre-existing warranty reserve		(7,649	)		(4,802	)		(4,397	)
Translation adjustment		(885	)		(3,187	)		(2,802	)
Balance at end of the fiscal year		50,856			54,940			67,860

28. Business segment information

The reportable segments presented below are the segments of Sony for which separate financial information is available and for which operating profit or loss amounts are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The CODM does not evaluate segments using discrete asset information. Sony’s CODM is its Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.

Sony realigned its reportable segments from the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, to reflect modifications to the organizational structure as of April 1, 2011, primarily repositioning the operations of the previously reported Consumer, Professional & Devices (“CPD”) and Networked Products & Services (“NPS”) segments. In connection with this realignment, the operations of the former CPD and NPS segments are included in two newly established segments, namely the Consumer Products & Services (“CPS”) segment and the Professional, Device & Solutions (“PDS”) segment.

The CPS segment includes televisions, home audio and video, digital imaging, personal and mobile products, and the game business. The equity results of S-LCD are also included within the CPS segment. The PDS segment includes professional solutions, semiconductors and components. The Pictures segment is engaged in the development, production and acquisition, manufacture, marketing, distribution and broadcasting of image-based software, including motion picture, home entertainment and television products. The Music segment includes SME, SMEJ and a 50% owned U.S. based joint venture in the music publishing business, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. The Financial Services segment primarily represents individual life insurance and non-life insurance businesses in the Japanese market, a credit financing business and a bank business in Japan. On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson, which changed its name to Sony Mobile Communications upon becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Accordingly, the Sony Ericsson segment that had been presented as a separate segment was renamed the Sony Mobile segment in the fourth quarter. The Sony Mobile segment includes Sony’s equity in net income (loss) of Sony Ericsson through

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

February 15, 2012 and sales, operating revenue and operating income (loss) from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012, as well as a gain of 102,331 million yen recorded on the remeasurement of Sony’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson at fair value upon obtaining control through the acquisition of Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson. Refer to Note 24. All Other consists of various operating activities, including a mobile phone OEM business in Japan, So-net Entertainment Corporation, an Internet-related service business subsidiary operating mainly in Japan and the disc manufacturing business. Sony’s products and services are generally unique to a single operating segment. In connection with the realignment, all prior period amounts in the segment disclosures have been restated to conform to the current fiscal year’s presentation.

F-95

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Sales and operating revenue:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Consumer Products & Services —
Customers		3,638,137			3,771,610			3,061,214
Intersegment		74,228			78,223			75,543
Total		3,712,365			3,849,833			3,136,757
Professional, Device & Solutions —
Customers		1,080,984			1,066,574			967,603
Intersegment		438,002			436,690			346,168
Total		1,518,986			1,503,264			1,313,771
Pictures —
Customers		705,237			599,654			656,097
Intersegment		—			312			1,624
Total		705,237			599,966			657,721
Music —
Customers		511,097			457,771			430,751
Intersegment		11,519			12,972			12,038
Total		522,616			470,743			442,789
Financial Services —
Customers		838,300			798,495			868,971
Intersegment		13,096			8,031			2,924
Total		851,396			806,526			871,895
Sony Mobile —
Customers		—			—			77,732
Intersegment		—			—			—
Total		—			—			77,732
All Other —
Customers		379,862			377,822			378,071
Intersegment		80,904			70,004			64,598
Total		460,766			447,826			442,669
Corporate and elimination		(557,368	)		(496,885	)		(450,122	)
Consolidated total		7,213,998			7,181,273			6,493,212

CPS intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with All Other.

PDS intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the CPS segment.

The Sony Mobile segment includes sales and operating revenue from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

All Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Pictures segment, the Music segment and the CPS segment.

Corporate and elimination includes certain brand and patent royalty income.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Segment profit or loss:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Operating income (loss):
Consumer Products & Services		(101,403	)		10,817			(229,807	)
Professional, Device & Solutions		(35,435	)		27,650			(20,194	)
Pictures		42,814			38,669			34,130
Music		36,513			38,927			36,887
Financial Services		162,492			118,818			131,421
Sony Mobile		(34,514	)		4,155			31,407
All Other		(4,976	)		7,116			(3,546	)
Total		65,491			246,152			(19,702	)
Corporate and elimination		(33,719	)		(46,331	)		(47,573	)
Consolidated operating income (loss)		31,772			199,821			(67,275	)
Other income		43,834			44,966			23,478
Other expenses		(48,694	)		(39,774	)		(39,389	)
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes		26,912			205,013			(83,186	)

Operating income (loss) is Sales and operating revenue less Costs and expenses, and includes Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies.

The Sony Mobile segment includes Sony’s equity in net loss for Sony Ericsson of 57,680 million yen through February 15, 2012 and the operating income (loss) from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012, as well as a gain of 102,331 million yen recorded on the remeasurement of Sony’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson at fair value upon obtaining control through the acquisition of Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson.

Corporate and elimination includes headquarters restructuring costs and certain other corporate expenses, including the amortization of certain intellectual property assets such as the cross-licensing intangible assets acquired from Ericsson at the time of the Sony Mobile acquisition, which are not allocated to segments.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Other significant items:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies:
Consumer Products & Services		387			7,214			(64,078	)
Professional, Device & Solutions		(1,034	)		(130	)		(198	)
Pictures		4,347			2,483			(516	)
Music		(80	)		(265	)		(372	)
Financial Services		(1,345	)		(1,961	)		(1,252	)
Sony Mobile		(34,514	)		4,155			(57,680	)
All Other		2,004			2,566			2,399
Consolidated total		(30,235	)		14,062			(121,697	)
Depreciation and amortization:
Consumer Products & Services		100,710			68,579			69,717
Professional, Device & Solutions		142,411			122,057			124,956
Pictures		8,427			7,996			10,825
Music		13,427			12,166			10,789
Financial Services, including deferred insurance acquisition costs		56,531			62,077			56,322
Sony Mobile		—			—			869
All Other		22,452			20,805			16,656
Total		343,958			293,680			290,134
Corporate		27,046			31,686			29,460
Consolidated total		371,004			325,366			319,594

The Sony Mobile segment includes Sony’s equity in net income (loss) in Sony Ericsson through February 15, 2012 and the equity in net income (loss) of Sony Mobile from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

The Sony Mobile segment includes the depreciation and amortization from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

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SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

The following table includes a breakdown of sales and operating revenue to external customers by product category in the CPS and PDS segments. The CPS and PDS segments are each managed as a single operating segment by Sony’s management.

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Consumer Products & Services
Televisions		1,005,773		1,200,491		840,359
Home Audio and Video		302,678		285,297		241,885
Digital Imaging		664,502		642,570		497,957
Personal and Mobile Products		809,369		828,375		722,301
Game		840,711		798,405		744,285
Other		15,104		16,472		14,427
Total		3,638,137		3,771,610		3,061,214
Professional, Device & Solutions
Professional Solutions		295,360		287,394		280,645
Semiconductors		299,715		358,396		375,891
Components		476,097		410,090		297,108
Other		9,812		10,694		13,959
Total		1,080,984		1,066,574		967,603
Pictures		705,237		599,654		656,097
Music		511,097		457,771		430,751
Financial Services		838,300		798,495		868,971
Sony Mobile		—		—		77,732
All Other		379,862		377,822		378,071
Corporate		60,381		109,347		52,773
Consolidated total		7,213,998		7,181,273		6,493,212

The Sony Mobile segment includes sales and operating revenue from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

F-99

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Geographic Information:

Sales and operating revenue attributed to countries based on location of external customers for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and property, plant and equipment, net as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Japan		2,099,297		2,152,552		2,104,669
United States		1,595,016		1,443,693		1,211,849
Europe		1,644,698		1,539,432		1,268,258
China		485,512		562,048		495,101
Asia-Pacific		708,061		726,364		636,489
Other Areas		681,414		757,184		776,846
Total		7,213,998		7,181,273		6,493,212

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Japan		684,031		699,647
United States		95,157		82,914
Europe		39,602		55,192
China		39,936		39,388
Asia-Pacific		46,894		37,060
Other Areas		19,248		16,797
Total		924,868		930,998

Geographic information for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 in the tables above has been restated to reflect the change in geographic classification.

Major areas in each geographic segment excluding Japan, United States and China are as follows:

(1) Europe:	United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Spain and Sweden
(2) Asia-Pacific:	India, South Korea and Oceania
(3) Other Areas:	The Middle East/Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Canada

There are not any individually material countries with respect to the sales and operating revenue and property, plant and equipment, net included in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Other Areas.

Transfers between reportable business segments or geographic areas are made at amounts which Sony’s management believes approximate as arms-length transactions.

There were no sales and operating revenue with any single major external customer for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

F-100

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

	Yen in millions
	Balance at beginning of period		Additions charged to costs and expenses		Deductions (Note 1)			Other (Note 2)			Balance at end of period
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns		110,383		59,987		(61,577	)		(4,318	)		104,475
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns		104,475		50,345		(55,106	)		(9,183	)		90,531
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns		90,531		33,441		(49,509	)		(3,454	)		71,009

Notes:

1. Reversal including amounts written off.

2. Translation adjustment.

	Balance at beginning of period (Note 1)		Additions (Note 2)		Deductions			Other (Note 3)			Balance at end of period (Note 1)
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010:
Valuation allowance — Deferred tax assets		120,512		48,372		(40,210	)		(2,421	)		126,253
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:
Valuation allowance — Deferred tax assets		126,253		381,837		(28,736	)		(5,641	)		473,713
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012:
Valuation allowance — Deferred tax assets		473,713		469,788		(22,904	)		(52,364	)		868,233

Note:

1. As discussed in Note 21 of the consolidated financial statements, the presentation of deferred income taxes in the consolidated balance sheets have been revised to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2012, which impacted the presentation of the valuation allowance for the previous fiscal years.

2. Including a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets which Sony Ericsson had prior to its acquisition during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Refer to Note 21 of the consolidated financial statements.

3. Translation adjustment and the effect of changes in statutory tax rate.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Consolidated Financial Statements of Sony Mobile Communications AB

A-1

[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

A-2

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Table of contents

Consolidated Income Statements	A-4
Consolidated Balance Sheets	A-5
Consolidated Cash Flow	A-6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements	A-7

A-3

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Consolidated Income Statements

January 1 - December 31, TEUR

	Notes	2011			2010			2009
Net sales	C2		5,212,295			6,293,782			6,788,152
Cost of sales			(3,734,983	)		(4,440,285	)		(5,781,797	)
GROSS PROFIT			1,477,312			1,853,497			1,006,355
Selling expenses			(510,761	)		(479,150	)		(583,412	)
General and Administration expenses	C24		(389,211	)		(413,474	)		(442,543	)
Research and Development expenses			(815,014	)		(839,570	)		(1,045,784	)
Other operating revenues	C3		31,781			38,181			48,053
Other operating expenses	C3		(135	)		—			(523	)
OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS)	C6,C7,C15 C16,C22,C23		(206,028	)		159,484			(1,017,854	)
Interest income and similiar profit items	C4		18,990			17,798			21,324
Interest expense and similiar loss items	C4		(55,854	)		(29,981	)		(46,146	)
NET PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES			(242,892	)		147,301			(1,042,676	)
Income taxes for the year	C5		18,859			(48,326	)		235,569
Minority interest			(23,127	)		(8,508	)		(28,720	)
NET PROFIT (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR			(247,160	)		90,468			(835,827	)

A-4

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, TEUR

	Notes	2011			2010
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets	C6		75,495			12,211
Tangible assets	C7		157,306			135,334
Financial assets	C8		889,201			655,868
Total non-current assets			1,122,002			803,413
Current assets
Inventories	C9		446,732			460,357
Accounts receivable	C10		691,862			835,949
Other current assets	C11		379,999			295,046
Other short-term cash investments	C12		270,443			276,168
Cash and bank			171,600			328,516
Total current assets			1,960,636			2,196,036
Total assets			3,082,638			2,999,449
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders’ equity	C13
Restricted equity
Share capital			100,000			100,000
Restricted reserves			479,752			467,998
Total restricted equity			579,752			567,998
Unrestricted equity
Non-restricted reserves			(23,282	)		(126,741	)
Net profit (loss) for the year			(247,160	)		90,468
Total unrestricted equity			(270,442	)		(36,273	)
Total equity			309,310			531,725
Minority interest			58,098			42,286
Provisions
Post-employment benefits	C16		35,699			24,466
Other provisions	C14		449,358			391,370
Total provisions			485,057			415,836
LIABILITIES
Long-term liabilities
Liabilities to financial institutions	C17,C26		—			100,000
Other long-term liabilities	C17		8,649			7,838
Total long-term liabilities			8,649			107,838
Current liabilities
Liabilities to financial institutions	C26		745,427			133,081
Advances from customers			7,419			2,668
Accounts payable			675,336			768,747
Income tax liabilities			36,830			51,751
Other current liabilities	C18		756,512			945,517
Total current liabilities			2,221,524			1,901,764
Total shareholders’ equity and liabilities			3,082,638			2,999,449
Assets pledged as collateral	C19		160			27
Contingent liabilities	C20		8,383			3,603

A-5

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Consolidated Cash Flow

January 1 - December 31, TEUR

	Notes	2011			2010			2009
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net profit (loss) for the year			(247,160	)		90,468			(835,827	)
Depreciation			71,725			76,452			105,760
Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash	C21		(130,896	)		(231,527	)		(217,828	)
			(306,331	)		(64,607	)		(947,895	)
Change in inventories			7,790			(75,724	)		171,563
Change in accounts receivable			141,757			56,990			812,827
Change in other receivables			(79,209	)		98,095			226,105
Change in accounts payable			(103,761	)		(142,732	)		(133,490	)
Change in other liabilities			(197,906	)		(119,227	)		(456,846	)
Cash flow from operating activities			(537,660	)		(247,205	)		(327,736	)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investments in intangible assets			(45,416	)		(4,685	)		(4,247	)
Sales of intangible assets			130			144			164
Investments in tangible assets			(81,610	)		(57,059	)		(54,379	)
Sales of tangible assets			2,180			22,142			6,975
Change in temporary investments			—			35,000			(35,000	)
Cash flow from investing activities			(124,716	)		(4,458	)		(86,487	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowing			1,457,674			560,463			260,428
Repayment of debt			(953,334	)		(597,683	)		(53,919	)
Dividend to minority			(8,442	)		(22,693	)		(35,603	)
Cash flow from financing activities			495,898			(59,913	)		170,906
Net change in cash			(166,478	)		(311,576	)		(243,317	)
Cash, beginning of period			604,684			878,119			1,124,877
Translation difference in Cash			3,838			38,141			(3,441	)
Cash, end of period			442,044			604,684			878,119

A-6

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Contents
C1.	Accounting Principles	A-8
C2.	Net sales by market area	A-12
C3.	Other operating revenues and other operating expenses	A-13
C4.	Financial income and expenses	A-13
C5.	Taxes	A-13
C6.	Intangible assets	A-15
C7.	Tangible assets	A-16
C8.	Financial assets	A-17
C9.	Inventory	A-17
C10.	Accounts receivable	A-17
C11.	Other current assets	A-17
C12.	Short term cash investments	A-17
C13.	Shareholders’ equity	A-18
C14.	Provisions	A-18
C15.	Restructuring costs	A-19
C16.	Post-employment benefits	A-19
C17.	Long-term liabilities	A-20
C18.	Other current liabilities	A-20
C19.	Assets pledged as collateral	A-21
C20.	Contingent liabilities	A-21
C21.	Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash	A-21
C22.	Leasing	A-21
C23.	Wages, salaries and social security expenses	A-22
C24.	Fees to auditors	A-23
C25.	Financial risks	A-23
C26.	Liabilities to financial institutions	A-24
C27.	Group companies	A-25
C28.	Post-closing events	A-25
C29.	Reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States	A-25

A-7

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C1.    Accounting Principles

The consolidated financial statements of Sony Mobile Communications AB and its subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Sweden, applying the Swedish Annual Accounts Act (ÅRL), the Swedish Accounting Standards Board’s recommendations (Bokföringsnämnden, BFN) and the Recommendation of the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council, RR 29 Remunerations to employees. The accounting principles are unchanged since last year. Figures in parentheses in the disclosures refer to 2010.

During 2011 Sony Mobile Communications was a joint venture between Sony Corporation (“Sony”) and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (“Ericsson”). In October 2011, Sony agreed with Ericsson to acquire Ericsson’s 50 percent equity interest in Sony Mobile Communications, making the joint venture a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. The equity transaction was completed in February 2012 and the company’s name was changed from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB to Sony Mobile Communications AB.

Principle of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and all subsidiaries in which the company has a voting majority. The intercompany transactions and internal profit have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the purchase method, whereby consolidated stockholders’ equity includes equity earned only after acquisition. Minority interest in net earnings is reported in the consolidated income statement. Minority interest in the equity of subsidiaries is reported as a separate item in the consolidated balance sheet.

Translation of financial statements in foreign currency

Sony Mobile Communications’ results are presented in EUR which is the reporting currency and the functional currency of the parent company. The group has sales and cost of sales in a large number of currencies. For all companies, including subsidiary companies, the functional (business) currency is the currency in which the companies primarily generate and expend cash. Their financial statements plus goodwill related to such companies are translated to EUR by translating assets and liabilities at the closing rate on the balance sheet day and income statement items at average exchange rates, during the year, with translation adjustments reported directly in consolidated equity.

Revenue recognition

Sales revenue is recorded upon the delivery of products according to contractual terms and represents amounts realized, excluding value-added tax, and is net of goods expected to be returned, trade discounts and allowances. Sales revenue is recognized with reference to all significant contractual terms when the product has been delivered, when the revenue amount is fixed or determinable and when collection is reasonably assured.

Accruals for sales bonuses and similar items such as quarterly and yearly bonuses, quality bonus, co-op advertising and stock protection are shown as deductions from gross sales to arrive at net sales.

For product and equipment sales, revenue recognition generally does not occur until the products or equipment have been shipped, risk of loss has transferred to the customer, and objective evidence exists that customer acceptance provisions, if any, have been met. The Company records revenue when allowances for discounts, price protection, returns and customer incentives can be reliably estimated. Recorded revenues are reduced by these allowances. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience taking into consideration the type of products sold, the type of customer, and the type of transaction specific in each arrangement.

Costs related to shipping and handlings are included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Income Statement.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Research and development costs

Research and development costs are charged to expenses as incurred. Expenses related to the third party development of new platforms for mobile phones are capitalized as other non-current asset and are amortized when the platforms are put into commercial use. Such costs are capitalized as intangible assets when technological feasibility has been established and when future economic benefits can be demonstrated.

Hedge accounting

The Group applies hedge accounting, by electing the fair value option in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act 4:14, for financial instruments intended to hedge foreign currency exposures having a future impact on results.

At the point in time at which the contract is established, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item is documented, as well as the purpose of this risk management and the strategy for taking various hedging measures. The company also documents its assessment, both when the contract is entered into and on an ongoing basis, as to whether the derivative used in the hedging transaction is effective in counteracting changes in fair value or income statement effects, in terms of the hedged items in question.

The hedging is designed in such a manner as to ensure, to the greatest degree possible, its effectiveness. The changes in fair value for those derivative instruments which do not meet the conditions for hedge accounting are reported directly in the income statement.

Future foreign currency exposures are hedged primarily by forward cover agreements but also via currency options. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments is recognized in equity. Any gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized in the income statement. Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled in the income statement in the periods in which the hedged item affects profit or loss, for example, when the forecasted sale which is hedged takes place.

Intangible and tangible fixed assets

Intangible and tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses as well as write-ups. Annual depreciation is reported as plan depreciation, generally using the straight line method with estimated useful lives ranging from 3 years up to 10 years for machineries and equipments. Intangible assets are amortized over a period ranging from 3 years up to 5 years or based on the contract’s economic reality. Land improvements are amortized over 20 years. The costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized as intangible assets when technological feasibility has been established and when future economic benefits can be demonstrated.

Tooling

Tooling owned by Sony Mobile Communications but used in its manufacturing partners operations is capitalized and amortized over the useful life of the tools.

Financial assets

Financial assets that are intended for long-term holding are accounted at acquisition value and impairment is made if a permanent decrease in the value can be stated. These assets include strategic long-term investments in private companies over which Sony Mobile Communications does not have the ability to exercise significant influence.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Impairment test of assets

Impairment tests are performed on a regular basis whenever there is an indication of possible impairment. An impairment loss is determined based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of those assets.

Leases

Leases on terms in which Sony Mobile Communications assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases, i.e. the leased object is recognized as a non-current asset and the future obligations for lease payments are recognized as current and non-current liabilities in the Balance Sheet. Upon initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy applicable to that asset, although the depreciation period would not exceed the lease term.

Leasing agreements which are not classified as financial leases are classified as operational leases, and the leased assets under such contracts are not recognized in the balance sheet. Costs under operating leases are recognized in the Income Statement on a straight-line base over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognized as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease. Sony Mobile Communications has not identified any material financial leases for the reported periods.

Income tax

Reported income tax includes tax, which is to be paid or received, regarding the current year, adjustments concerning the previous years’ current taxes and changes in deferred taxes.

All income tax liabilities and receivables are valued at their nominal amount according to the tax regulations and are measured at the tax rate that is expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they are reversed, based on the tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. An adjustment of deferred tax asset/liability balances due to a change in the tax rate is recognized in the income statement unless it relates to a temporary difference earlier recognized directly in equity, in which case the adjustment is also recognized in equity.

In the case of items reported in the income statement, the related tax effects are also reported in the income statement. The tax effects of items that are accounted for directly against equity are also reported directly against equity.

Deferred tax is calculated according to the balance sheet method on all temporary differences arising between the reported value and the tax value of the assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that is likely that future taxable profit will be available, against which the temporary difference can be utilized.

Receivables

Receivables with maturities greater than 12 months after balance sheet date are reported as fixed assets, and other receivables as current assets. Receivables are reported in the amounts at which they are expected to be received, on the basis of individual assessment.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are reported as current assets in the amounts at which they are expected to be received net of individual bad debt assessment.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Inventories

Inventories, which include the cost of materials, labor and overheads, are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Risk of obsolescence has been measured by estimating market value based on future customer demand and customer acceptance of new products.

Borrowings

Borrowings are reported initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. If the reported amount differs from the amount to be repaid at maturity date, then the difference is allocated as interest expense or interest income over the tenor of the loan. In this manner, the initial amount reported agrees, at maturity date, with the amount to be repaid.

Financial liabilities first cease to be reported when they have been settled on the basis of repayment or when repayment has been waived.

All transactions are reported on settlement date.

Provisions

Provisions are made when there are legal or constructive obligations as a result of past events and when it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligations and the amounts can be reliably estimated. However, the actual outflow as a result of the obligation may differ from such estimate.

Warranty provisions include provisions for faulty products based on estimated return rates and costs. The best estimate is based on sales, contractual warranty periods and historical failure data of products sold.

Post-employment benefits

The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expenses when they are due.

A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension benefit that an employee or former employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. The Group is responsible for the fulfillment of the pension obligation.

The schemes are both funded and unfunded.

The liability or receivable recognized in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets, unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized past service cost.

Independent actuaries using the Projected Unit Credit Method calculate the defined benefit obligations and expenses annually. This method indicates that past-service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discontinuing the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension liability.

Actuarial gains and losses, arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions, to the extent theses exceed 10% of the pension obligations’ present value or the fair value of plan assets are charged or credited to income over the employees’ expected average remaining period of service.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

The principle described above for defined benefit plans is applied in the consolidated financial statements. The Parent Company has pension commitments in Sweden for white collar workers secured through an insurance solution with the insurance company Alecta. According to a statement issued by the Swedish Financial Reporting Board (UFR 3), this constitutes a multi-employer plan and should be accounted for as a defined benefit plan, as prescribed in RR 29 and UFR 6. Alecta cannot, however, provide the information required for the accounting of a defined benefit plan, as described in UFR 6. The Alecta plan is therefore accounted for as a defined contribution plan as prescribed in UFR6.

Contingent liabilities

The Group records a Contingent liability when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the entity. Contingent liabilities are also reported when there is a present obligation arising from past events but are not recognized, as it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, or when the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability.

Statement of Cash Flow

Foreign subsidiaries’ transactions are translated at the average exchange rate of the period. Subsidiaries purchased and/or sold, net of cash acquired/sold, are reported as cash flow from investment activities and do not affect reported cash flow from operations. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and bank and short term cash investments with a maturity less than three months. Bank deposits with an initial maturity over three months are not included in cash and cash equivalents. The statement of Cash Flow for 2009, 2010 and 2011 complies with International Accounting Standards (IAS) No. 7.

Related party transactions

Transactions and balances related to Sony and Ericsson are classified as external items.

Disposition of earnings

Each year the Board of Directors assesses the parent company and the group’s results and financial position in order to determine the appropriate disposition of earnings. This disposition, including any payment of dividends, is based on a number of factors including: the latest profit and loss account, the parent company’s equity, the parent company’s and the group’s cash flows, the equity ratio and liquidity of the parent company and the group after the proposed dividend in relation to the industry standards in which the parent company and the group conducts its business, and both the parent company’s and the group’s ability to fulfill both their short and long-term obligations. The Board of Directors resolved that the accumulated deficit, EUR -327,246,174, whereof net loss for the year EUR -215,631,869, will be carried forward.

C2.    Net sales by market area

	2011		2010		2009
Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,970,358		3,218,638		3,744,278
Americas		664,495		851,203		849,577
Asia Pacific		2,577,442		2,223,941		2,194,297
Total		5,212,295		6,293,782		6,788,152

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C3.    Other operating revenues and other operating expenses

	2011			2010		2009
Other operating revenues
Gains on sales of intangible and tangible assets		231			4,731		146
Commissions, license fees and other operating		31,550			33,450		47,907
Total other operating revenues		31,781			38,181		48,053
Other operating expenses
Losses on sales of intangible and tangible assets		(135	)		—		(523	)
Total other operating expenses		(135	)		—		(523	)

C4.    Financial income and expenses

	2011			2010			2009
Interest income and similar profit items
Interest income external		14,631			13,498			16,909
Foreign exchange gains		3,193			1,824			2,363
Other financial income		1,166			2,477			2,052
Total		18,990			17,798			21,324
Interest expense and similar loss items
Interest expenses external		(45,568	)		(25,820	)		(36,264	)
Foreign exchange losses		(7,065	)		(1,935	)		(2,954	)
Other financial expenses		(3,221	)		(2,226	)		(6,929	)
Total		(55,854	)		(29,981	)		(46,146	)
Financial Net		(36,864	)		(12,183	)		(24,822	)

C5.    Taxes

Income statement

The following items are included in income taxes for the year:

	2011			2010			2009
Current income taxes for the period		(205,993	)		(79,657	)		(32,075	)
Deferred tax income/ (-expense) related to temporary differences and tax loss carry forwards		224,852			31,331			267,645
Income taxes for the period		18,859			(48,326	)		235,569

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

A reconciliation between actual tax income (-expense) for the year and the theoretical tax income (-expense) that would arise when applying statutory tax rate in Sweden, 26.3% on income before taxes is shown in the table:

	2011			2010			2009
Income before taxes		(242,892	)		147,301			(1,042,676	)
Tax rate in Sweden, 26.3%		63,881			(38,740	)		273,653
Effect of foreign tax rates		(14,517	)		(10,974	)		(8,938	)
Current income taxes related to prior years		(16,221	)		(79	)		(7,640	)
Tax effect of expenses that are non deductible for tax purpose		(19,884	)		(12,336	)		(16,942	)
Tax effect of income that are non-taxable for tax purpose		7,830			13,024			3,619
Tax effect of changes in tax rates		(2,230	)		779			(7,923	)
Change in valuation allowance		—			—			(260	)
Income taxes for the year		18,859			(48,326	)		235,569

Balance sheet

Tax effect of temporary differences, including tax loss carry forward, has resulted in deferred tax assets as follows:

	2011		2010
Deferred tax assets		853,276		628,687

Deferred tax assets relate to temporary differences due to certain provisions such as warranty and scrap liabilities and tax losses carry forwards. Deferred tax assets are amounts recognized in countries where we expect to be able to generate corresponding taxable income in the future to benefit from tax reductions.

TEUR 694,376 (TEUR 460,650) of the deferred tax assets refers to tax loss carry-forwards and has been tested against future earning capacity. The deferred tax asset is valued at the full amount, given that the company believes that there are strong indications that future taxable profits will be available. These indicators include the future business plan and expected effects from the change in ownership. The value of the future taxable profits may differ with regard to future business environment and earnings capacity or changes in tax law.

The vast majority of the tax loss carry-forwards are related to countries with long or indefinite periods of utilization, mainly Sweden where there is no limitation in time regarding tax loss carry forward.

A-14

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C6.    Intangible assets

2011	Licenses, software trademarks and similar rights			Patents			Total
Accumulated acquisition costs
Opening balance January 1		111,244			3,978			115,222
Acquisitions		45,416			—			45,416
Sales/disposals		(14,668	)		—			(14,668	)
Translation difference for the year		3,287			—			3,287
Reclassification from other non current assets		24,480			—			24,480
Closing balance December 31		169,759			3,978			173,737
Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance January 1		(99,033	)		(3,978	)		(103,011	)
Depreciation		(6,705	)		—			(6,705	)
Sales/disposals		14,538			—			14,538
Translation difference for the year		(3,064	)		—			(3,064	)
Closing balance December 31		(94,264	)		(3,978	)		(98,242	)
Net carrying value		75,495			—			75,495

2010	Licenses, software trademarks and similar rights			Patents			Total
Accumulated acquisition costs
Opening balance January 1		130,979			3,978			134,957
Acquisitions		4,685			—			4,685
Sales/disposals		(32,866	)		—			(32,866	)
Translation difference for the year		8,446			—			8,446
Closing balance December 31		111,244			3,978			115,222
Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance January 1		(114,372	)		(3,978	)		(118,350	)
Depreciation		(10,248	)		—			(10,248	)
Sales/disposals		32,722			—			32,722
Translation difference for the year		(7,135	)		—			(7,135	)
Closing balance December 31		(99,033	)		(3,978	)		(103,011	)
Net carrying value		12,211			—			12,211

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C7.    Tangible assets

2011	Land and buildings			Machinery			Other equipment			Total
Accumulated acquisition costs
Opening balance January 1		57,425			143,980			432,209			633,614
Acquisitions		5,767			26,898			48,945			81,610
Sales/disposals		(150	)		(8,750	)		(24,639	)		(33,539	)
Translation difference for the year		3,571			10,191			21,812			35,573
Closing balance December 31		66,613			172,319			478,327			717,258
Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance January 1		(17,952	)		(96,480	)		(364,704	)		(479,136	)
Depreciation		(7,154	)		(18,632	)		(39,234	)		(65,020	)
Sales/disposals		138			8,239			22,725			31,102
Translation difference for the year		(1,570	)		(6,438	)		(19,425	)		(27,433	)
Closing balance December 31		(26,538	)		(113,311	)		(400,638	)		(540,487	)
Accumulated revaluations
Opening balance January 1		(11,051	)		(4,752	)		(3,342	)		(19,145	)
Write down		—			(24	)		(94	)		(118	)
Sales/disposal		—			353			—			353
Translation difference for the year		(154	)		(402	)		—			(556	)
Closing balance December 31		(11,205	)		(4,825	)		(3,436	)		(19,465	)
Net carrying value		28,870			54,183			74,253			157,306

2010	Land and buildings			Machinery			Other equipment			Total
Accumulated acquisition costs
Opening balance January 1		53,911			149,756			399,631			603,298
Acquisitions		7,045			11,816			38,198			57,059
Sales/disposals		(8,392	)		(29,530	)		(54,555	)		(92,477	)
Translation difference for the year		4,861			11,938			48,935			65,734
Closing balance December 31		57,425			143,980			432,209			633,614
Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance January 1		(14,290	)		(94,395	)		(322,829	)		(431,514	)
Depreciation		(6,977	)		(18,696	)		(40,531	)		(66,204	)
Sales/disposals		4,690			25,518			40,926			71,134
Translation difference for the year		(1,374	)		(8,906	)		(42,270	)		(52,550	)
Closing balance December 31		(17,952	)		(96,480	)		(364,704	)		(479,136	)
Accumulated revaluations
Opening balance January 1		(10,139	)		(8,846	)		(3,124	)		(22,109	)
Write down		—			(2,180	)		(399	)		(2,578	)
Sales/disposal		—			3,742			191			3,933
Translation difference for the year		(912	)		2,532			(10	)		1,609
Closing balance December 31		(11,051	)		(4,752	)		(3,342	)		(19,145	)
Net carrying value		28,423			42,748			64,163			135,334

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C8.    Financial assets

	2011		2010
Deferred tax assets		853,276		628,687
Other non-current assets		35,925		27,181
Total		889,201		655,868

The main part of other non-current assets is a non-current tax receivable. Previous year the main part of other non-current assets was prepaid licenses. The prepaid licenses have been reclassified as intangible assets.

C9.    Inventory

	2011		2010
Raw material and manufacturing work in process		267,758		230,610
Finished products and goods for resale		178,974		229,747
Inventories, net		446,732		460,357

Reported amounts are net of obsolescence reserves by TEUR 81,646 (TEUR 64,219).

C10.    Accounts receivable

	2011			2010
Commercial receivables		702,628			857,245
Provision for doubtful debts		(10,766	)		(21,296	)
Total		691,862			835,949

Provisions for doubtful debts have been estimated based on commercial risk evaluations and existing credit insurance agreements have been considered.

C11.    Other current assets

	2011		2010
Prepaid expenses		34,025		54,323
Current tax assets		35,520		44,579
Prepaid tooling		12,363		5,675
VAT receivables		76,194		72,042
Other receivables		221,897		118,427
Total		379,999		295,046

C12.    Short term cash investments

	2011		2010
Net book value		270,443		276,168
Market value		270,443		276,168

Short term cash investments are held in money-market funds.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C13.    Shareholders’ equity

	Share capital		Restricted reserves		Non- restricted reserves and net profit/loss for the year			Total shareholders’ equity
Shareholder’s equity December 31, 2009		100,000		442,576		(161,536	)		381,040
Changes in cumulative translation adjustments		—		25,266		26,514			51,780
Fair value reserve		—		—		8,437			8,437
Transfer between non-restricted and restricted reserves		—		156		(156	)		—
Net income for the year		—		—		90,468			90,468
Shareholder’s equity December 31, 2010		100,000		467,998		(36,273	)		531,725
Changes in cumulative translation adjustments		—		11,737		6,386			18,123
Fair value reserve		—		—		6,622			6,622
Transfer between non-restricted and restricted reserves		—		17		(17	)		—
Net income for the year		—		—		(247,160	)		(247,160	)
Shareholder's equity December 31, 2011		100,000		479,752		(270,442	)		309,310

Share capital consists of 100,000,200 shares at a quota value of EUR 1 per share.

Cumulative translation adjustments have been distributed among unrestricted and restricted stockholder’s equity.

The fair value reserve is related to the effective portion of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments that is recognized in equity. Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled in the income statement in the periods in which the hedged item affects profit or loss, for example, when the forecasted sale which is hedged takes place. The closing balance for fair value reserve after taxes is TEUR 19,025 (TEUR 12,403) and is part of non-restricted reserves.

The transfer between non-restricted and restricted reserves is in accordance with the proposals of the respective companies’ boards of directors. In evaluating the consolidated financial position, it should be noted that earnings in foreign companies may be subject to taxation when transferred to Sweden and, in some instances, such transfer of earnings may be limited by currency restrictions.

C14.    Provisions

	2011		2010
Warranty commitments		150,891		268,206
Restructuring expenses		115,489		70,957
Other provisions		182,978		52,207
Total		449,358		391,370

Warranty commitments include provisions for faulty products based on estimated return rates and costs. The best estimate is based on sales, contractual warranty periods and historical failure data of products sold.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C15.    Restructuring costs

	2011			2010			2009
Cost of sales		—			(31,842	)		(39,285	)
Selling expenses		(16,478	)		(3,025	)		(16,198	)
Administration expenses		(20,966	)		(13,761	)		(24,890	)
Research and development expenses		(55,376	)		6,542			(83,903	)
Total		(92,820	)		(42,086	)		(164,276	)
where of;
Write down of assets		—			(1,597	)		(26,325	)
Redundancy expenses		(91,467	)		(2,777	)		(87,947	)
Rental agreements		—			(6,317	)		(16,933	)
Supplier related expenses		—			(18,833	)		(31,168	)
Other		(1,353	)		(12,562	)		(1,903	)
Total		(92,820	)		(42,086	)		(164,276	)

The restructuring costs are related to cost saving programmes announced and launched during 2008, 2009 and 2011.

C16.    Post-employment benefits

Sony Mobile Communications participates in local pension plans in countries in which we operate. There are principally two types of pension plans:

• Defined contribution plans, where the Company’s only obligation is to pay fixed pension premiums into a separate entity (a fund or insurance company) on behalf of the employee. No provision for pensions is recognized in the balance sheet other than accruals for premium pensions earned, but not yet paid.

• Defined benefit plans, where the Company’s undertaking is to provide pension benefits that the employees will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation.

In Sony Mobile Communications most of the companies have defined contribution plans and therefore no pension provisions on the balance sheet. The subsidiaries in Japan, Netherlands, Germany, UK and Mexico have defined benefit plans. In Sweden, the total pension benefits are accounted as defined contribution plans, even though the Financial Accounting Standards Council’s interpretations committee defined the ITP pension plan, financed through insurance with Alecta as a defined benefit plan. Alecta can, however, not provide the information required for the accounting of a defined benefit plan.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Pension costs

2011	Sweden		Netherlands			Japan		UK		Other		Total
Pension cost Defined Benefit Plan		—		(159	)		7,819		10,211		1,354		19,225
Pension cost Defined Contribution Plan		27,307		218			—		159		10,021		37,705
Total		27,307		59			7,819		10,370		11,375		56,930
2010	Sweden		Netherlands			Japan		UK		Other		Total
Pension cost Defined Benefit Plan		—		(4,360	)		9,176		—		168		4,984
Pension cost Defined Contribution Plan		29,289		592			—		821		10,213		40,915
Total		29,289		(3,768	)		9,176		821		10,381		45,899

Provisions for post-employment benefits

2011	Sweden		Netherlands		Japan		UK		Other		Total
Provision for post employee benefits		—		726		20,024		9,992		4,020		34,762
Other employee benefits		—		—		—		—		937		937
Total		—		726		20,024		9,992		4,957		35,699
2010	Sweden		Netherlands		Japan		UK		Other		Total
Provision for post employee benefits		—		883		19,301		—		3,294		23,478
Other employee benefits		—		—		—		—		988		988
Total		—		883		19,301		—		4,282		24,466

The change in the UK is related a pension plan that could not previously be accounted for as a defined benefit plan, due to that the information needed was not available.

C17.    Long-term liabilities

Maturity dates for the group long-term liabilities, TEUR 8,649 (TEUR 107,838), are within 1-5 years.

C18.    Other current liabilities

	2011		2010
Accrued personnel related expenses		100,503		112,849
Accrued sales related expenses		323,402		485,634
Other accrued expenses		177,221		182,624
Other short term liabilities		155,386		164,410
Total		756,512		945,517

Accrued sales related expenses include sales bonuses, such as quarterly and yearly bonuses, quality bonus, co-op and stock protection.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C19.    Assets pledged as collateral

	2011		2010
Liabilities to financial institutions
Bank deposits		160		—
Other		—		27
Total		160		27

C20.     Contingent liabilities

	2011		2010
Other contingent liabilities		8,383		3,603
Total		8,383		3,603

Other contingent liabilities mainly include guarantees for loans.

C21.     Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

	2011			2010			2009
Deferred tax		(224,852	)		(31,331	)		(267,645	)
Minority interest		23,127			8,508			28,720
Interest		597			2,102			960
Tax		110,034			41,255			(35,737	)
Change in provisions (note C14 & C16)		(82,582	)		(256,612	)		32,747
Write-down on non-current assets		118			2,578			17,376
Gains and losses on disposal of non-current assets		(96	)		(4,731	)		376
Other		42,758			6,704			5,375
Total		(130,896	)		(231,527	)		(217,828	)

C22.     Leasing

	2011		2010		2009
Leasing costs		56,397		65,416		72,868

Future payments for operating leases and rents

2012	52,312
2013	45,027
2014	35,319
2015	29,163
2016	25,230
2016 and future	36,352

The purpose of leases mainly refers to rents and office equipment.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C23.    Wages, salaries and social security expenses

Wages and salaries

	2011		2010		2009
Wages and salaries		454,927		432,718		532,905
Social security expenses		143,169		124,898		133,504
Of which pension costs		57,253		45,899		44,988
Of which
CO compensation		1,755		1,571		1,433
CO pension costs		1,013		263		115
bonus & similar to CO		276		761		42

Severance pay

For the President and the Corporate Management the following applies:

Severance payments are not payable if an employee resigns voluntarily, or if the employment is terminated as a result of flagrant disregard of responsibilities. An exception to this is if the notice of termination given by the employee is due directly to significant structural changes or other events that affect the content of work or the condition of the position. In such an instance, the notice is treated as if it were given by the Company and severance payments are made to the individual. Upon termination of employment, severance pay amounting to one years’ salary is normally paid. The severance payments will be paid out during agreed severance period.

Pension

Sony Mobile Communications’ policy regarding pension is to follow the competitive practice in the home country of the executive. There are different supplementary pension plans for the President and the Corporate Management. As major pension arrangements, the total pension base salary consists of the annual base salary and the target pay out according to the short term incentive plan.

Long term incentive

Sony Mobile Communications has a long term incentive program for certain employees. The calculation of the long term incentives is based on the performance of the Group and payments for the units allocated are vested in three years. The size of the units is approved by the Shareholders’ Remuneration Advisory Group.

Number of employees

	2011				2010				2009
	Men		Women		Men		Women		Men		Women
Europe * and
Middle East & Africa		2,285		887		2,600		1,025		3,067		1,234
Americas		328		113		413		140		547		180
Asia Pacific		3,250		2,592		2,780		2,201		2,985		2,252
Total		5,863		3,592		5,793		3,366		6,599		3,665
* Of which Sweden		1,892		671		2,147		791		2,438		930
* Of which EU excl. Sweden		295		148		289		143		425		184

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Distribution of female/male for the Board of Directors and other persons in leading positions

	2011					2010					2009
	Number on balance day		whereof men			Number on balance day		whereof men			Number on balance day		whereof men
Consolidated (including subsidiaries)
Members of the board		90		95.6	%		87		96.6	%		95		97.9	%
Presidents and Executive Vice presidents		17		94.0	%		15		100.0	%		15		100.0	%

C24.    Fees to auditors

	2011		2010		2009
PwC
Audit fees		1,565		1,668		1,427
Fees for audit services besides the audit assignment		27		—		—
Fees for tax services		181		102		267
Fees for other services		237		182		416
Total		2,010		1,952		2,110

The amount for audit fees to other than PwC is TEUR 251 (TEUR 212).

C25.    Financial risks

Foreign exchange risk — Transaction exposure

Sony Mobile Communications’ results are presented in EUR, which is the functional currency for the group that exposures are hedged against. The main part of the net exposure is concentrated to the holding company. However, the group has sales and cost of sales in a large number of currencies. Approximately 81% of the group’s net exposure is made up of USD, JPY, GBP and SEK.

The group’s currency exposure is hedged up to 8 months using primarily forward contracts. The market value of derivatives not recycled to the Income Statement but booked as Other Comprehensive Income under equity by December 31, 2011 was EUR 26.7 millions, all of these derivatives were forward contracts.

Foreign exchange risk — Translation exposure

All equity in the group’s companies is translated in accordance with the “current method” hence the translation exposure is taken directly to equity in the balance sheet. This type of currency exposure is not hedged.

Interest rate risk

Sony Mobile Communications’ interest rate risk is primarily derived from cash, borrowing and short term deposits. Other balance sheet items are to a very small extent affected by shifts in the interest rate. Cash and short-term deposits, with an investment horizon shorter than twelve months, amounted to EUR 442 million at year end 2011. Short term borrowing amounted to EUR 742 million.

Credit risk

Credit risk is divided into two categories: credit risk in account receivables and financial credit risk.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Credit risk in account receivables

The total value of outstanding accounts receivables were at year end EUR 692 million. Provisions for expected losses at year end were EUR 10.8 million. Account receivables trade toward countries with a country risk in the interval negligible to moderate, 1-2 on a scale of 4, amounted to 67%. Sony Mobile Communications applies insurance to a great extent, approximately 68% of the outstanding accounts receivables trade are insured against non-payment by the customer.

Financial credit risk

Financial instruments carry an element of risk in that counterparts may be unable to fulfill their payment obligations. These exposures arise in the investments of cash and cash equivalents and from derivative positions with positive unrealized result against banks and other counterparties. Sony Mobile Communications mitigates a major part of these risks by investing cash in governmental risk with high rating. Part of the liquidity is also deposited with a few chosen banks with the highest possible short-term rating. How much to be invested with each fund and bank is regulated in policy.

Liquidity risk

The liquidity risk is that Sony Mobile Communications is unable to meet its short term payment obligations due to insufficient or illiquid cash reserves. At year end Sony Mobile Communications’ cash was split between bank deposits of EUR 172 million and investments in liquid funds of EUR 270 million.

C26.    Liabilities to financial institutions

	2011		2010
Liabilities to financial institutions, non-current		—		100,000
Liabilities to financial institutions, current		745,427		133,081
		745,427		233,081

The external borrowing increased during the year by Euro 512 million (excluding accrued interest) with an outstanding debt at the end December of Euro 742 million. The cash flow from operating activities for 2011 was negative Euro 538 million.

In 2011 Sony Mobile Communications secured additional external funding of Euro 300 million, all of which is utilized at the balance sheet date. The parent companies guaranteed Euro 350 million of the bank facilities on a 50/50 basis.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

C27.    Group companies

Company	Domicile		Percentage of ownership
Beijing SE Potevio Mobile Communications Company Ltd. (BMC)		China		51	%
Beijing Suohong Electronics Co. Ltd., (BSE)		China		100	%
LLC Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Rus		Russia		100	%
Sony Ericsson Hungary Mobile Communications Ltd.		Hungary		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications S.A. de C.V.		Mexico		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications (China) Co., Ltd.		China		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications (India) Private Limited		India		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications (Thailand) Co., Limited		Thailand		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications (USA) Inc.		US		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications do Brazil Ltd.		Brazil		100	%
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Hellas S.A.		Greece		100	%
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Iberia, S.L.		Spain		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications Indonesia Ltd.		Indonesia		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications International AB		Sweden		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications Japan Inc.		Japan		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications Management Ltd		UK		100	%
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Nigeria Limited		Nigeria		100	%
Sony Mobile Communications S.p.A., Italy		Italy		100	%
Sony Servicios Moviles, S.A. de C.V		Mexico		100	%

C28.    Post-closing events

Losses in the parent company (Sony Mobile Communications AB) have continued after the year end closing, resulting in the parent company having negative equity. As a result, Sony has issued a capital cover guarantee.

Subsequent to year end, Sony Mobile Communications recorded a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset in the Brazilian subsidiary as a result of a revised budget.

C29.    Reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Sweden for unlisted companies, applying the Swedish Annual Accounts Act (ÅRL), the Swedish Accounting Standards Board’s (Bokföringsnämnden, BFN) recommendations and the Recommendation of the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council, (RR29), Remunerations to employees, which differs in certain significant respects from the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”). Sony Mobile Communications has reconciled its net income / loss and equity under Swedish GAAP to the accounting principles according to generally accepted principles in the United States.

The principle differences between Swedish GAAP and US GAAP that affect our net income, as well as our stockholders equity relate to the treatment of business combinations (negative goodwill), synthetic option plan, restructuring costs and income tax.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Business combinations — Negative Goodwill

Under both Swedish GAAP and US GAAP, when the fair value of net assets acquired exceeds total purchase price, the Company first assesses whether all acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been properly identified and valued. Under Swedish GAAP, negative goodwill is not subject to amortization and any excess remaining after reassessment is recognized in income statement immediately. During 2004, a negative goodwill amounted to TEUR 3,717 was identified by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Beijing SE Potevio Mobile Communications Co. Ltd (BMC), and it was recognized in income statement by the end of 2004.

Under US GAAP at the time of the acquisition, the Company must first reassess whether all acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been identified and properly valued. If an amount of negative goodwill still results after this reassessment, all acquired assets (including research and development assets) are then subject to pro rata reduction, except for (1) financial assets other than investments accounted for by the equity method, (2) assets to be disposed of by sale, (3) deferred taxes, (4) prepaid assets relating to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and (5) any other current assets. If all eligible assets are reduced to zero and an amount of negative goodwill still remains, the remaining unallocated negative goodwill must be recognized immediately as an extraordinary gain. The remaining difference between Swedish GAAP and US GAAP as of December 31, 2009 was nil.

Provision for social security cost on synthetic option plan

Under Swedish GAAP, the Company accrues social security costs for the synthetic option plan during the vesting period. Under US GAAP, no social security cost is recorded until the options are exercised or matching of the options takes place, which increases net income by TEUR 228 in 2009. The synthetic options are all exercised and matched and the remaining difference between Swedish GAAP and US GAAP as of December 31, 2009 was nil.

Restructuring costs

Under Swedish GAAP a provision for severance pay is recognized when a constructive obligation to restructure arises which requires that a detailed formal plan has been communicated to those affected by it. The implementation needs to be planned to begin as soon as possible and to be completed in a timeframe that makes significant changes to the plan unlikely. Under US GAAP provisions for severance pay representing a one-time benefit is recognized over the remaining service period, if extended service period is required, when a company has a detailed formal plan which has been communicated to those affected. If an entity under Swedish GAAP has a contract that is onerous, the present obligation under the contract shall be recognized and measured as a provision. Under US GAAP, costs to terminate a contract before the end of its term should be recognized as a liability and measured at fair value when the entity terminates the contract in accordance with the contract terms or when the premises have been vacated. A liability for costs that will continue to be incurred under a contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the entity should be recognized and measured at its fair value when the entity ceases to use the right conveyed by the contract. Sony Mobile Communications has identified a difference between US GAAP and Swedish GAAP of TEUR 15,905 (TEUR 3,742) related to leasehold property that has not yet been terminated or vacated and thus not qualified as provisions in accordance with US GAAP.

Post-employment benefits

To calculate the annual expenses for the defined benefit plans, Sony Mobile Communications uses the corridor method. The amount recognized in the income statement which is the difference to US GAAP is not material.

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SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred tax is calculated on US GAAP adjustments and the US GAAP balance sheet disclosure reflects the gross recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Valuation allowance

The income tax accounting guidance under US GAAP requires a valuation allowance to be applied to a deferred tax asset if realization of the underlying future tax benefits is not more likely than not. Under US GAAP, forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is negative evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years. In those circumstances, US GAAP provides that the weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence should be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified.

Sony Mobile Communications AB is in a three year cumulative loss position. There is however positive evidence as well: Sony Mobile Communications AB has never had any losses or tax credits expiring unused, the loss carry forward period in Sweden is unlimited, prior to 2008, Sony Mobile Communications had a strong history of a number of years with profits and management’s financial projections support the future realization of the net deferred tax assets.

Management has concluded under US GAAP, that Sony Mobile Communications AB’s deferred tax assets cannot be considered more likely than not to be realized in the future years.

Under Swedish GAAP more emphasis has been put on the fact that the loss carry forward period in Sweden is unlimited and that the financial projections, made by management, support the future realization of the net deferred tax assets and less emphasis is placed on the recent cumulative loss position. Although management expects positive impact on future earnings capacity when becoming a fully owned Sony subsidiary, it would not be enough to overcome the negative evidence under US GAAP.

Management has concluded, under Swedish GAAP, that Sony Mobile Communications AB’s deferred tax assets are probable to be utilized in the future years.

Non-current and current assets

Swedish GAAP requires deferred tax assets to be classified as non-current assets on the balance sheet. Under US GAAP, deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or non-current based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carry forwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. The balance sheet shows a difference in non-current and current assets between Swedish GAAP and US GAAP which relates to the classification of deferred tax assets.

Adjustment of net income, comprehensive income, equity and balance sheet items

Application of US GAAP as described above would have had the following effects on consolidated net income.

A-27

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Adjustment of Net Income

	2011			2010			2009
Net income per Swedish GAAP		(247,160	)		90,468			(835,827	)
US GAAP adjustments before taxes:
Business Combination		—			—			763
Synthetic Option Plan		—			—			228
Restructuring		12,163			(9,131	)		(2,624	)
Tax effect of US GAAP adjustment		(5,287	)		2,412			595
Valuation allowance		(653,516	)		—			—
Net income in accordance with US GAAP		(893,801	)		83,749			(836,865	)

Adjustments of stockholders’ equity

Adjustments of stockholders’ equity

	2011			2010
Equity as reported per Swedish GAAP		309,310			531,725
US GAAP adjustments before taxes:
Restructuring		15,905			3,742
Deferred tax effect of US GAAP adjustment		(6,167	)		(880	)
Valuation allowance		(653,516	)		—
Stockholders’ equity in accordance with US GAAP		(334,468	)		534,587
Minority interest		58,098			42,286
Total equity in accordance with US GAAP		(276,370	)		576,873

Comprehensive income

	2011			2010			2009
Net income in accordance with US GAAP		(893,801	)		83,749			(836,865	)
Other comprehensive income
Gain/loss on cash flow hedges		9,070			11,373			1,409
Translation adjustment		(34,586	)		52,290			(1,409	)
Deferred tax		(2,448	)		(2,935	)		(355	)
Total other comprehensive income		(27,964	)		60,728			(355	)
Comprehensive income in accordance with US GAAP		(921,765	)		144,478			(837,220	)

A-28

SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Balance sheet items according to Swedish GAAP and US GAAP

	Swedish GAAP				US GAAP
	Dec. 31 2011		Dec. 31 2010		Dec. 31 2011			Dec. 31 2010
Non-current assets		1,122,002		803,413		316,080			550,377
Current assets		1,960,636		2,196,036		2,106,874			2,448,191
Total Assets		3,082,638		2,999,449		2,422,954			2,998,569
Stockholders equity		309,310		531,725		(334,468	)		534,587
Minority interest		58,098		42,286		58,098			42,286
Provisions		485,056		415,836		469,151			412,094
Non-current liabilities		8,649		107,838		8,649			107,838
Current liabilities		2,221,524		1,901,764		2,221,524			1,901,764
Total stockholders’ equity and liabilities		3,082,638		2,999,449		2,422,955			2,998,569

A-29

Report of Independent Auditors

To the Shareholder of Sony Mobile Communications AB:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sony Mobile Communications AB and its subsidiaries (formerly known as Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication AB) as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and the related consolidated statements of income and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. 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 in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sony Mobile Communications AB and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Sweden.

Accounting principles generally accepted in Sweden vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note C29 to the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

Malmo, Sweden

June 15, 2012

A-30

EX-12.1

Exhibit 12.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Kazuo Hirai, Chief Executive Officer and President, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Sony Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

	/s/ Kazuo Hirai
Date: June 27, 2012	Kazuo Hirai Chief Executive Officer and President

EX-12.2

Exhibit 12.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Masaru Kato, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Sony Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

	/s/ Masaru Kato
Date: June 27, 2012	Masaru Kato Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-13.1

Exhibit 13.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Sony Corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 (the “Form 20-F”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Kazuo Hirai

Kazuo Hirai

Chief Executive Officer and President

/s/ Masaru Kato

Masaru Kato

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: June 27, 2012

EX-15.1.A

Exhibit 15.1(a)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-11756, 333-13334, 333-14150, 333-85348, 333-104172, 333-114158, 333-123687, 333-129808, 333-138765, 333-147402, 333-155448, 333-163616, 333-170714 and 333-178115) of Sony Corporation of our report dated May 31, 2012 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata

Tokyo, Japan

June 27, 2012

EX-15.1.B

Exhibit 15.1(b)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-11756, 333-13334, 333-14150, 333-85348, 333-104172, 333-114158, 333-123687, 333-129808, 333-138765, 333-147402, 333-155448, 333-163616, 333-170714 and 333-178115) of Sony Corporation of our report dated June 15, 2012 relating to the financial statements of Sony Mobile Communications AB (formerly known as Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB), which appears in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

Malmo, Sweden

June 27, 2012

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Related party transactions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Equity Investees Information, Balance Sheets

The summarized combined financial information that is based on information provided by the equity investees including information for significant equity affiliates and the reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements is shown below:

Balance Sheets

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Current assets		254,858			188,903			183,597			627,358
Noncurrent assets		92,925			233,988			137,720			464,633
Total assets		347,783			422,891			321,317			1,091,991
Current liabilities		282,857			71,572			166,056			520,485
Long-term liabilities and noncontrolling interests		8,089			29,696			61,036			98,821
Stockholders’ equity		56,837			321,623			94,225			472,685
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity investment and undistributed earnings of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		28,419			160,812
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		(79	)		—
Investment in and advances to equity investees at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition		28,340			160,812			32,841			221,993
	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
Current assets		167,786
Noncurrent assets		168,143
Total assets		335,929
Current liabilities		93,535
Long-term liabilities and noncontrolling interests		79,513
Stockholders’ equity		162,881
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		20%-50	%
Investment in and advances to equity investees at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition		36,800

Equity Investees Information, Statements of Income

Statements of Income

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		837,149			796,575			323,576			1,957,300
Operating income (loss)		(81,385	)		3,825			29,686			(47,874	)
Other income (expense), net		(4,676	)		(4,055	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(86,061	)		(230	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		20,470			53
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3,318	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		(68,909	)		(177	)		17,064			(52,022	)
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		(34,455	)		(89	)
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		(59	)		476
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(34,514	)		387			3,892			(30,235	)
	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		673,464			807,955			268,604			1,750,023
Operating income (loss)		16,453			12,527			17,630			46,610
Other income (expense), net		(1,572	)		(4,119	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		14,881			8,408
Income tax (expense) benefit		(6,065	)		3,094
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(520	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		8,296			11,502			8,895			28,693
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		4,148			5,751
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		7			1,463
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		4,155			7,214			2,693			14,062

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		475,898			146,002			123,610			745,510
Operating income (loss)		(44,239	)		(4,644	)		5,247			(43,636	)
Other income (expense), net		4,504			(3,098	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(39,735	)		(7,742	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(73,054	)		(374	)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2,729	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		(115,518	)		(8,116	)		950			(122,684	)
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		(57,759	)		(4,058	)
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Impairment loss including translation adjustments		—			(60,019	)
Other		79			(1	)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(57,680	)		(64,078	)		61			(121,697	)

Account Balances and Transactions with Affiliated Companies Accounted for under Equity Method

Account balances and transactions with affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method are presented below:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Accounts receivable, trade		18,631		4,125
Accounts payable, trade		45,434		508
Capital lease obligations		—		39,080

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales		132,937		96,164		79,677
Purchases		309,550		383,922		157,930
Lease payments		—		—		24,159

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Fair Value and Weighted-Average Amortization of Intangible Assets in Connection with Sony Mobile Communications Segment (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Customer relationship Year	Mar. 31, 2012 Trademarks Year	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Year	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson IP cross-licensing Year	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson Developed technology Year	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson Customer relationship Year	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson Trademarks Year	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson Other Year
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangibles recorded at fair value, subject to amortization				¥ 123,097	¥ 60,834	¥ 24,599	¥ 19,597	¥ 14,086	¥ 3,981
Weighted-average amortization period	14	7	4		6	9	14	7	7

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Summary of Changes in Fair Values of Japanese and Foreign Plans' Level Three Assets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified																																											12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign plans	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign plans	Mar. 31, 2010 Foreign plans	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign plans Corporate bonds		Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign plans Corporate bonds		Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign plans Asset-backed securities	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign plans Asset-backed securities	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign plans Commingled funds		Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign plans Commingled funds		Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign plans Real estate and other		Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign plans Real estate and other		Mar. 31, 2012 Japanese plans	Mar. 31, 2011 Japanese plans	Mar. 31, 2010 Japanese plans	Mar. 31, 2012 Japanese plans Corporate bonds		Mar. 31, 2011 Japanese plans Corporate bonds		Mar. 31, 2012 Japanese plans Asset-backed securities		Mar. 31, 2011 Japanese plans Asset-backed securities		Mar. 31, 2012 Japanese plans Commingled funds		Mar. 31, 2011 Japanese plans Commingled funds		Mar. 31, 2012 Japanese plans Private equity		Mar. 31, 2011 Japanese plans Private equity		Mar. 31, 2012 Japanese plans Hedge funds		Mar. 31, 2011 Japanese plans Hedge funds		Mar. 31, 2012 Japanese plans Real estate	Mar. 31, 2011 Japanese plans Real estate	Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Foreign plans		Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Foreign plans		Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Foreign plans Corporate bonds		Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Foreign plans Corporate bonds		Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Foreign plans Asset-backed securities	Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Foreign plans Asset-backed securities		Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Foreign plans Commingled funds		Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Foreign plans Commingled funds		Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Foreign plans Real estate and other		Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Foreign plans Real estate and other		Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Japanese plans	Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Japanese plans	Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Japanese plans Private equity		Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Japanese plans Private equity		Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Japanese plans Hedge funds		Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Japanese plans Hedge funds		Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 Japanese plans Real estate	Mar. 31, 2011 Level 3 Japanese plans Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the fiscal year	¥ 151,139	¥ 140,387	¥ 134,226	¥ 9,192	[1]	¥ 14,994	[1]	¥ 648	¥ 2,053	¥ 43,902	[2]	¥ 50,517	[2]	¥ 7,254	[3]	¥ 5,328	[3]	¥ 556,247	¥ 536,648	¥ 515,701	¥ 23,853	[4]	¥ 23,375	[4]	¥ 4,722	[5]	¥ 3,451	[5]	¥ 58,862	[6]	¥ 63,693	[6]	¥ 23,388	[7]	¥ 19,888	[7]	¥ 42,258	[8]	¥ 43,688	[8]	¥ 1,435	¥ 1,533	¥ 9,149		¥ 8,951		¥ 4,846	[1]	¥ 4,571			¥ 75		¥ 530	[2]	¥ 528		¥ 3,773	[3]	¥ 3,777		¥ 65,109	¥ 74,490	¥ 19,888	[7]	¥ 21,337		¥ 43,688	[8]	¥ 51,498		¥ 1,533	¥ 1,655
Return on assets held at end of year																																											1,005		1,002		447		503							9		558		490		822	896	450		(1,449)		470		2,467		(98)	(122)
Return on assets sold during the year																																													5							5											(436)							(436)
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net																																											(1,583)		29		(1,209)		260			(72)		(530)				156		(159)		1,150	(9,841)	3,050				(1,900)		(9,841)
Transfers, net
Other																																											473	[9]	(838)	[9]	(123)	[9]	(488)	[9]		(8)	[9]			(7)	[9]	596	[9]	(335)	[9]
Fair value of plan assets at end of the fiscal year	¥ 151,139	¥ 140,387	¥ 134,226	¥ 9,192	[1]	¥ 14,994	[1]	¥ 648	¥ 2,053	¥ 43,902	[2]	¥ 50,517	[2]	¥ 7,254	[3]	¥ 5,328	[3]	¥ 556,247	¥ 536,648	¥ 515,701	¥ 23,853	[4]	¥ 23,375	[4]	¥ 4,722	[5]	¥ 3,451	[5]	¥ 58,862	[6]	¥ 63,693	[6]	¥ 23,388	[7]	¥ 19,888	[7]	¥ 42,258	[8]	¥ 43,688	[8]	¥ 1,435	¥ 1,533	¥ 9,044		¥ 9,149		¥ 3,961	[1]	¥ 4,846	[1]						¥ 530	[2]	¥ 5,083	[3]	¥ 3,773	[3]	¥ 67,081	¥ 65,109	¥ 23,388	[7]	¥ 19,888	[7]	¥ 42,258	[8]	¥ 43,688	[8]	¥ 1,435	¥ 1,533

[1] Includes primarily foreign corporate debt securities.

[2] Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments including mutual funds, common trust funds, and collective investment funds. They are primarily comprised of foreign equities and fixed income investments.

[3] Includes primarily private real estate investment trusts.

[4] Includes debt securities issued by Japanese and foreign corporation and government related agencies.

[5] Includes primarily mortgage-backed securities.

[6] Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments, including primarily investment trusts. They include approximately 39 percent and 42 percent of investments in equity, 58 percent and 56 percent of investments in fixed income, and 3 percent and 2 percent of investments in other for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

[7] Includes multiple private equity funds of funds that primarily invest in venture, buyout, and distressed markets in the U.S. and Europe.

[8] Includes primarily funds that invest in a portfolio of a broad range of hedge funds to diversify the risks and reduce the volatilities associated with a single hedge fund.

[9] Primarily consists of translation adjustments.

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Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Reconciliation of Differences between Basic and Diluted EPS

Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders for basic and diluted EPS computation		(40,802	)		(259,585	)		(456,660	)
	Thousands of shares
Weighted-average shares outstanding		1,003,520			1,003,559			1,003,578
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock acquisition rights		—			—			—
Convertible bonds		—			—			—
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS computation		1,003,520			1,003,559			1,003,578
	Yen
Basic EPS		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)
Diluted EPS		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)

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Components of Segment Profit or Loss (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	¥ (67,275)	¥ 199,821	¥ 31,772
Other income	23,478	44,966	43,834
Other expenses	(39,389)	(39,774)	(48,694)
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes	(83,186)	205,013	26,912
Consumer Products & Services
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	(229,807)	10,817	(101,403)
Professional, Device & Solutions
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	(20,194)	27,650	(35,435)
Pictures
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	34,130	38,669	42,814
Music
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	36,887	38,927	36,513
Financial Services
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	131,421	118,818	162,492
Sony Mobile Communications
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	31,407	4,155	(34,514)
All Other
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	(3,546)	7,116	(4,976)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	(19,702)	246,152	65,491
Corporate and elimination
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	¥ (47,573)	¥ (46,331)	¥ (33,719)

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Pension and severance plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

Japanese plans:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Service cost		30,980			29,589			29,774
Interest cost		15,402			16,067			15,196
Expected return on plan assets		(16,969	)		(17,987	)		(15,401	)
Recognized actuarial loss		16,000			11,802			12,219
Amortization of prior service costs		(10,391	)		(10,391	)		(10,380	)
Net periodic benefit costs		35,022			29,080			31,408

Foreign plans:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Service cost		3,645			4,160			3,348
Interest cost		12,083			11,165			10,082
Expected return on plan assets		(8,652	)		(9,135	)		(9,049	)
Amortization of net transition asset		67			20			139
Recognized actuarial loss		857			2,911			2,771
Amortization of prior service costs		30			(32	)		(448	)
Losses (gains) on curtailments and settlements		1,766			(31	)		1,111
Net periodic benefit costs		9,796			9,058			7,954

Changes in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets as well as Funded Status and Composition of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets

The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets as well as the funded status and composition of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of the fiscal year		709,554			735,853			231,341			206,497
Service cost		29,589			29,774			4,160			3,348
Interest cost		16,067			15,196			11,165			10,082
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			764			684
Amendments		—			(1,119	)		(6,677	)		440
Actuarial (gain) loss		6,424			25,098			(6,869	)		12,376
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		—			—			(16,994	)		(3,273	)
Curtailments and settlements		(404	)		(301	)		(166	)		(577	)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries		—			8,852			—			3,104
Benefits paid		(25,377	)		(24,294	)		(10,227	)		(11,040	)
Benefit obligation at end of the fiscal year		735,853			789,059			206,497			221,641
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the fiscal year		515,701			536,648			134,226			140,387
Actual return on plan assets		4,327			18,447			10,930			11,421
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		—			—			(9,121	)		(1,872	)
Employer contribution		34,892			15,745			13,029			9,033
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			764			684
Curtailments and settlements		—			—			(217	)		(1,386	)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries		—			4,592			—			2,331
Benefits paid		(18,272	)		(19,185	)		(9,224	)		(9,459	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the fiscal year		536,648			556,247			140,387			151,139
Funded status at end of the fiscal year		(199,205	)		(232,812	)		(66,110	)		(70,502	)

Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of the fiscal year		709,554			735,853			231,341			206,497
Service cost		29,589			29,774			4,160			3,348
Interest cost		16,067			15,196			11,165			10,082
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			764			684
Amendments		—			(1,119	)		(6,677	)		440
Actuarial (gain) loss		6,424			25,098			(6,869	)		12,376
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		—			—			(16,994	)		(3,273	)
Curtailments and settlements		(404	)		(301	)		(166	)		(577	)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries		—			8,852			—			3,104
Benefits paid		(25,377	)		(24,294	)		(10,227	)		(11,040	)
Benefit obligation at end of the fiscal year		735,853			789,059			206,497			221,641
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the fiscal year		515,701			536,648			134,226			140,387
Actual return on plan assets		4,327			18,447			10,930			11,421
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		—			—			(9,121	)		(1,872	)
Employer contribution		34,892			15,745			13,029			9,033
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			764			684
Curtailments and settlements		—			—			(217	)		(1,386	)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries		—			4,592			—			2,331
Benefits paid		(18,272	)		(19,185	)		(9,224	)		(9,459	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the fiscal year		536,648			556,247			140,387			151,139
Funded status at end of the fiscal year		(199,205	)		(232,812	)		(66,110	)		(70,502	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Noncurrent assets		1,454			1,769			3,894			4,399
Current liabilities		—			—			(2,716	)		(2,943	)
Noncurrent liabilities		(200,659	)		(234,581	)		(67,288	)		(71,958	)
Ending balance		(199,205	)		(232,812	)		(66,110	)		(70,502	)

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Excluding Tax Effects

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, excluding tax effects, consist of:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Prior service cost (credit)		(86,470	)		(75,840	)		(3,930	)		(2,933	)
Net actuarial loss		278,895			292,382			33,919			38,196
Obligation existing at transition		—			—			204			52
Ending balance		192,425			216,542			30,193			35,315

Accumulated Benefit Obligations for All Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The accumulated benefit obligations for all defined benefit pension plans were as follows:

	Japanese plans				Foreign plans
	Yen in millions				Yen in millions
	March 31				March 31
	2011		2012		2011		2012
Accumulated benefit obligations		731,666		786,679		183,954		189,360

Projected Benefit Obligations, Accumulated Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Plan Assets for Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets

The projected benefit obligations, the accumulated benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows:

	Japanese plans				Foreign plans
	Yen in millions				Yen in millions
	March 31				March 31
	2011		2012		2011		2012
Projected benefit obligations		729,691		781,983		176,755		170,314
Accumulated benefit obligations		725,504		779,604		167,609		163,002
Fair value of plan assets		530,300		549,017		121,338		111,667

Fair Values of Assets Held by Japanese and Foreign Plans

The fair values of the assets held by Japanese and foreign plans, which are classified in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described in Note 2, are as follows:

	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2011		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		25,151		25,151		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		127,695		125,692		2,003		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		226,183		—		226,183		—
Corporate bonds(c)		23,375		—		23,375		—
Asset-backed securities(d)		3,451		—		3,451		—
Commingled funds(e)		63,693		—		63,693		—
Commodity funds(f)		1,991		—		1,991		—
Private equity(g)		19,888		—		—		19,888
Hedge funds(h)		43,688		—		—		43,688
Real estate		1,533		—		—		1,533
Total		536,648		150,843		320,696		65,109
	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2012		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		14,586		14,586		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		130,283		127,918		2,365		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		255,010		—		255,010		—
Corporate bonds(c)		23,853		—		23,853		—
Asset-backed securities(d)		4,722		—		4,722		—
Commingled funds(e)		58,862		—		58,862		—
Commodity funds(f)		1,850		—		1,850		—
Private equity(g)		23,388		—		—		23,388
Hedge funds(h)		42,258		—		—		42,258
Real estate		1,435		—		—		1,435
Total		556,247		142,504		346,662		67,081

(a) Includes approximately 64 percent and 65 percent of Japanese equity securities, and 36 percent and 35 percent of foreign equity securities for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(b) Includes approximately 65 percent and 64 percent of debt securities issued by Japanese national and local governments, and 35 percent and 36 percent of debt securities issued by foreign national and local governments for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(c) Includes debt securities issued by Japanese and foreign corporation and government related agencies.

(d) Includes primarily mortgage-backed securities.

(e) Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments, including primarily investment trusts. They include approximately 39 percent and 42 percent of investments in equity, 58 percent and 56 percent of investments in fixed income, and 3 percent and 2 percent of investments in other for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(f) Represents commodity futures funds.

(g) Includes multiple private equity funds of funds that primarily invest in venture, buyout, and distressed markets in the U.S. and Europe.

(h) Includes primarily funds that invest in a portfolio of a broad range of hedge funds to diversify the risks and reduce the volatilities associated with a single hedge fund.

	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2011		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		860		860		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		38,512		33,273		5,239		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		21,405		—		21,405		—
Corporate bonds(c)		14,994		—		10,148		4,846
Asset-backed securities		2,053		—		2,053		—
Insurance contracts(d)		6,718		—		6,718		—
Commingled funds(e)		50,517		—		49,987		530
Real estate and other(f)		5,328		45		1,510		3,773
Total		140,387		34,178		97,060		9,149
	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2012		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		859		859		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		36,497		30,514		5,983		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		43,504		—		43,504		—
Corporate bonds(c)		9,192		—		5,231		3,961
Asset-backed securities		648		—		648		—
Insurance contracts(d)		9,283		—		9,283		—
Commingled funds(e)		43,902		—		43,902		—
Real estate and other(f)		7,254		20		2,151		5,083
Total		151,139		31,393		110,702		9,044

(a) Includes primarily foreign equity securities.

(b) Includes primarily foreign government debt securities.

(c) Includes primarily foreign corporate debt securities.

(d) Represents annuity contracts with or without profit sharing.

(e) Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments including mutual funds, common trust funds, and collective investment funds. They are primarily comprised of foreign equities and fixed income investments.

(f) Includes primarily private real estate investment trusts.

Summary of Changes in Fair Values of Japanese and Foreign Plans' Level Three Assets

The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair values of Japanese and foreign plans’ level 3 assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012:

	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Private equity			Hedge funds			Real estate			Total
Beginning balance at April 1, 2010		21,337			51,498			1,655			74,490
Return on assets held at end of year		(1,449	)		2,467			(122	)		896
Return on assets sold during the year		—			(436	)		—			(436	)
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		—			(9,841	)		—			(9,841	)
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—
Ending balance at March 31, 2011		19,888			43,688			1,533			65,109
Return on assets held at end of year		450			470			(98	)		822
Return on assets sold during the year		—			—			—			—
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		3,050			(1,900	)		—			1,150
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—
Ending balance at March 31, 2012		23,388			42,258			1,435			67,081

	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Corporate bonds			Asset-backed securities			Commingled funds			Real estate and other			Total
Beginning balance at April 1, 2010		4,571			75			528			3,777			8,951
Return on assets held at end of year		503			—			9			490			1,002
Return on assets sold during the year		—			5			—			—			5
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		260			(72	)		—			(159	)		29
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—			—
Other*		(488	)		(8	)		(7	)		(335	)		(838	)
Ending balance at March 31, 2011		4,846			—			530			3,773			9,149
Return on assets held at end of year		447			—			—			558			1,005
Return on assets sold during the year		—			—			—			—			—
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		(1,209	)		—			(530	)		156			(1,583	)
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—			—
Other*		(123	)		—			—			596			473
Ending balance at March 31, 2012		3,961			—			—			5,083			9,044

* Primarily consists of translation adjustments.

Expected Future Benefit Payments

The expected future benefit payments are as follows:

	Japanese plans		Foreign plans
Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions		Yen in millions
2013		26,197		9,418
2014		28,084		9,485
2015		30,972		10,461
2016		33,553		10,163
2017		34,518		10,827
2018 — 2022		209,895		58,880

Benefit Obligations

Weighted-Average Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

	Japanese plans									Foreign plans
	Fiscal year ended March 31									Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012			2010			2011			2012
Discount rate		2.2	%		2.3	%		2.1	%		6.5	%		5.5	%		5.2	%
Expected return on plan assets		3.6			2.9			3.0			6.5			5.9			6.5
Rate of compensation increase		2.7			*			*			3.2			4.0			3.5

* As of March 31, 2011 and 2012, substantially all of Sony’s Japanese pension plans were point-based. Point-based plans do not incorporate a measure of compensation rate increases.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Weighted-Average Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Discount rate		2.1	%		1.9	%		5.2	%		4.7	%
Rate of compensation increase		*			*			3.5			3.5

* Substantially all of Sony’s Japanese pension plans were point-based. Point-based plans do not incorporate a measure of compensation rate increases.

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Great East Japan Earthquake and Thai Floods - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Great East Japan Earthquake
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Incremental losses and expenses directly related to the damage caused by the disaster	¥ 5,864	¥ 10,897
Incremental loss caused by disaster, disposal or impairment of fixed assets		7,668
Insurance recoveries	2,159	10,841
Other losses and expenses which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites and other additional expenses	6,294	11,821
Proceeds from insurance settlement for fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses	15,000
Amount due to certain carrier as reinsurance	2,000
Thai Floods
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Incremental losses and expenses directly related to the damage caused by the disaster	13,236
Incremental loss caused by disaster, disposal or impairment of fixed assets	7,882
Other losses and expenses which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites and other additional expenses	13,899
Proceeds from insurance settlement for fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses	50,416
Insurance receivables	5,788
Thai Floods | Fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from insurance settlement for fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses	26,316
Gain from insurance recovery	17,520
Thai Floods | Insurance Claims for Business Interruption
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Proceeds from insurance settlement for fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses	¥ 24,100

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Marketable Securities and Securities Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	¥ 177,850	¥ 532,619	¥ 785,698
Gross realized gains from available for sale securities	9,593	38,654	39,622
Gross realized loss from available for sale securities	1,834	2,014	37,537
Marketable securities classified as trading securities	433,491	375,802
Investment in non public companies	93,050	75,930
Net unrealized gains on trading securities	21,216		50,992
Net unrealized losses on trading securities		10,768
Total realized impairment losses on marketable securities	¥ 5,530	¥ 9,763	¥ 5,508

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Total Amount of Costs Incurred in Connection with Restructuring Programs by Segment (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	¥ 52,645		¥ 62,318	¥ 116,472
Consumer Products & Services
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	8,972		25,532	31,255
Professional, Device & Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	25,645		19,507	41,067
Pictures
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	1,273		2,722	5,605
Music
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	5,710		2,662	5,225
Financial Services
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	1,822		5,010	5,078
Sony Mobile Communications
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	537	[1]
All Other and Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	¥ 8,686		¥ 6,885	¥ 28,242

[1] Sony acquired Ericsson's shares in Sony Ericsson and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Subsequent to the acquisition, Sony Ericsson was renamed Sony Mobile. Refer to Note 24.

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Variable interest entities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Assets and Liabilities of VIE Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets

At March 31, 2012, the assets and liabilities of the VIE that were included in Sony’s consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	Yen in millions
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		5,239
Account receivables, net		248
Other current assets		20,523
Property, plant and equipment, net		863
Intangibles, net		54,566
Goodwill		12,483
Other noncurrent assets		6,708
Total assets		100,630
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		32,835
Other current liabilities		5,222
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,254
Total liabilities		39,311

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Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	¥ 678,125	¥ 512,990
Accumulated amortization	(264,459)	(210,899)
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	226,142	122,444
Accumulated amortization	(80,334)	(69,224)
Customer relationship
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	23,758	3,051
Accumulated amortization	(1,409)	(1,105)
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	20,214	4,938
Accumulated amortization	(2,154)	(1,401)
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	98,852	76,112
Accumulated amortization	(58,865)	(40,447)
Music Catalogs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	157,699	160,325
Accumulated amortization	(45,570)	(40,455)
Artist contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	27,401	27,727
Accumulated amortization	(19,419)	(17,903)
Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	36,216	35,874
Accumulated amortization	(2,370)	(228)
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	87,843	82,519
Accumulated amortization	¥ (54,338)	¥ (40,136)

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Sales and Operating Revenue Attributed to Countries Based on Location of Customers and Long-Lived Assets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue, Total	¥ 6,493,212	¥ 7,181,273	¥ 7,213,998
Property, plant and equipment, net	930,998	924,868
Japan
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue, Domestic	2,104,669	2,152,552	2,099,297
Property, plant and equipment, net, Domestic	699,647	684,031
UNITED STATES
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue, Foreign	1,211,849	1,443,693	1,595,016
Property, plant and equipment, net, Foreign	82,914	95,157
Europe
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue, Foreign	1,268,258	1,539,432	1,644,698
Property, plant and equipment, net, Foreign	55,192	39,602
CHINA
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue, Foreign	495,101	562,048	485,512
Property, plant and equipment, net, Foreign	39,388	39,936
Asia Pacific
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue, Foreign	636,489	726,364	708,061
Property, plant and equipment, net, Foreign	37,060	46,894
Other Areas
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue, Foreign	776,846	757,184	681,414
Property, plant and equipment, net, Foreign	¥ 16,797	¥ 19,248

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Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent assets	¥ 1,769	¥ 1,454
Noncurrent liabilities	(234,581)	(200,659)
Ending balance	(232,812)	(199,205)
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent assets	4,399	3,894
Current liabilities	(2,943)	(2,716)
Noncurrent liabilities	(71,958)	(67,288)
Ending balance	¥ (70,502)	¥ (66,110)

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The fair value of Sony’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
									Presentation in the consolidated balance sheets
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Marketable securities		Securities investments and other		Other current assets/ liabilities		Other noncurrent assets/ liabilities
Assets:
Trading securities		189,320		186,482		—		375,802		375,802		—		—		—
Available-for-sale securities
Debt securities
Japanese national government bonds		—		1,143,765		—		1,143,765		71,472		1,072,293		—		—
Japanese local government bonds		—		22,965		—		22,965		3,415		19,550		—		—
Japanese corporate bonds		—		329,057		4,581		333,638		96,745		236,893		—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		306,070		19,751		325,821		81,486		244,335		—		—
Other		—		7,933		299		8,232		—		8,232		—		—
Equity securities		141,408		81		—		141,489		—		141,489		—		—
Other investments*1		5,459		4,637		74,026		84,122		—		84,122		—		—
Derivative assets*2		—		15,110		—		15,110		—		—		15,101		9
Total assets		336,187		2,016,100		98,657		2,450,944		628,920		1,806,914		15,101		9
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities*2		—		33,759		—		33,759		—		—		32,096		1,663
Total liabilities		—		33,759		—		33,759		—		—		32,096		1,663

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
									Presentation in the consolidated balance sheets
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Marketable securities		Securities investments and other		Other current assets/ liabilities		Other noncurrent assets/ liabilities
Assets:
Trading securities		214,036		219,455		—		433,491		433,491		—		—		—
Available-for-sale securities
Debt securities
Japanese national government bonds		—		1,091,451		—		1,091,451		23,267		1,068,184		—		—
Japanese local government bonds		—		33,675		—		33,675		1,405		32,270		—		—
Japanese corporate bonds		—		293,637		1,513		295,150		123,434		171,716		—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		359,960		15,291		375,251		75,764		299,487		—		—
Other		—		23,616		309		23,925		—		23,925		—		—
Equity securities		111,517		680		—		112,197		—		112,197		—		—
Other investments*1		5,475		4,592		73,451		83,518		—		83,518		—		—
Derivative assets*2		—		18,518		—		18,518		—		—		18,513		5
Total assets		331,028		2,045,584		90,564		2,467,176		657,361		1,791,297		18,513		5
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities*2		—		41,218		—		41,218		—		—		40,034		1,184
Total liabilities		—		41,218		—		41,218		—		—		40,034		1,184

*1 Other investments include certain hybrid financial instruments and certain private equity investments.

*2 Derivative assets and liabilities are recognized and disclosed on a gross basis.

Changes in Fair Value of Level Three Assets and Liabilities

The changes in fair value of level 3 assets and liabilities for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities									Other investments
	Debt securities
	Japanese corporate bonds			Foreign corporate bonds			Other
Beginning balance		1,097			17,433			—			73,608
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings*1		(13	)		(224	)		—			(3,332	)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)*2		(18	)		(841	)		(1	)		2,638
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements		3,515			7,951			300			1,112
Transfers in and/or out of level 3		—			(4,568	)		—			—
Ending balance		4,581			19,751			299			74,026
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date:
Included in earnings*1		(2	)		10			—			(3,779	)
	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities									Other investments
	Debt securities
	Japanese corporate bonds			Foreign corporate bonds			Other
Beginning balance		4,581			19,751			299			74,026
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings*1		—			27			—			(1,214	)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)*2		(2	)		271			10			505
Purchases		—			6,994			—			3,144
Settlements		(500	)		(5,961	)		—			(2,784	)
Transfers into level 3*3		2,116			956			—			—
Transfers out of level 3*4		(4,682	)		(6,747	)		—			—
Other		—			—			—			(226	)
Ending balance		1,513			15,291			309			73,451
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date:
Included in earnings*1		—			(2	)		—			(1,215	)

*1 Earning effects are included in financial services revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

*2 Unrealized gains (losses) are included in unrealized gains (losses) on securities in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

*3 Certain corporate bonds were transferred into level 3 because differences between fair value determined by indicative quotes from dealers and internally developed prices became significant and the observability of inputs decreased.

*4 Certain corporate bonds were transferred out of level 3 because quoted prices became available.

Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments that are not reported at fair value are summarized as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Estimated fair value								Carrying amount
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Total
Assets:
Housing loans in the banking business		—		714,985		—		714,985		656,047
Total assets		—		714,985		—		714,985		656,047
Liabilities:
Long-term debt including the current portion		—		928,820		—		928,820		921,849
Investment contracts included in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business		—		320,036		—		320,036		322,649
Total liabilities		—		1,248,856		—		1,248,856		1,244,498
	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Estimated fair value								Carrying amount
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Total
Assets:
Housing loans in the banking business		—		823,668		—		823,668		749,636
Total assets		—		823,668		—		823,668		749,636
Liabilities:
Long-term debt including the current portion		—		1,069,914		—		1,069,914		1,072,709
Investment contracts included in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business		—		338,589		—		338,589		340,600
Total liabilities		—		1,408,503		—		1,408,503		1,413,309

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Commitments, contingent liabilities and other

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments, contingent liabilities and other

27. Commitments, contingent liabilities and other

(1) Commitments:

A. Loan commitments

Subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have entered into loan agreements with their customers in accordance with the condition of the contracts. As of March 31, 2012, the total unused portion of the lines of credit extended under these contracts was 20,051 million yen. The aggregate amounts of future year-by-year payments for these loan commitments cannot be determined.

B. Purchase commitments and other

Purchase commitments and other outstanding at March 31, 2012 amounted to 276,016 million yen. The major components of these commitments are as follows:

In the ordinary course of business, Sony makes commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment. As of March 31, 2012, such commitments outstanding were 35,725 million yen.

Certain subsidiaries in the Pictures segment have entered into agreements with creative talent for the development and production of motion pictures and television programming as well as agreements with third parties to acquire completed motion pictures, or certain rights therein, and to acquire the rights to broadcast certain live action sporting events. These agreements cover various periods mainly within 5 years. As of March 31, 2012, these subsidiaries were committed to make payments under such contracts of 117,187 million yen.

Certain subsidiaries in the Music segment 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 within 5 years. As of March 31, 2012, these subsidiaries were committed to make payments of 41,853 million yen under such long-term contracts.

The schedule of the aggregate amounts of year-by-year payment of purchase commitments during the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		141,236
2014		55,209
2015		35,330
2016		23,281
2017		13,310
Later years		7,650
Total		276,016

In addition to the above, Sony has other commitments as follows:

On November 11, 2011, an investor group including Sony (collectively the “Group”) executed a definitive agreement with Citigroup, Inc. (“Citi”) whereby the Group will acquire EMI Music Publishing from Citi for total consideration of 2.2 billion U.S. dollars. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Upon the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and the resolution of all other closing conditions, Sony expects to invest approximately 325 million U.S. dollars and own approximately 38% of the newly formed entity that will ultimately acquire EMI Music Publishing from Citi, with an ability to increase the investment and ownership up to 40%.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, there was a receipt of an advance payment from a commercial customer. As a result, as of March 31, 2012, Sony recorded 15,173 million yen in other current liabilities and 35,404 million yen in other long-term liabilities based on anticipated delivery dates. The advance payment is subject to reimbursement under certain contingent conditions of the contract, including a downgrade of Sony’s credit rating by either S&P (lower than “BBB”) or Moody’s (lower than “Baa2”). The advance payment amounts will be reduced at the time of future product sales to the commercial customer.

(2) Contingent liabilities:

Sony had contingent liabilities, including guarantees given in the ordinary course of business, which amounted to 78,743 million yen at March 31, 2012. The major components of these contingent liabilities are as follows:

As discussed in Note 23, Sony has agreed to repay the outstanding principal plus accrued interest up to a maximum of 303 million U.S. dollars to the creditor of the third-party investor of Sony’s U.S. based music publishing subsidiary should the third-party investor default on its obligation. The obligation of the third-party investor is collateralized by its 50% interest in Sony’s music publishing subsidiary. Should Sony have to make a payment under the terms of the guarantee, Sony would assume the creditor’s rights to the underlying collateral. At March 31, 2012, the fair value of the collateral exceeded 303 million U.S. dollars.

In May 2011, Sony Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, Sony Electronics Inc., received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) Antitrust Division seeking information about its secondary batteries business. Sony understands that the DOJ and one agency outside the United States are investigating competition in the secondary batteries market. Based on the current stage of the proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of this matter.

Beginning earlier in 2011, the network services of PlayStation^®Network, Qriocity™, Sony Online Entertainment LLC and websites of other subsidiaries came under cyber-attack. As of May 31, 2012, Sony has not received any confirmed reports of customer identity theft issues or misuse of credit cards from the cyber-attacks. However, in connection with certain of these matters, Sony has received inquiries from authorities in a number of jurisdictions, including orders for reports issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan as well as the Financial Services Agency of Japan, formal and/or informal requests for information from Attorneys General from a number of states in the United States and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, various U.S. congressional inquiries and others. Additionally, Sony Corporation and/or certain of its subsidiaries have been named in a number of purported class actions in certain jurisdictions, including the United States. Based on the stage of these inquiries and proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of these matters.

In October 2009, Sony Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, Sony Optiarc America Inc., received a subpoena from the DOJ seeking information about its optical disk drive business. Sony understands that the DOJ and agencies outside the United States are investigating competition in optical disk drives. Subsequently, a number of purported class action lawsuits were filed in certain jurisdictions, including the United States, in which the plaintiffs allege that Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries violated antitrust laws and seek recovery of damages and other remedies. Based on the current stage of these proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of possible loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of all of these matters.

In addition, Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants or otherwise involved in other pending legal and regulatory proceedings. However, based upon the information currently available, Sony currently believes that the outcome of such legal and regulatory proceedings would not have a material effect on Sony’s consolidated financial statements.

(3) Redeemable noncontrolling interest:

As discussed in Note 24, in connection with the GSN transaction, Sony granted a put right to the Current Investor for an additional 18% interest in GSN. The put right is exercisable during three windows starting on April 1 of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and lasting for 60 business days (each such period, a “Trigger Window”). In the event that GSN’s audited financial statements for the most recently completed calendar year are not available on April 1, the Trigger Window will commence on the day when the GSN audited financial statements are delivered to the Current Investor. As of May 31, 2012, GSN’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 have not been delivered to the Current Investor. The exercise price of the put is calculated using a formula based on an agreed upon multiple of the earnings of GSN with a minimum price of 234 million U.S. dollars and a maximum price of 288 million U.S. dollars. The portion of the noncontrolling interest that can be put to Sony is accounted for as redeemable securities because redemption is outside of Sony’s control and is reported in the mezzanine equity section in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2012.

(4) Product warranty liabilities:

The changes in product warranty liability for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year		57,922			50,856			54,940
Additional liabilities for warranties		46,686			48,610			60,073
Settlements (in cash or in kind)		(45,218	)		(36,537	)		(39,954	)
Changes in estimate for pre-existing warranty reserve		(7,649	)		(4,802	)		(4,397	)
Translation adjustment		(885	)		(3,187	)		(2,802	)
Balance at end of the fiscal year		50,856			54,940			67,860

XML

Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items]
2013	¥ 68,735
2014	58,885
2015	48,971
2016	41,218
2017	¥ 36,509

XML

Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Fair Value of Stock Acquisition Rights Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Year		Mar. 31, 2011 Year		Mar. 31, 2010 Year
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.08%		1.60%		2.08%
Expected lives	6.77		6.64		6.49
Expected volatility	36.88%	[1]	35.74%	[1]	33.70%	[1]
Expected dividends	1.85%		0.83%		0.99%

[1] Expected volatility was based on the historical volatilities of Sony Corporation's common stock over the expected life of the stock acquisition rights.

XML

Components of Domestic and Foreign Income (Loss) and Provision for Current and Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan	¥ (106,496)	¥ 143,917	¥ 45,290
Foreign subsidiaries	23,310	61,096	(18,378)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total	(83,186)	205,013	26,912
Income taxes - Current:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan	33,921	60,514	42,723
Foreign subsidiaries	74,624	57,404	36,397
Current	108,545	117,918	79,120
Income taxes - Deferred:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan	2,794	365,665	(25,589)
Foreign subsidiaries	203,900	(58,244)	(39,573)
Deferred	206,694	307,421	(65,162)
Total income tax expense	¥ 315,239	¥ 425,339	¥ 13,958

XML

Reconciliation of Differences between Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation's stockholders for basic and diluted EPS computation	¥ (456,660)	¥ (259,585)	¥ (40,802)
Weighted-average shares outstanding	1,003,578	1,003,559	1,003,520
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock acquisition rights
Convertible bonds
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS computation	1,003,578	1,003,559	1,003,520
Basic EPS	¥ (455.03)	¥ (258.66)	¥ (40.66)
Diluted EPS	¥ (455.03)	¥ (258.66)	¥ (40.66)

XML

Leased Assets under Capital Leases (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization	¥ (20,514)	¥ (4,634)
Leased assets under capital leases, Net	47,702	23,862
Machinery, equipment and others
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Leased assets under capital leases	58,751	9,288
Film costs
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Leased assets under capital leases	¥ 9,465	¥ 19,208

XML

Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Unsecured Loans Due Twenty Eleven to Twenty Eighteen Interest Rates Ranging from Zero Point Two Zero to Four Point Five Zero Percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate, Minimum	0.20%
Debt weighted average interest rate, Maximum	4.50%
Due Twenty Twelve to Twenty Twenty Four, with interest rates ranging from Zero Point Two Three To Four Point Five Zero Percent per annum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate, Minimum	0.23%
Debt weighted average interest rate, Maximum	4.50%
Unsecured One Point Five Two Percent Bonds Due Twenty Eleven
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.52%
Unsecured One Point One Six Percent Bonds Due Twenty Twelve
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.16%
Unsecured One Point Five Two Percent Bonds Due Twenty Thirteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.52%
Unsecured One Point Five Seven Percent Bonds Due Twenty Fifteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.57%
Unsecured One Point Seven Five Percent Bonds Due Twenty Fifteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.75%
Unsecured One Point One Seven Percent Bonds Due Twenty Eleven
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.17%
Unsecured Zero Point Nine Five Percent Bonds Due Twenty Twelve
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	0.95%
Unsecured One Point Four Zero Percent Bonds Due Twenty Thirteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.40%
Unsecured One Point Three Zero Percent Bonds Due Twenty Fourteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.30%
Unsecured Zero Point Five Five Percent Bonds Due Twenty Sixteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	0.55%
Unsecured Zero Point Six Six Percent bonds, due Twenty Seventeen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	0.66%
Unsecured Two Point Zero Zero Percent Bonds Due Twenty Eighteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	2.00%
Unsecured Two Point Zero Seven Percent Bonds Due Twenty Nineteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	2.07%
Unsecured One Point Four One Percent Bonds, Due Twenty Twenty Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	1.41%
Capital Lease Obligations Due Twenty Eleven to Twenty Twenty One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate, Minimum	0.03%
Debt weighted average interest rate, Maximum	9.09%
Capital Lease Obligations Due Twenty Twelve to Twenty Twenty Six
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate, Minimum	0.03%
Debt weighted average interest rate, Maximum	8.74%

XML

Commitments, contingent liabilities and other (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Aggregate Amounts of Year-by-Year Payment of Purchase Commitments

The schedule of the aggregate amounts of year-by-year payment of purchase commitments during the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		141,236
2014		55,209
2015		35,330
2016		23,281
2017		13,310
Later years		7,650
Total		276,016

Changes in Product Warranty Liability

The changes in product warranty liability for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year		57,922			50,856			54,940
Additional liabilities for warranties		46,686			48,610			60,073
Settlements (in cash or in kind)		(45,218	)		(36,537	)		(39,954	)
Changes in estimate for pre-existing warranty reserve		(7,649	)		(4,802	)		(4,397	)
Translation adjustment		(885	)		(3,187	)		(2,802	)
Balance at end of the fiscal year		50,856			54,940			67,860

XML

Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2010
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.10%		2.30%		2.20%
Expected return on plan assets	3.00%		2.90%		3.60%
Rate of compensation increase		[1]		[1]	2.70%
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.20%		5.50%		6.50%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50%		5.90%		6.50%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%		4.00%		3.20%

[1] As of March 31, 2011 and 2012, substantially all of Sony's Japanese pension plans were point-based. Point-based plans do not incorporate a measure of compensation rate increases.

XML

Reconciliation of Differences between Basic and Diluted EPS - Additional Information (Detail) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Potential shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock acquisition rights and convertible bonds excluded from the computation of diluted EPS	22,417	19,383	17,600

XML

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	¥ 174,430
Acquired finite lived intangible assets amount	174,275
Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets	¥ 57,023	¥ 52,763	¥ 57,069

XML

Schedule of Aggregate Amounts of Year-by-Year Payment of Purchase Commitments (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
2013	¥ 141,236
2014	55,209
2015	35,330
2016	23,281
2017	13,310
Later years	7,650
Total	¥ 276,016

XML

Short-Term Borrowings (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Unsecured Loans, weighted-average interest rate of 4.40%
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate		4.40%
Unsecured Loans, weighted-average interest rate of 3.98%
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	3.98%
Secured Call Money, weighted-average interest rate of 0.11%
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	0.11%	0.11%

XML

Divestitures - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2010
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of investments	¥ 2,882	[1],[2]	¥ 4,465	[1],[2]	¥ 30,529	[1],[2]
Current assets	3,754,962		3,844,046
Goodwill	576,758		469,005		438,869
Other noncurrent asset	2,020,183		1,974,164
Current liabilities	4,529,981		4,135,299
Assets Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Goodwill	29,182
Pictures
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Goodwill	138,320		140,584		102,481
Pictures | HBO Latin America Venture
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Approximate share in venture under equity method					29.00%
Approximate share in venture under cost method					8.00%
Proceeds from sale of investments					19,424
Put option received as consideration of sale of investment					1,371
Gain (loss) on sale of investments					18,035
Cash proceed from purchase of the Retained Interest			5,285
Gain from purchase of the Retained Interest			3,329
Pictures | HBO Central Europe Joint Venture
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of investments					7,660
Gain (loss) on sale of investments					3,957
Professional, Device & Solutions
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Goodwill	36,625		66,171		64,823
Professional, Device & Solutions | Small- and Medium-Sized TFT LCD Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment loss recorded in other operating (income) expense	19,187
Chemical products business | Assets Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Current assets	14,756
Goodwill	29,182
Other noncurrent asset	19,028
Current liabilities	17,554
Noncurrent liabilities	¥ 2,657

[1] Refer to Note 24.

[2] Refer to Note 25.

XML

Changes in Product Warranty Liability (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year	¥ 54,940	¥ 50,856	¥ 57,922
Additional liabilities for warranties	60,073	48,610	46,686
Settlements (in cash or in kind)	(39,954)	(36,537)	(45,218)
Changes in estimate for pre-existing warranty reserve	(4,397)	(4,802)	(7,649)
Translation adjustment	(2,802)	(3,187)	(885)
Balance at end of the fiscal year	¥ 67,860	¥ 54,940	¥ 50,856

XML

Changes Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended																							12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2012 Consumer Products & Services		Mar. 31, 2011 Consumer Products & Services		Mar. 31, 2012 Professional, Device & Solutions		Mar. 31, 2011 Professional, Device & Solutions		Mar. 31, 2012 Pictures		Mar. 31, 2011 Pictures		Mar. 31, 2012 Music		Mar. 31, 2011 Music		Mar. 31, 2012 Financial Services	Mar. 31, 2011 Financial Services	Mar. 31, 2010 Financial Services	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Mobile Communications		Mar. 31, 2012 All Other		Mar. 31, 2011 All Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill - gross	¥ 483,292		¥ 453,156		¥ 134,735		¥ 135,591		¥ 66,471		¥ 65,123		¥ 140,584		¥ 102,481		¥ 102,994		¥ 110,192		¥ 3,020	¥ 3,020	¥ 3,020			¥ 35,488		¥ 36,749
Accumulated impairments	(14,287)		(14,287)		(5,320)		(5,320)		(300)		(300)						(306)		(306)		(706)	(706)	(706)			(7,655)		(7,655)
Goodwill	469,005		438,869		129,415		130,271		66,171		64,823		140,584		102,481		102,688		109,886		2,314	2,314	2,314			27,833		29,094
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisitions	134,376		47,847	[1]	166						1,085	[1]	1,330		46,504	[1]			203	[1]				128,522	[2]	4,358		55	[1]
Sales and dispositions	(589)		(257)				(257)		(589)
Impairments	(932)	[3]																								(932)	[3]
Translation adjustments	3,961		(17,335)		(65)		(770)		(184)		31		(3,073)		(8,401)		(1,891)		(6,956)					9,733	[2]	(559)		(1,239)
Other	(29,063)	[4],[5]	(119)	[4]	(201)	[4],[5]	171	[4]	(28,773)	[4],[5]	232	[4]	(521)	[4],[5]			(147)	[4],[5]	(445)	[4]						579	[4],[5]	(77)	[4]
Goodwill - gross	591,977		483,292		134,635		134,735		36,925		66,471		138,320		140,584		100,956		102,994		3,020	3,020	3,020	138,255	[2]	39,866		35,488
Accumulated impairments	(15,219)		(14,287)		(5,320)		(5,320)		(300)		(300)						(306)		(306)		(706)	(706)	(706)			(8,587)		(7,655)
Goodwill	¥ 576,758		¥ 469,005		¥ 129,315		¥ 129,415		¥ 36,625		¥ 66,171		¥ 138,320		¥ 140,584		¥ 100,650		¥ 102,688		¥ 2,314	¥ 2,314	¥ 2,314	¥ 138,255	[2]	¥ 31,279		¥ 27,833

[1] Substantially all of the acquisition amounts in the Pictures segment relate to the Game Show Network, LLC ("GSN") acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

[2] The amounts in the Sony Mobile Communications ("Sony Mobile") segment relate to the Sony Ericsson acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

[3] During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded impairment losses of 932 million yen in a reporting unit included in All Other. The impairment charge reflected the overall decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

[4] Other primarily consists of purchase price adjustments for prior years and amounts reclassified as held for sale.

[5] During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into a memorandum of understanding with a third-party to sell the chemical products business, which is included in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment. Sony classified certain assets and liabilities related to the business as held for sale as of March 31, 2012, and anticipates completing the divestiture during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. No impairment loss was recognized as a result of the held for sale classification. The assets held for sale include 29,182 million yen of goodwill and it was reclassified to other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 25.

XML

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Maximum	Mar. 31, 2012 JBIC Facility USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Private banks USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2012 Securities Investment JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Marketable securities JPY (¥)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings		¥ 99,878	¥ 53,737							¥ 10,845
Securities pledged as collateral										10,000	129,472
Unsecured bank loans	1,365					819	546
Unsecured bank loan maturity term				6 years	10 years
Percentage of equity interest acquired				20.00%	50.00%			50.00%	50.00%
Unsecured bank loans, percentage						60.00%	40.00%
Unused committed lines of credit		800,306
Period up to which company can borrow under committed lines of credit	180 days	180 days
Commercial paper programs		¥ 746,570
Period up to which company can issue Commercial paper programs	270 days	270 days

XML

Acquired Intangible Assets and Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Year
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	¥ 174,275
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	103,036	[1]
Weighted-average amortization period	7	[1]
Customer relationship
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	19,793
Weighted-average amortization period	14
Trademarks
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	14,177
Weighted-average amortization period	7
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	23,621
Weighted-average amortization period	3
Other
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	¥ 13,648
Weighted-average amortization period	4

[1] Includes intellectual property cross-licensing and developed technology relating to the Sony Ericsson acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

XML

Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Securities with Unrealized Losses, Aggregated by Investment Category and Length of Time of Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, fair value	¥ 70	¥ 1,833,709
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	(48,221)
Held-to-maturity securities, 12 months or more, fair value	333,702
Held-to-maturity securities, 12 months or more , unrealized losses	(4,499)
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value, total	333,772	1,833,709
Held-to-maturity securities, unrealized losses, total	(4,499)	(48,221)
Marketable securities, less than 12 months, fair value	131,867	2,365,904
Marketable securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(7,463)	(62,479)
Marketable securities, 12 months or more, fair value	445,923	85,140
Marketable securities, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	(6,722)	(6,018)
Marketable securities, fair value, total	577,790	2,451,044
Marketable securities, unrealized losses, total	(14,185)	(68,497)
Japanese national government bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, fair value		1,812,196
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses		(48,149)
Held-to-maturity securities, 12 months or more, fair value	333,702
Held-to-maturity securities, 12 months or more , unrealized losses	(4,499)
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value, total	333,702	1,812,196
Held-to-maturity securities, unrealized losses, total	(4,499)	(48,149)
Japanese local government bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, fair value	70	531
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	(2)
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value, total	70	531
Held-to-maturity securities, unrealized losses, total	0	(2)
Japanese corporate bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, fair value		20,788
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses		(67)
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value, total		20,788
Held-to-maturity securities, unrealized losses, total		(67)
Foreign corporate bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, fair value		194
Held-to-maturity securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses		(3)
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value, total		194
Held-to-maturity securities, unrealized losses, total		(3)
Debt Securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, fair value	127,460	495,804
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(7,145)	(11,035)
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, fair value	111,941	84,754
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	(1,028)	(5,925)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value, total	239,401	580,558
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized losses, total	(8,173)	(16,960)
Debt Securities | Japanese national government bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, fair value	55,450	223,686
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(877)	(3,230)
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, fair value	3,048	54,477
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	(2)	(1,741)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value, total	58,498	278,163
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized losses, total	(879)	(4,971)
Debt Securities | Japanese local government bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, fair value	2,364	12,434
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(1)	(64)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value, total	2,364	12,434
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized losses, total	(1)	(64)
Debt Securities | Japanese corporate bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, fair value	1,034	130,318
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(196)	(440)
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, fair value	25,243
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	(28)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value, total	26,277	130,318
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized losses, total	(224)	(440)
Debt Securities | Foreign corporate bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, fair value	68,277	126,184
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(6,065)	(7,183)
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, fair value	83,650	30,277
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	(998)	(4,184)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value, total	151,927	156,461
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized losses, total	(7,063)	(11,367)
Debt Securities | Other
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, fair value	335	3,182
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(6)	(118)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value, total	335	3,182
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized losses, total	(6)	(118)
Equity securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, fair value	4,337	36,391
Available-for-sale securities, less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(318)	(3,223)
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, fair value	280	386
Available-for-sale securities, 12 months or more, unrealized losses	(1,195)	(93)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value, total	4,617	36,777
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized losses, total	¥ (1,513)	¥ (3,316)

XML

Restructuring charges and asset impairments

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Restructuring charges and asset impairments

19. Restructuring charges and asset impairments

As part of its effort to improve the performance of the various businesses, Sony has undertaken a number of restructuring initiatives. Sony defines restructuring initiatives as activities initiated by Sony, such as exiting a business or product category or implementing a headcount reduction program, which are designed to generate a positive impact on future profitability. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, Sony recorded total restructuring charges of 116,472 million yen, 62,318 million yen and 52,645 million yen, respectively.

Sony anticipates recording approximately 75 billion yen of restructuring charges for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.

The changes in the accrued restructuring charges for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Employee termination benefits			Non-cash write-downs  and disposals, net*			Other associated costs			Total
Balance at March 31, 2009		53,813			—			11,461			65,274
Restructuring costs		65,133			31,928			19,411			116,472
Non-cash charges		—			(31,928	)		—			(31,928	)
Cash payments		(88,803	)		—			(21,754	)		(110,557	)
Adjustments		(2,925	)		—			(156	)		(3,081	)
Balance at March 31, 2010		27,218			—			8,962			36,180
Restructuring costs		38,264			8,294			15,760			62,318
Non-cash charges		—			(8,294	)		—			(8,294	)
Cash payments		(47,521	)		—			(19,086	)		(66,607	)
Adjustments		(2,376	)		—			(662	)		(3,038	)
Balance at March 31, 2011		15,585			—			4,974			20,559
Sony Ericsson acquisition		8,789			—			2,190			10,979
Restructuring costs		25,453			20,428			6,764			52,645
Non-cash charges		—			(20,428	)		—			(20,428	)
Cash payments		(24,928	)		—			(4,862	)		(29,790	)
Adjustments		98			—			(1,130	)		(1,032	)
Balance at March 31, 2012		24,997			—			7,936			32,933

* Significant asset impairments excluded from restructuring charges are described below.

The total amount of costs incurred in connection with these restructuring programs by segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Consumer Products & Services		31,255		25,532		8,972
Professional, Device & Solutions		41,067		19,507		25,645
Pictures		5,605		2,722		1,273
Music		5,225		2,662		5,710
Financial Services		5,078		5,010		1,822
Sony Mobile*		—		—		537
All Other and Corporate		28,242		6,885		8,686
Total net charges		116,472		62,318		52,645

* Sony acquired Ericsson’s shares in Sony Ericsson and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Subsequent to the acquisition, Sony Ericsson was renamed Sony Mobile. Refer to Note 24.

In addition to the restructuring charges in the tables above, Sony recorded in cost of sales 7,851 million, 4,751 million yen and 2,115 million yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation associated with restructured assets as used in the context of the disclosures regarding restructuring activity refers to the increase in depreciation expense caused by shortening the useful life or updating the salvage value of depreciable fixed assets to coincide with the end of production under an approved restructuring plan. Any impairment of the asset is recognized immediately in the period.

Consumer Products & Services segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Consumer Products & Services segment, Sony has undergone a number of restructuring efforts to reduce its operating costs. These efforts included headcount reduction programs, initiatives to advance rationalization of manufacturing operations, shifting and aggregating manufacturing to low-cost areas, and utilizing the services of third-party original equipment and design manufacturers (OEMs and ODMs). Significant restructuring activities are as follows:

Retirement programs -

In an effort to improve the performance of the Consumer Products & Services segment, Sony has undergone several headcount reduction programs to further reduce operating costs. Through measures including the realignment of its manufacturing sites, a review of its development and design structure, and the streamlining of its sales and administrative functions, Sony has continued to implement a company-wide (including headquarters) rationalization. Sony intends to reallocate and optimize its workforce through programs including work reassignments and outplacements. As a result of these measures, Sony recorded in the Consumer Products & Services segment restructuring charges related mainly to employee termination benefits totaling 20,189 million yen, 14,035 million yen and 8,134 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. These staff reductions were achieved worldwide mostly through the implementation of early retirement programs. Sony will continue to implement programs to reduce headcount by streamlining business operations, including closure and consolidation of manufacturing sites, and the consolidation of headquarters and administrative functions.

Realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony implemented extensive measures to better compete in terms of speed to market and profitability, including the reevaluation of both its domestic and overseas manufacturing operations. As part of this process, manufacturing operations in Japan for certain product categories were consolidated in order to increase the efficiency of these manufacturing operations.

As a result of this realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan, restructuring charges for the closure of production facilities totaling 7,132 million yen were recorded which consisted mainly of personnel related costs and the disposal or impairment of assets. Of the total restructuring charges, 3,586 million yen for employee termination benefits were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and 3,261 million yen for the disposal or impairment of assets was recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. In addition to the restructuring charges, 4,823 million yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets were recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income as a result of this realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan.

Sales and transfers of manufacturing operations outside of Japan -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony sold and transferred certain manufacturing operations outside of Japan to third parties to reduce operating costs. The resulting restructuring charges included expenses of 11,583 million yen related to the transfer of a factory in Barcelona and the impairment of related assets.

Cash flows from the sales and transfers of manufacturing operations are included in sales of businesses in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Professional, Device & Solutions segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Professional, Device & Solutions segment, Sony has undergone a number of restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs. These efforts included headcount reduction programs, initiatives to advance rationalization of manufacturing operations, shifting and aggregating manufacturing to low-cost areas, and utilizing the services of third-party original equipment and design manufacturers (OEMs and ODMs). Significant restructuring activities are as follows:

Retirement programs -

In an effort to improve the performance of the Professional, Device & Solutions segment, Sony has undergone several headcount reduction programs to further reduce operating costs. Through measures including the realignment of its manufacturing sites, a review of its development and design structure, and the streamlining of its sales and administrative functions, Sony has continued to implement a company-wide (including headquarters) rationalization. Sony intends to reallocate and optimize its workforce through programs including work reassignments and outplacements. As a result of these measures, Sony recorded in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment restructuring charges related mainly to employee termination benefits totaling 23,002 million yen, 14,073 million yen and 6,925 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. These staff reductions were achieved worldwide mostly through the implementation of early retirement programs. Sony will continue to implement programs to reduce headcount by streamlining business operations, including closure and consolidation of manufacturing sites, and the consolidation of headquarters and administrative functions.

Realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony implemented extensive measures to better compete in terms of speed to market and profitability, including the reevaluation of both its domestic and overseas manufacturing operations. As part of this process, manufacturing operations in Japan for certain product categories were consolidated in order to increase the efficiency of these manufacturing operations.

As a result of this realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan, restructuring charges for the closure of production facilities totaling 6,087 million yen consisted mainly of personnel related costs and the disposal or impairment of assets. Of the total restructuring charges, 5,273 million yen for employee termination benefits were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and 455 million yen for the disposal or impairment of assets were recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. In addition to the restructuring charges, 799 million yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets were recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income as a result of this realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan.

Sale and asset-impairment of small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business -

In an effort to increase efficiency and strengthen operations in the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business by consolidating manufacturing operations, Sony recorded 7,832 million yen for the impairment of TFT LCD related fixed assets for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. These charges were recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income.

As described in Note 25, Sony sold its small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business to Japan Display Inc. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an impairment loss of 19,187 million yen in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income, as the long-lived assets used by the business were classified as held for sale and recorded at the lesser of carrying value or fair value.

Asset-impairment of OLED related equipment -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony recorded 5,265 million yen for the impairment of OLED related equipment, which was rendered obsolete due to the utilization of an alternative technology in the manufacture of OLED products. These charges were recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income.

Pictures segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Pictures segment, Sony has undergone a number of restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs and rationalize certain operations.

The resulting restructuring charges, included in the table above, were related mainly to employee termination benefits and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Music segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Music segment due to the continued contraction of the physical music market, Sony has undergone a number of restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs.

The resulting restructuring charges, included in the table above, were related mainly to employee termination benefits and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Financial Services segment

In an effort to improve the performance of the Financial Services segment, Sony has undergone restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony recorded restructuring charges of 3,718 million yen in financial service expenses and 1,360 million yen in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. These restructuring charges were related mainly to the realignment of credit financing operations and the disposal or impairment of assets. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony recorded restructuring charges of 3,371 million yen in financial service expenses and 1,639 million yen in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. These restructuring charges related mainly to the partial sale of a leasing and credit card business.

Cash flows from the partial sale of a leasing and credit card business are included in sales of businesses in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Sony Mobile segment

As a result of the acquisition of Sony Ericsson, which was subsequently renamed Sony Mobile, Sony reflected in the consolidated balance sheets 10,979 million yen of restructuring liabilities which related to restructuring activities undertaken by Sony Ericsson prior to Sony’s acquisition of Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson, but which had not yet been paid or settled by Sony Ericsson. The restructuring liability relates to activities previously accrued by Sony Ericsson but which were unpaid as of the acquisition date representing severance costs of 8,789 million yen and other associated costs of 2,190 million yen.

In an effort to improve the performance of the Sony Mobile segment, Sony has undergone restructuring efforts to reduce operating costs.

The resulting restructuring charges, included in the table above, were related mainly to employee termination benefits and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

All Other and Corporate

Realignment of manufacturing operations in Japan -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony implemented extensive measures to better compete in terms of speed to market and profitability, including the reevaluation of both its domestic and overseas manufacturing operations. As part of this process, mobile phone customer service and manufacturing operations in Japan were consolidated in order to establish an integrated operational structure from manufacturing through to customer service.

As a result of this realignment, restructuring charges for the closure of production facilities totaling 6,041 million yen were recorded, which consisted mainly of personnel related costs and the disposal or impairment of assets. Of the total restructuring charges, 4,900 million yen for employee termination benefits was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, and 862 million yen for the disposal or impairment of assets was recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. In addition to the restructuring charges, 553 million yen of non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets were recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Withdrawal from property lease contract -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony withdrew from the property management operation of an entertainment complex in Japan and terminated the property lease contract. Sony recorded 6,495 million yen of termination payments in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Corporate restructuring charges related to headquarters -

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony underwent headquarters restructuring activities. As a result, 5,897 million yen for employee termination benefits were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

Other asset impairment information

Asset-impairment of LCD television business related long-lived assets -

Sony recorded impairment losses of 27,100 million yen and 16,700 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2012, respectively, included within the Consumer Products & Services segment, related to the LCD television assets group. These impairment losses primarily reflect a decrease in the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, management updated its strategic plans, which resulted in decreases in the assets’ estimated service periods and corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment loss.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charge reflect the continued deterioration in LCD television market conditions in Japan, Europe and North America, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

Sony excluded these losses on impairment from restructuring charges as they were not directly related to Sony’s ongoing restructuring initiatives.

Asset-impairment of network business related long-lived assets -

Sony recorded an impairment loss of 12,601 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, included within the Consumer Products & Services segment, related to the network business asset group, which has made investments in network improvements and security enhancements. This impairment loss primarily reflects a decrease in the estimated fair value of certain intangible and other long-lived assets.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the corresponding estimated future cash flows leading to the impairment charge reflect management’s revised forecast over the limited period applicable to the impairment determination.

Sony excluded this loss on impairment from restructuring charges as it was not directly related to Sony’s ongoing restructuring initiatives.

XML

Fair Values Assigned to Assets and Liabilities of Sony Ericsson and Ip Cross-Licensing (Detail) (Sony Ericsson, JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 15, 2012
Sony Ericsson
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	¥ 35,331
Notes and accounts receivable, trade	54,522
Inventories	54,095
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,618
Property, plant and equipment	18,075
Intangibles	123,097
Goodwill	128,522
Other noncurrent assets	22,463
Total Assets	464,723
Notes and accounts payable, trade	66,522
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses	61,467
Other current liabilities	136,938
Other noncurrent liabilities	7,126
Total liabilities	272,053
Noncontrolling interest	14,047
Total	¥ 178,623

XML

Stock-based compensation plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Fair Value of Stock Acquisition Rights Granted

The fair value of stock acquisition rights granted on the date of grant and used to recognize compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Weighted-average assumptions
Risk-free interest rate		2.08	%		1.60	%		1.08	%
Expected lives		6.49	years		6.64	years		6.77	years
Expected volatility*		33.70	%		35.74	%		36.88	%
Expected dividends		0.99	%		0.83	%		1.85	%

* Expected volatility was based on the historical volatilities of Sony Corporation’s common stock over the expected life of the stock acquisition rights.

Stock Acquisition Rights Plan

Summary of Activities Regarding Equity-Based Compensation Plan

A summary of the activities regarding the stock acquisition rights plan during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Number of shares		Weighted- average exercise price		Weighted- average remaining life		Total intrinsic value
			Yen		Years		Yen in millions
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year		17,011,400		3,458
Granted		2,537,500		1,520
Exercised		1,500		2,347
Forfeited or expired		667,100		3,326
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year		18,880,300		3,188		5.78		336
Exercisable at end of the fiscal year		13,952,100		3,548		4.64		—

Convertible Bonds Plan

Summary of Activities Regarding Equity-Based Compensation Plan

A summary of the activities regarding the convertible bond plan during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Number of shares			Weighted-average exercise price
				Yen
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year		548,500			6,931
Expired		(548,500	)		6,931
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year		—

XML

Major Areas in each Geographic Segment excluding Japan, United States and China (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Major areas in each geographic segment excluding Japan, United States and China	United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Spain and Sweden
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Major areas in each geographic segment excluding Japan, United States and China	India, South Korea and Oceania
Other Areas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Major areas in each geographic segment excluding Japan, United States and China	The Middle East/Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Canada

XML

Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Acquired Intangible Assets and Weighted-Average Amortization Period

Intangible assets acquired during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 totaled 174,430 million yen, of which 174,275 million yen is subject to amortization and are comprised of the following:

	Intangible assets acquired  during the year		Weighted-average amortization period
	Yen in millions		Years
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements*1		103,036		7
Customer relationships		19,793		14
Trademarks		14,177		7
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed		23,621		3
Other		13,648		4

*1 Includes intellectual property cross-licensing and developed technology relating to the Sony Ericsson acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Intangible assets subject to amortization are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011					March 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements		122,444		(69,224	)		226,142		(80,334	)
Customer relationships		3,051		(1,105	)		23,758		(1,409	)
Trademarks		4,938		(1,401	)		20,214		(2,154	)
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed		76,112		(40,447	)		98,852		(58,865	)
Music catalogs		160,325		(40,455	)		157,699		(45,570	)
Artist contracts		27,727		(17,903	)		27,401		(19,419	)
Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements)		35,874		(228	)		36,216		(2,370	)
Other		82,519		(40,136	)		87,843		(54,338	)
Total		512,990		(210,899	)		678,125		(264,459	)

Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		68,735
2014		58,885
2015		48,971
2016		41,218
2017		36,509

Total Carrying Amount of Intangible Assets having Indefinite Life

Total carrying amount of intangible assets having an indefinite life are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Trademarks		66,967		66,729
Distribution agreements		18,834		18,807
Other		3,230		4,497
Total		89,031		90,033

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Consumer Products & Services			Professional, Device & Solutions			Pictures			Music			Financial Services			Sony Mobile*1		All Other			Total
Balance, March 31, 2010:
Goodwill — gross		135,591			65,123			102,481			110,192			3,020			—		36,749			453,156
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(7,655	)		(14,287	)
Goodwill		130,271			64,823			102,481			109,886			2,314			—		29,094			438,869
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisitions*2		—			1,085			46,504			203			—			—		55			47,847
Sales and dispositions		(257	)		—			—			—			—			—		—			(257	)
Impairments		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			—
Translation adjustments		(770	)		31			(8,401	)		(6,956	)		—			—		(1,239	)		(17,335	)
Other*3		171			232			—			(445	)		—			—		(77	)		(119	)
Balance, March 31, 2011:
Goodwill — gross		134,735			66,471			140,584			102,994			3,020			—		35,488			483,292
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(7,655	)		(14,287	)
Goodwill		129,415			66,171			140,584			102,688			2,314			—		27,833			469,005
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisitions		166			—			1,330			—			—			128,522		4,358			134,376
Sales and dispositions		—			(589	)		—			—			—			—		—			(589	)
Impairments*4		—			—			—			—			—			—		(932	)		(932	)
Translation adjustments		(65	)		(184	)		(3,073	)		(1,891	)		—			9,733		(559	)		3,961
Other*3*5		(201	)		(28,773	)		(521	)		(147	)		—			—		579			(29,063	)
Balance, March 31, 2012:
Goodwill — gross		134,635			36,925			138,320			100,956			3,020			138,255		39,866			591,977
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(8,587	)		(15,219	)
Goodwill		129,315			36,625			138,320			100,650			2,314			138,255		31,279			576,758

*1 The amounts in the Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) segment relate to the Sony Ericsson acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

*2 Substantially all of the acquisition amounts in the Pictures segment relate to the Game Show Network, LLC (“GSN”) acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

*3 Other primarily consists of purchase price adjustments for prior years and amounts reclassified as held for sale.

*4 During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded impairment losses of 932 million yen in a reporting unit included in All Other. The impairment charge reflected the overall decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

*5 During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into a memorandum of understanding with a third-party to sell the chemical products business, which is included in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment. Sony classified certain assets and liabilities related to the business as held for sale as of March 31, 2012, and anticipates completing the divestiture during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. No impairment loss was recognized as a result of the held for sale classification. The assets held for sale include 29,182 million yen of goodwill and it was reclassified to other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 25.

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Minimum Rental Payments Required under Operating Leases that have Initial or Remaining Noncancelable Lease Terms in Excess of One Year (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2013	¥ 42,789
2014	33,110
2015	24,087
2016	17,368
2017	13,653
Later years	49,174
Total minimum future rentals	¥ 180,181

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Estimated Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	¥ 18,518	¥ 15,110
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative	41,218	33,759
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	7,709	416
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative	15,216	10,756
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	151	416
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Current liabilities other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative	14,017	9,026
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Liabilities other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative	1,184	1,663
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	7,558
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Current liabilities other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative	15	67
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	10,809	14,694
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative	26,002	23,003
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	5	314
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Current liabilities other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative	4,390	3,630
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	10,798	14,353
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Assets other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	5	9
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Current liabilities other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative	21,612	19,361
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Credit contracts | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Asset Derivative	1	18
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Credit contracts | Current liabilities other
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Values of Liabilities Derivative		¥ 12

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Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Finished products		529,666		498,430
Work in process		70,969		88,236
Raw materials, purchased components and supplies		103,408		120,386
		704,043		707,052

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Supplemental consolidated statements of income information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Components of Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net

Other operating (income) expense, net is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2010			2011			2012
GSN remeasurement gain*1		—			(26,991	)		—
Sony Ericsson remeasurement gain*1		—			—			(102,331	)
(Gain) loss on sale of interests in subsidiaries and affiliates, net*1,2		(30,529	)		(4,465	)		(2,882	)
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net*2,3		73,517			18,006			45,619
		42,988			(13,450	)		(59,594	)

*1 Refer to Note 24.

*2 Refer to Note 25.

*3 Refer to Notes 13, 18 and 19.

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Transfer of Financial Assets - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Subsidiaries JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 Subsidiaries JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2010 Subsidiaries JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Subsidiaries Maximum JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 U.S. Subsidiary JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 U.S. Subsidiary JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2010 U.S. Subsidiary JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2010 U.S. Subsidiary Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Japan JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 Japan JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2010 Japan JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Japan Maximum JPY (¥)
Sale of Receivables [Line Items]
Aggregate trade accounts receivable eligible for sale, maximum						¥ 24,000				$ 450				¥ 50,200
Trade accounts receivable, maximum original due date						180 days								190 days
Trade accounts receivable sold			130,060	166,025	183,805		476,855	414,147	258,085		126,513	136,232	109,271
Deferred sales proceeds from receivable							16,272	32,751
Deferred sales proceeds							117,343	185,647
Collection of deferred sales proceeds	¥ 132,636	¥ 153,550					¥ 132,636	¥ 153,550

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Fair Values of Assets Held by Japanese and Foreign Plans (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Japanese plans)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of investments in equity securities for the pension plans	42.00%	39.00%
Percentage of investments in fixed income securities for the pension plans	56.00%	58.00%
Percentage of investments in other investments for the pension plans	2.00%	3.00%
Japanese equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of investments in equity securities for the pension plans	65.00%	64.00%
Foreign equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of investments in equity securities for the pension plans	35.00%	36.00%
Japanese national government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of investments in fixed income securities for the pension plans	64.00%	65.00%
Foreign national and local governments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of investments in fixed income securities for the pension plans	36.00%	35.00%

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Components of Sales and Operating Revenue (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue	¥ 6,493,212	¥ 7,181,273	¥ 7,213,998
Consumer Products & Services
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Customers	3,061,214	3,771,610	3,638,137
Intersegment	75,543	78,223	74,228
Total	3,136,757	3,849,833	3,712,365
Professional, Device & Solutions
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Customers	967,603	1,066,574	1,080,984
Intersegment	346,168	436,690	438,002
Total	1,313,771	1,503,264	1,518,986
Pictures
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Customers	656,097	599,654	705,237
Intersegment	1,624	312
Total	657,721	599,966	705,237
Music
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Customers	430,751	457,771	511,097
Intersegment	12,038	12,972	11,519
Total	442,789	470,743	522,616
Financial Services
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Customers	868,971	798,495	838,300
Intersegment	2,924	8,031	13,096
Total	871,895	806,526	851,396
Sony Mobile Communications
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Customers	77,732
Total	77,732
All Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Customers	378,071	377,822	379,862
Intersegment	64,598	70,004	80,904
Total	442,669	447,826	460,766
Corporate and elimination
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total	¥ (450,122)	¥ (496,885)	¥ (557,368)

XML

Film Costs (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Motion picture productions:
Released	¥ 98,910	¥ 102,415
Completed and not released	10,800	14,260
In production and development	102,295	107,811
Television productions:
Released	44,461	40,581
In production and development	2,853	1,688
Broadcasting rights	27,830	24,544
Less: current portion of broadcasting rights included in inventories	(17,101)	(15,910)
Film costs	¥ 270,048	¥ 275,389

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Derivative instruments and hedging activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Estimated Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments

The estimated fair values of Sony’s outstanding derivative instruments are summarized as follows:

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Yen in millions
	Balance sheet location	Fair value				Balance sheet location	Fair value
		March 31					March 31
	Asset derivatives	2011		2012		Liability derivatives	2011		2012
Interest rate contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		416		151	Current liabilities other		9,026		14,017
Interest rate contracts			—		—	Liabilities other		1,663		1,184
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—		7,558	Current liabilities other		67		15
			416		7,709			10,756		15,216
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Yen in millions
	Balance sheet location	Fair value				Balance sheet location	Fair value
		March 31					March 31
	Asset derivatives	2011		2012		Liability derivatives	2011		2012
Interest rate contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		314		5	Current liabilities other		3,630		4,390
Interest rate contracts			—		—	Liabilities other		—		—
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,353		10,798	Current liabilities other		19,361		21,612
Foreign exchange contracts	Assets other		9		5			—		—
Credit contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		18		1	Current liabilities other		12		—
			14,694		10,809			23,003		26,002
Total derivatives			15,110		18,518			33,759		41,218

Effects of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income

Presented below are the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (yen in millions).

Derivatives under fair value hedging relationships	Location of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative
		Fiscal year ended March 31
		2010			2011			2012
Interest rate contracts	Financial services revenue		(3,475	)		588			(2,998	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Foreign exchange gain or (loss), net		97			(18	)		(49	)
Total			(3,378	)		570			(3,047	)

Derivatives under cash flow hedging relationships	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative			Gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)			Gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
	Amount			Location	Amount		Location	Amount
Interest rate contracts		(108	)	Interest expense		329	Interest expense		—
Total		(108	)	Total		329	Total		—
Derivatives under cash flow hedging relationships	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative			Gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)			Gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
	Amount			Location	Amount		Location	Amount
Interest rate contracts		171		Interest expense		308	Interest expense		—
Total		171		Total		308	Total		—

At March 31, 2012, amounts related to derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges amounted to a net reduction of equity of 1,050 million yen.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Location of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (Yen in millions)
		Fiscal year ended March 31
		2010			2011			2012
Interest rate contracts	Financial services revenue		(884	)		(3,332	)		(3,303	)
Interest rate contracts	Financial services expenses		32			32			—
Foreign exchange contracts	Financial services revenue		1,468			(1,294	)		(79	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Foreign exchange gain or (loss), net		(8,779	)		8,311			4,324
Equity contracts	Financial services revenue		83			—			—
Bond contracts	Financial services revenue		68			44			—
Credit contracts	Financial services revenue		(518	)		(101	)		(25	)
Total			(8,530	)		3,660			917

Summary of Derivatives Additional Information Including Notional Amounts

The following table summarizes additional information, including notional amounts, for each type of derivative:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011					March 31, 2012
	Notional amount		Fair value			Notional amount		Fair value
Foreign exchange contracts:
Foreign exchange forward contracts		1,364,147		(8,825	)		1,227,889		(7,305	)
Currency option contracts purchased		5,822		19			9,878		91
Currency option contracts written		423		(9	)		152		(1	)
Currency swap agreements		117,028		2,015			519,041		2,206
Other currency contracts		46,201		1,734			48,347		1,743
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements		448,353		(13,589	)		451,416		(19,435	)
Credit contracts:
Credit default swap agreements		4,841		6			1,367		1

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Inventories

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Inventories

3. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Finished products		529,666		498,430
Work in process		70,969		88,236
Raw materials, purchased components and supplies		103,408		120,386
		704,043		707,052

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Fair Value and Weighted-Average Amortization of Intangible Assets in Connection with Pictures Segment Acquisition (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Year	Mar. 31, 2012 Trademarks Year	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc	Mar. 31, 2011 Game Show Network, Llc	Mar. 31, 2011 Game Show Network, Llc Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements) Year	Mar. 31, 2011 Game Show Network, Llc Other Year	Mar. 31, 2011 Game Show Network, Llc Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangibles recorded at fair value, subject to amortization					¥ 33,698	¥ 4,736
Acquired intangibles recorded at fair value, having an indefinite life							8,889
Total intangibles			¥ 47,323	¥ 47,323
Weighted-average amortization period	4	7			20	3

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Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2010
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, pre-tax amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Pre-tax amount	¥ 28,712	[1]	¥ (42,311)	[1]	¥ 74,501	[1]
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Pre-tax amount	3,417		21,548		(1,896)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, pre-tax amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Pre-tax amount	(177)		(662)		2,040
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Pre-tax amount	911		(785)		(566)
Pension liability adjustment, Pre-tax amount	(29,239)	[1]	3,164	[1]	45,767	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, pre-tax amount
Translation adjustments arising during the period, Pre-tax amount	(32,640)	[1]	(118,840)		4,583
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Pre-tax amount	14,655		(832)		2,289
Other comprehensive income (loss), Pre-tax amount	(14,361)		(138,718)		126,718
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, Tax benefit/(expense)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax benefit/(expense)	(10,162)	[1]	12,996	[1]	(22,469)	[1]
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Tax benefit/(expense)	(1,240)		(8,104)		661
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, Tax benefit/(expense)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax benefit/(expense)	(70)		52		(415)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Tax benefit/(expense)	(125)		(158)		489
Pension liability adjustment, Tax benefit/(expense)	(3,934)	[1]	(6,463)	[1]	(22,074)	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Tax benefit/(expense)
Translation adjustments arising during the period, Tax benefit/(expense)	74	[1]	1,256		(22)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Tax benefit/(expense)
Other comprehensive income (loss), Tax benefit/(expense)	(15,457)		(421)		(43,830)
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, Net-of-tax amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Net-of-tax amount	12,369	[1]	(25,445)	[1]	33,502	[1]
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Net-of-tax amount	2,177		13,444		(1,235)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, Net-of-tax amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, Net-of-tax amount	(247)		(610)		1,625
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Net-of-tax amount	786		(943)		(77)
Pension liability adjustment, Net-of-tax amount	(34,668)	[1]	(3,176)	[1]	23,720	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net-of-tax amount
Translation adjustments arising during the period, Net-of-tax amount	(32,961)	[1]	(117,584)		4,561
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income, Net-of-tax amount	14,655		(832)		2,289
Other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-tax amount	¥ (37,889)		¥ (135,146)		¥ 64,385

[1] Amounts allocable to the noncontrolling interests in the equity of a subsidiary and other are deducted from the net-of-tax amount for unrealized holding gains on securities, pension liability adjustment and foreign currency translation adjustments arising during the period.

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Film Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Billions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Film and Television Costs Disclosure [Line Items]
Unamortized costs of released films	90.00%
Completed film costs expected to be amortized during the next twelve months	¥ 84
Accrued participation liabilities expected to be paid in next twelve months	¥ 91
Amortization for released films	3 years

XML

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended							1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012 Domestic Country	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Country	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2012 Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Maximum	Nov. 30, 2011 Fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 to March 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2011 Fiscal year ending March 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2011 Japanese National Filing Group	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Americas Holding Inc.	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Europe Limited	Mar. 31, 2012 Japan Gaap Subsidiaries for Local Tax Purposes	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc	Nov. 30, 2011 Change in Tax Law	Mar. 31, 2012 Change in Tax Law Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Change in Tax Law Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in income taxes			¥ 30,422
Percentage of annual use of net operating loss carryforwards																80.00%
Net operating loss carryforward period in Japan							7 years	9 years									7 years	9 years
Statutory tax rate	(41.00%)	41.00%	41.00%						38.00%	36.00%
Deferred tax expense	206,694	307,421	(65,162)													32,729
Increase in total deferred tax assets, net		61,115
Increase in total deferred tax assets, gross		71,126
Increase in total deferred tax assets, valuation allowance		10,011
Net increase (decrease) in total valuation allowance	394,520	347,460	5,741
Cumulative loss position period		3 years
Valuation allowance											362,316	203,025	20,694	32,631
Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset	868,233	473,713				78,393
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures not expected to be remitted	1,043,693
Gain on subsidiary's sale of stock arising from issuance of common stock															61,544
Operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes	533,912	387,982
Tax loss carryforwards with no expiration period	125,537
Expiration of remaining operating loss carryforwards	Substantially all of the total operating loss carryforwards expire at various periods between the fiscal years ending March 31, 2013 and 2021 and the remaining amounts expire in periods up to 20 years depending on the jurisdiction.
Tax credit carryforwards for tax purposes	73,945
Tax credit carryforwards with no expiration period	14,021
Expiration dates for remaining tax credit carryforwards								10 years
Interest expense recorded (reversed)	(1,336)	3,612	4,707
Penalties recorded (reversed)	(333)	(261)	1,565
Liabilities recorded for the payments of interest	13,187	14,523
Liabilities recorded for the payments of penalties	4,074	4,407
Maximum unrecognized tax benefits expected reduction within the next 12 months	¥ 122,227
Tax years subject to examinations				From 2005 through 2011	From 1998 through 2011

XML

Assets and Liabilities of VIE Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2009
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	¥ 894,576	¥ 1,014,412	¥ 1,191,608	¥ 660,789
Property, plant and equipment, net	930,998	924,868
Intangibles, net	503,699	391,122
Goodwill	576,758	469,005	438,869
Other noncurrent assets	2,020,183	1,974,164
Total assets	13,295,667	12,911,122
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities	463,166	430,488
Other noncurrent liabilities	240,978	204,766
Total liabilities	10,785,546	9,955,220
Variable Interest Entity
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	5,239
Account receivables, net	248
Other current assets	20,523
Property, plant and equipment, net	863
Intangibles, net	54,566
Goodwill	12,483
Other noncurrent assets	6,708
Total assets	100,630
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	32,835
Other current liabilities	5,222
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,254
Total liabilities	¥ 39,311

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Insurance-related accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Policyholders' Account in Life Insurance Business

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Universal life insurance		896,539		1,010,277
Investment contracts		322,580		340,600
Other		82,133		98,767
Total		1,301,252		1,449,644

XML

Variable interest entities

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Variable interest entities

23. Variable interest entities

Sony has, from time to time, entered into various arrangements with VIEs. These arrangements include facilities which provide for the leasing of certain property, several joint ventures in the recorded music business, the U.S. based music publishing business, the financing of film production and the outsourcing of manufacturing operations. In addition, Sony has entered into several accounts receivable sales programs that involve VIEs, which are described in Note 6. For the VIEs that are described below, it has been determined that Sony is the primary beneficiary and, accordingly, these VIEs are consolidated by Sony.

Sony leases the headquarters building of its U.S. subsidiary from a VIE. At the end of the lease term which expires in December 2015, Sony has agreed to either renew the lease, purchase the building or remarket it to a third-party on behalf of the owner. Under the lease, Sony has provided a minimum guarantee to the VIE that if the sales price is less than 255 million U.S. dollars, Sony is obligated to make up the lesser of the shortfall or 214 million U.S. dollars. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE due to the minimum guarantee. As a result, it has been determined that Sony is the primary beneficiary. Sony has not provided any additional support to the VIE other than its contractually obligated lease payments. Sony has the option to purchase the building at any time during the lease term for 255 million U.S. dollars. The debt held by the VIE is unsecured and there is no recourse to the creditors outside of Sony. The assets of the VIE are not available to settle the obligations of Sony. At March 31, 2012, the VIE had property, plant and equipment of 14,332 million yen and long-term debt of 20,991 million yen which were included in Sony’s consolidated balance sheets.

Sony’s U.S. subsidiary that is engaged in the recorded music business has entered into several joint ventures with companies involved in the production and creation of recorded music. Sony has reviewed these joint ventures and determined that they are VIEs. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb the losses of theses VIEs as Sony is responsible for providing funding to these VIEs, and in most cases absorbs all losses until the VIEs become profitable. As a result, it has been determined that Sony is the primary beneficiary. The assets of these VIEs are not available to settle the obligations of Sony. On an aggregate basis, the total assets and liabilities for these VIEs at March 31, 2012 were 17,552 million yen and 7,918 million yen, respectively.

Sony’s U.S. based music publishing subsidiary is a joint venture with a third-party investor and has been determined to be a VIE. The subsidiary owns and acquires rights to musical compositions, exploits and markets these compositions and receives royalties or fees for their use. Under the terms of the joint venture, Sony has the obligation to fund any working capital deficits as well as any acquisition of music publishing rights made by the joint venture. In addition, the third-party investor receives a guaranteed annual dividend of up to 17.5 million U.S. dollars through December 31, 2013. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE due to its obligation to provide funding to the joint venture. As a result, it has been determined that Sony is the primary beneficiary. The assets of the music publishing subsidiary are not available to settle the obligations of Sony. At March 31, 2012, the assets and liabilities of the VIE that were included in Sony’s consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	Yen in millions
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		5,239
Account receivables, net		248
Other current assets		20,523
Property, plant and equipment, net		863
Intangibles, net		54,566
Goodwill		12,483
Other noncurrent assets		6,708
Total assets		100,630
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		32,835
Other current liabilities		5,222
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,254
Total liabilities		39,311

VIEs in which Sony holds a significant variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary are described as follows:

In connection with the September 2010 refinancing of the debt obligations of the third-party investor in the music publishing subsidiary described above, Sony has issued a guarantee to a creditor of the third-party investor in which Sony has agreed to repay the outstanding principal plus accrued interest up to a maximum of 303 million U.S. dollars to the creditor should the third-party investor default on its obligation. The obligation of the third-party investor is collateralized by its 50% interest in Sony’s music publishing subsidiary. Should Sony have to make a payment under the terms of the guarantee, Sony would assume the creditor’s rights to the underlying collateral. The assets of the third-party investor that are being used as collateral were placed in a separate trust which is also a VIE in which Sony has significant variable interests. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony is not the primary beneficiary as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities of the trust. The assets held by the trust consist solely of the third-party investor’s 50% ownership interest in the music publishing subsidiary. At March 31, 2012, the fair value of the assets held by the trust exceeded 303 million U.S. dollars.

Sony’s subsidiary in the Pictures segment entered into a joint venture agreement with a VIE to acquire the international distribution rights, as defined, to 12 pictures. The subsidiary is required to distribute these pictures internationally, for contractually defined fees determined as percentages of gross receipts and is responsible for all distribution and marketing expenses, which are recouped from such distribution fees, each as defined. The VIE was capitalized with total financing of 406 million U.S. dollars. Of this amount, 11 million U.S. dollars was contributed by the subsidiary, 95 million U.S. dollars was provided by unrelated third-party investors and the remaining funding was provided through a 300 million U.S. dollar bank credit facility. Under the agreement, the subsidiary’s 11 million U.S. dollars equity investment is the last equity to be repaid. Based on the factors above, it was previously determined that the subsidiary was the primary beneficiary as it had the power to direct the activities of the VIE and was projected to absorb a significant amount of the losses or residual returns of the VIE. As of March 31, 2009, the bank credit facility had been terminated and the third-party investors have been repaid their 95 million U.S. dollar investment. On May 11, 2009, the subsidiary repurchased from the VIE the international distribution rights to the 12 pictures and the VIE received a participation interest in these films on identical financial terms to those described above. As a result of repurchasing the international distribution rights from the VIE, Sony determined that the subsidiary was no longer the primary beneficiary as it no longer had the power to direct the activities of the VIE and was not projected to absorb a significant amount of the losses or residual returns of the VIE. No gain or loss was recognized by the subsidiary on the deconsolidation of the VIE. As of March 31, 2012, the subsidiary’s balance sheet includes no film costs related to the international distribution rights acquired from the VIE and 748 million yen of participation liabilities recorded within accounts payable, other and accrued expenses as well as other noncurrent liabilities due to the VIE. On April 11, 2012, the subsidiary acquired the VIE’s participation interest for 22 million U.S. dollars. As a result of this acquisition, the VIE no longer has any financial interest in these pictures.

Sony’s subsidiary in the Pictures segment entered into two separate production/co-financing agreements with VIEs to co-finance 19 films that were released over the 31 months ended July 31, 2008. The subsidiary received 565 million U.S. dollars over the term of the agreements to fund the production or acquisition cost of films (including fees and expenses). Under these agreements, the subsidiary is responsible for the marketing and distribution of the product through its global distribution channels. The VIEs share in the net profits, as defined, of the films after the subsidiary recoups a distribution fee, its marketing and distribution expenses, and third-party participation and residual costs, each as defined. As the subsidiary did not have the power to direct the activities of these VIEs, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of either of the VIEs. At March 31, 2012, there were no amounts recorded on the subsidiary’s balance sheet that related to either of the VIEs other than the investors’ earned but unpaid share of the films’ net profits, as defined.

Additionally, on January 19, 2007, the subsidiary entered into a third production/co-financing agreement with another VIE to co-finance a majority of the films submitted through March 2012. The subsidiary received a commitment from the VIE that it would fund up to 525 million U.S. dollars on a revolving basis to fund the production or acquisition cost of films (including fees and expenses). Under the agreement, the subsidiary is responsible for the marketing and distribution of the product through its global distribution channels. The VIE shares in the net profits, as defined, of the films after the subsidiary recoups a distribution fee, its marketing and distribution expenses, and third-party participation and residual costs, each as defined. As the subsidiary did not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. On December 16, 2011, the subsidiary and the VIE agreed to modify the production/co-financing agreement (the “Modification”). Per the Modification, the VIE paid the subsidiary 20 million U.S. dollars and transferred selected rights in the films financed prior to the Modification (the “Previously Financed Films”) to the subsidiary, including the VIE’s share in the net profits in the Previously Financed Films. In exchange, the subsidiary released the VIE from its obligation to finance future films and the VIE received a participation interest in the Previously Financed Films. As the subsidiary, after the Modification, continues to not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE, the subsidiary is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. At March 31, 2012, there were no amounts recorded on the subsidiary’s balance sheet that related to the VIE other than the VIE’s participation interest in the Previously Financed Films.

In January 2010, Sony sold 90.0% of its interest in a Mexican subsidiary which primarily manufactured LCD televisions, as well as other assets including machinery and equipment of 4,520 million yen and inventories of 5,619 million yen, to a contract manufacturer. The continuing entity, which would perform this manufacturing going forward, is a VIE as it is thinly capitalized and dependent on funding from the parent entity. Based on a qualitative assessment, it was determined that Sony is not the primary beneficiary as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance nor does Sony have the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE. In connection with the sale of Sony’s controlling interest in the subsidiary, Sony received 11,189 million yen and recorded a loss of 1,664 million yen during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Concurrent with the sale, Sony entered into an agreement with the VIE and its parent company in which Sony agreed to purchase a significant share of the LCD televisions that Sony sells in certain markets, including the U.S. market. As of March 31, 2012, the amounts recorded on Sony’s consolidated balance sheets that relate to the VIE include receivables recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets of 10,295 million yen and accounts payable, trade of 18,830 million yen. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses is considered insignificant.

As described in Note 6, accounts receivable sales programs in Japan and in the Financial Services segment also involve VIEs that formerly met the criteria to be a QSPE. These VIEs are all special purpose entities of the sponsor banks. In addition, a counterparty of the accounts receivable transactions in the U.S. includes a VIE. Based on a qualitative assessment, Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate these entities as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities, an obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive the residual returns of these VIEs. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses from these VIEs is considered insignificant.

As described in Note 25, in connection with the sale of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business, Sony will transfer to a third-party legal ownership of a certain subsidiary within the former small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2012, this entity is a VIE. Based on a qualitative assessment, Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate the entity after the sale as Sony does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE nor does Sony have an obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive the residual returns of this VIE. Sony’s maximum exposure to losses is considered insignificant.

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Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS

22. Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS

Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders for basic and diluted EPS computation		(40,802	)		(259,585	)		(456,660	)
	Thousands of shares
Weighted-average shares outstanding		1,003,520			1,003,559			1,003,578
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock acquisition rights		—			—			—
Convertible bonds		—			—			—
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS computation		1,003,520			1,003,559			1,003,578
	Yen
Basic EPS		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)
Diluted EPS		(40.66	)		(258.66	)		(455.03	)

Potential shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock acquisition rights and convertible bonds, which were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 17,600 thousand shares, 19,383 thousand shares and 22,417 thousand shares, respectively. All potential shares were excluded as anti-dilutive for those fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 due to Sony incurring a net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders for those fiscal years.

XML

Summary of Derivatives Additional Information Including Notional Amounts (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	¥ 1,227,889	¥ 1,364,147
Fair value	(7,305)	(8,825)
Currency option contracts purchased
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	9,878	5,822
Fair value	91	19
Currency option contracts written
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	152	423
Fair value	(1)	(9)
Currency swap agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	519,041	117,028
Fair value	2,206	2,015
Other currency contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	48,347	46,201
Fair value	1,743	1,734
Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	451,416	448,353
Fair value	(19,435)	(13,589)
Credit default swap agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,367	4,841
Fair value	¥ 1	¥ 6

XML

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Game Show Network, Llc

Fair Values Assigned to Assets and Liabilities

The following table summarizes the preliminary and final fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities of GSN that were recorded in the Pictures segment. Due to the fact that the acquisition closed in March 2011, certain areas of the purchase price allocation were not yet finalized as of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, including the fair value of certain tangible assets and liabilities acquired, the valuation of intangible assets acquired, income taxes and residual goodwill. The measurement period adjustments did not have a significant impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position and, therefore, Sony has not retrospectively adjusted the consolidated financial statements.

	Yen in millions
	Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of acquisition date (Preliminary)		Measurement period Adjustments			Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of acquisition date (Final)
Cash and cash equivalents		4,039					4,039
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		3,089					3,089
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		395					395
Film costs		4,178					4,178
Property, plant and equipment		220					220
Intangibles		46,749		574			47,323
Goodwill		46,432		(527	)		45,905
Other noncurrent assets		38					38
Total assets		105,140		47			105,187
Notes and accounts payable, trade		970					970
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses		4,131					4,131
Other current liabilities		59					59
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,683		47			1,730
Total liabilities		6,843		47			6,890
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		18,779					18,779
Noncontrolling interest		40,728					40,728
Total		38,790					38,790

Sony and Game Show Network, Llc

Fair Value and Weighted-Average Amortization of Intangible Assets

The intangible assets are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions		Years
	Acquired intangibles recorded at fair value		Weighted-average amortization period
Intangibles subject to amortization
Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements)		33,698		20
Other		4,736		3
Intangible having an indefinite life
Trademarks		8,889		—
Total intangibles		47,323

Sony Ericsson

Fair Values Assigned to Assets and Liabilities

The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities of Sony Ericsson that were recorded in the Sony Mobile segment and the IP cross-licensing that was assigned to Corporate for segment reporting purposes.

	Yen  in millions
	Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date
Cash and cash equivalents		35,331
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		54,522
Inventories		54,095
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		28,618
Property, plant and equipment		18,075
Intangibles		123,097
Goodwill		128,522
Other noncurrent assets		22,463
Total assets		464,723
Notes and accounts payable, trade		66,522
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses		61,467
Other current liabilities		136,938
Other noncurrent liabilities		7,126
Total liabilities		272,053
Noncontrolling interest		14,047
Total		178,623

Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Sony and GSN as though the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011:

	Yen in millions, except per share data
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011
	(Unaudited)
Net sales		6,313,222			6,325,310
Operating income		60,685			199,445
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(33,655	)		(259,731	)
Basic EPS		(33.54	)		(258.81	)
Diluted EPS		(33.54	)		(258.81	)

Fair Value and Weighted-Average Amortization of Intangible Assets

The intangible assets are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions		Years
	Acquired intangibles recorded  at fair value		Weighted-average amortization period
Intangibles subject to amortization
IP cross-licensing		60,834		6
Developed technology		24,599		9
Customer relationships		19,597		14
Trademarks		14,086		7
Other		3,981		7
Total intangibles		123,097

Sony and Sony Ericsson

Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Sony and Sony Ericsson as though the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:

	Yen in millions, except per share data
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011			2012
	(Unaudited)
Net sales		6,901,151			5,941,131
Operating income (loss)		231,895			(187,725	)
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(226,038	)		(654,833	)
Basic EPS		(225.24	)		(652.50	)
Diluted EPS		(225.24	)		(652.50	)

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc

Fair Values Assigned to Assets and Liabilities

The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets acquired at the acquisition date.

	Yen in millions
	Acquired assets recorded at fair value
Inventories		4,370
Other current assets		82
Machinery and equipment		51,083
Intangibles		1,223
Other noncurrent assets		693
Total		57,451

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Short-term borrowings and long-term debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Unsecured loans:
with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.40%		43,737
with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.98%				89,878
Secured call money:
with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.11%		10,000
with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.11%				10,000
		53,737		99,878

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Unsecured loans, representing obligations principally to banks:
Due 2011 to 2018, with interest rates ranging from 0.20% to 4.50% per annum		441,976
Due 2012 to 2024, with interest rates ranging from 0.23% to 4.50% per annum				564,275
Unsecured 1.52% bonds, due 2011, net of unamortized discount		50,000
Unsecured 1.16% bonds, due 2012, net of unamortized discount		39,996		39,999
Unsecured 1.52% bonds, due 2013, net of unamortized discount		34,999		35,000
Unsecured 1.57% bonds, due 2015, net of unamortized discount		29,991		29,993
Unsecured 1.75% bonds, due 2015, net of unamortized discount		24,996		24,997
Unsecured 1.17% bonds, due 2011		10,500
Unsecured 0.95% bonds, due 2012		60,000		60,000
Unsecured 1.40% bonds, due 2013		10,700		10,700
Unsecured 1.30% bonds, due 2014		110,000		110,000
Unsecured 0.55% bonds, due 2016				10,000
Unsecured 0.66% bonds, due 2017				45,000
Unsecured 2.00% bonds, due 2018		16,300		16,300
Unsecured 2.07% bonds, due 2019		50,000		50,000
Unsecured 1.41% bonds, due 2022				10,000
Capital lease obligations:
Due 2011 to 2021, with interest rates ranging from 0.03% to 9.09% per annum Due 2012 to 2026, with interest rates ranging from 0.03% to 8.74% per annum		24,673		49,754
Guarantee deposits received		17,718		16,691
		921,849		1,072,709
Less — Portion due within one year		109,614		310,483
		812,235		762,226

Aggregate Amounts of Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt

Aggregate amounts of annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		310,483
2014		135,487
2015		209,814
2016		77,391
2017		97,419
Later years		242,115
Total		1,072,709

XML

Acquisitions (Sony Ericsson)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Sony Ericsson

Acquisitions

24. Acquisitions

(1) Game Show Network acquisition

In April 2009, Sony sold a portion of its 50% ownership interest in GSN, which operates a U.S. cable network and online business, to the other investor in GSN, which resulted in cash proceeds of 8,831 million yen and a gain of 8,322 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The gain was recorded in other operating (income) expense, net.

In March 2011, Sony acquired an additional 5% equity interest in GSN from the successor in interest to the other investor (the “Current Investor”) for 4,849 million yen, resulting in Sony owning a 40% equity interest in GSN. As part of the acquisition, Sony obtained a controlling interest in GSN, including the ability to appoint the majority of representatives on the GSN management committee, control over approval of the budget for GSN and control over the hiring, terminating, and setting compensation of the senior management of GSN. This acquisition will strengthen Sony’s presence in U.S. cable networks and Sony expects that it will allow GSN to further exploit and benefit from the light entertainment assets in the Pictures segment.

In addition to acquiring the additional 5% equity interest in GSN, Sony granted a put right to the Current Investor and received a call right from the Current Investor for an additional 18% equity interest in GSN. The put right is exercisable during three windows starting on April 1 of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and lasting for 60 business days (each such period, a “Trigger Window”). In the event that GSN’s audited financial statements for the most recent completed calendar year are not available on April 1, the Trigger Window shall commence on the day when GSN’s audited financial statements are delivered to the Current Investor. As of May 31, 2012, GSN’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 have not been delivered to the Current Investor. The exercise price of the put is calculated using a formula based on an agreed upon multiple of the earnings of GSN with a minimum price of 234 million U.S. dollars and a maximum price of 288 million U.S. dollars. Sony’s call right is exercisable only if the put is not exercised, and may be exercised for 60 business days immediately after the last put window has expired. The exercise price of the call is calculated using the same formula as the put with a minimum price of 234 million U.S. dollars. A buy/sell provision also applies to the equity interests in GSN owned by Sony and the Current Investor and may be exercised annually for a 60 business day window beginning April 1, 2015.

Prior to the March 2011 acquisition, Sony’s interest in GSN was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As a result of Sony obtaining a controlling interest in GSN, Sony consolidated GSN using the acquisition method of accounting and recorded the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities assumed, redeemable noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling interest and residual goodwill of GSN. In accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations achieved in stages, Sony remeasured the 35% equity interest in GSN that it owned prior to the acquisition at a fair value of 33,940 million yen which resulted in the recognition of a gain of 26,991 million yen recorded in other operating (income) expense, net.

The following table summarizes the preliminary and final fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities of GSN that were recorded in the Pictures segment. Due to the fact that the acquisition closed in March 2011, certain areas of the purchase price allocation were not yet finalized as of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, including the fair value of certain tangible assets and liabilities acquired, the valuation of intangible assets acquired, income taxes and residual goodwill. The measurement period adjustments did not have a significant impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position and, therefore, Sony has not retrospectively adjusted the consolidated financial statements.

	Yen in millions
	Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of acquisition date (Preliminary)		Measurement period Adjustments			Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of acquisition date (Final)
Cash and cash equivalents		4,039					4,039
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		3,089					3,089
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		395					395
Film costs		4,178					4,178
Property, plant and equipment		220					220
Intangibles		46,749		574			47,323
Goodwill		46,432		(527	)		45,905
Other noncurrent assets		38					38
Total assets		105,140		47			105,187
Notes and accounts payable, trade		970					970
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses		4,131					4,131
Other current liabilities		59					59
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,683		47			1,730
Total liabilities		6,843		47			6,890
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		18,779					18,779
Noncontrolling interest		40,728					40,728
Total		38,790					38,790

The portion of the noncontrolling interest that can be put to Sony is accounted for as redeemable securities because redemption is outside of Sony’s control. As such, the redeemable noncontrolling interest is reported in the mezzanine equity section in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was calculated using a combination of a discounted cash flow model and market comparables of similar transactions and companies. A lack of control discount was not applied in determining the fair value of the noncontrolling interest as the cash flows attributable to the noncontrolling interest holder are expected to be proportional to the cash flows attributable to the controlling interest holder.

No value was allocated to in-process research and development in this acquisition. Goodwill represents unidentifiable intangible assets, such as future growth from new revenue streams and synergies with Sony’s existing assets and businesses, and is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is included in the Pictures segment.

The intangible assets are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions		Years
	Acquired intangibles recorded at fair value		Weighted-average amortization period
Intangibles subject to amortization
Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements)		33,698		20
Other		4,736		3
Intangible having an indefinite life
Trademarks		8,889		—
Total intangibles		47,323

The results of operations of GSN are included in the Pictures segment after the acquisition date. The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Sony and GSN as though the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011:

	Yen in millions, except per share data
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011
	(Unaudited)
Net sales		6,313,222			6,325,310
Operating income		60,685			199,445
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(33,655	)		(259,731	)
Basic EPS		(33.54	)		(258.81	)
Diluted EPS		(33.54	)		(258.81	)

The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information is based on estimates and assumptions, which Sony believes are reasonable and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what Sony’s consolidated net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders would have been had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of each of these periods and should not be taken as indicative of Sony’s future consolidated net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders. The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information includes a gain from remeasurement of the previously owned equity interest and incremental intangible asset amortization, net of the related tax effects.

(2) Sony Ericsson acquisition

On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson, resulting in Sony Ericsson becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. The transaction also provided Sony with a broad intellectual property cross-licensing (“IP cross-licensing”) agreement and ownership of five essential patent families relating to wireless handset technology. The total consideration consisted of 107,174 million yen (1,050 million euros) of cash. The agreement with Ericsson also provided for contingent consideration depending on the level of certain specified costs. Based on the estimated level of the specified costs, no amounts were expected to be paid under this arrangement and therefore no amounts were recorded as additional consideration. This acquisition will integrate Sony Ericsson, renamed Sony Mobile, into Sony’s platform of network-connected consumer electronics products with the aim of accelerating convergence.

Prior to the acquisition, Sony’s interest in Sony Ericsson was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As a result of Sony obtaining a controlling interest in Sony Ericsson, Sony consolidated Sony Ericsson using the acquisition method of accounting and recorded the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interest and residual goodwill of Sony Ericsson. In accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations achieved in stages, Sony remeasured the 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson that it owned prior to the acquisition at a fair value of 71,449 million yen which resulted in the recognition of a gain of 102,331 million yen recorded in other operating (income) expense, net. Sony elected not to record a deferred tax liability corresponding to the difference between the financial reporting basis which was remeasured to fair value upon an acquisition of a controlling interest in a foreign entity and the tax basis in the previously held ownership interest. In addition, accumulated translation adjustments of 11,690 million yen remained as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities of Sony Ericsson that were recorded in the Sony Mobile segment and the IP cross-licensing that was assigned to Corporate for segment reporting purposes.

	Yen  in millions
	Acquired assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date
Cash and cash equivalents		35,331
Notes and accounts receivable, trade		54,522
Inventories		54,095
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		28,618
Property, plant and equipment		18,075
Intangibles		123,097
Goodwill		128,522
Other noncurrent assets		22,463
Total assets		464,723
Notes and accounts payable, trade		66,522
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses		61,467
Other current liabilities		136,938
Other noncurrent liabilities		7,126
Total liabilities		272,053
Noncontrolling interest		14,047
Total		178,623

No value was allocated to in-process research and development in this acquisition as no material amounts were identified; however, certain significant research and development activities were substantially completed as of the acquisition date and included within acquired intangible assets as developed technology. Goodwill represents unidentifiable intangible assets, such as future growth from new revenue streams, increased market share particularly in emerging markets and the U.S., synergies with existing Sony assets and businesses and an assembled workforce, and is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is included in the Sony Mobile segment.

The intangible assets are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions		Years
	Acquired intangibles recorded  at fair value		Weighted-average amortization period
Intangibles subject to amortization
IP cross-licensing		60,834		6
Developed technology		24,599		9
Customer relationships		19,597		14
Trademarks		14,086		7
Other		3,981		7
Total intangibles		123,097

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Sony and Sony Ericsson as though the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:

	Yen in millions, except per share data
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2011			2012
	(Unaudited)
Net sales		6,901,151			5,941,131
Operating income (loss)		231,895			(187,725	)
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders		(226,038	)		(654,833	)
Basic EPS		(225.24	)		(652.50	)
Diluted EPS		(225.24	)		(652.50	)

The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information is based on estimates and assumptions, which Sony believes are reasonable and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what Sony’s consolidated net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders would have been had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and should not be taken as indicative of Sony’s future consolidated net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders. The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information includes:

• the elimination of equity in net income (loss) and consolidation of Sony Ericsson;

• the gain from remeasurement of the previously owned equity interest;

• incremental intangible asset amortization, net of the related tax effects;

• certain royalty adjustments; and

• additional debt issuance costs and interest expense, incurred in connection with the acquisition.

(3) Sony Semiconductor acquisition

On April 1, 2011, Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, acquired from Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) for 57,451 million yen semiconductor fabrication equipment and certain related assets. Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation has subsequently changed its name to Sony Semiconductor Corporation, effective November 1, 2011. Sony’s goal in acquiring the assets is to further strengthen its production capacity for CMOS image sensors.

The assets were operated by Nagasaki Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (“NSM”), a joint venture among Toshiba, Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. Subsequent to the acquisition, Sony entered into a three year sale and leaseback transaction regarding certain of the acquired machinery and equipment with its equity interest affiliate, SFI Leasing Company, Limited, and received proceeds of 50,537 million yen based on the amounts recorded at fair value in the acquisition. These transactions are included within other in the investing activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.

In connection with the acquisition, Toshiba and Sony terminated their NSM joint venture relationship. Sony also entered into a supply arrangement to manufacture and supply system LSIs to Toshiba for one year following the acquisition.

The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets acquired at the acquisition date.

	Yen in millions
	Acquired assets recorded at fair value
Inventories		4,370
Other current assets		82
Machinery and equipment		51,083
Intangibles		1,223
Other noncurrent assets		693
Total		57,451

As the purchase price was fully allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and no liabilities were assumed, there was no goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition. The unaudited supplemental pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effect of the acquisition was not material.

(4) Other acquisitions

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony completed acquisitions for total consideration of 17,616 million yen, of which 1,420 million yen was contingent consideration. The remaining consideration was paid primarily in cash. As a result of the acquisitions, Sony recorded 13,425 million yen of goodwill and 3,708 million yen of intangible assets. A portion of the contingent consideration was subsequently reversed into income during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 as it was determined that the operating targets that needed to be achieved for the contingent consideration to be paid would not be met. The reversal of the accrued contingent consideration resulted in income of 896 million yen which was recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony completed other acquisitions for total consideration of 2,884 million yen which was paid primarily in cash and there was no material contingent consideration subject to future change. As a result of the acquisitions, Sony recorded 1,415 million yen of goodwill and 1,227 million yen of intangible assets.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony completed other acquisitions for total consideration of 7,914 million yen which was paid primarily in cash and there was no material contingent consideration subject to future change. As a result of the acquisitions, Sony recorded 5,853 million yen of goodwill and 3,345 million yen of intangible assets.

No significant amounts have been allocated to in-process research and development and all of the entities described above have been consolidated into Sony’s results of operations since their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of Sony Semiconductor and the other acquisitions, individually and in aggregate, were not material.

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Divestitures

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Divestitures

25. Divestitures

(1) HBO Latin America and HBO Central Europe

In March 2010, Sony sold a portion of its investment and certain ancillary rights, which was included in the Pictures segment, in its HBO Latin America venture, which owns and operates certain premium pay television businesses in Latin America, to the venture’s majority shareholder (“Majority Shareholder”). Sony accounted for this sale in accordance with the accounting guidance for transfers and servicing. Prior to this transaction, Sony owned approximately 29% of this venture, which was accounted for under the equity method, and, as a result of this transaction, Sony owned approximately 8% of this venture (the “Retained Interest”), which was accounted for under the cost method.

As consideration for the transaction, Sony received cash proceeds of 19,424 million yen and received a put option valued at 1,371 million yen and the sale resulted in a gain of 18,035 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. In November 2010, Sony notified the Majority Shareholder that Sony intended to exercise the put option. The purchase of the Retained Interest by the Majority Shareholder was completed in March 2011 which resulted in cash proceeds of 5,285 million yen and a gain of 3,329 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

In January 2010, in a separate transaction, Sony sold its entire investment, which was included in the Pictures segment, in its HBO Central Europe joint venture, which owns and operates a premium pay television business in Central Europe, to an affiliate of the Majority Shareholder. The sale resulted in cash proceeds of 7,660 million yen and a gain of 3,957 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

The above mentioned transactions and the other transactions which were not material individually and in aggregate were recorded in other operating (income) expense, net due to either the nature of the transaction or in consideration of factors including the relationship to Sony’s core operations.

(2) Small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business

In March 2012, Sony sold the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business, which was included in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment, to Japan Display Inc. The sale proceeds are subject to the finalization of certain post-closing conditions and adjustments. In connection with the sale, Sony will transfer legal ownership of a certain subsidiary within the former small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business to Japan Display Inc. during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2012, this entity is a VIE, although Sony is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate the entity after the sale. Refer to Note 23. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an impairment loss of 19,187 million yen in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income, as the disposal group was classified as held for sale and recorded at the lesser of carrying value or fair value. Following the sale, Sony purchased an equity interest in Japan Display Inc. which Sony accounts for under the cost method.

(3) S-LCD Corporation

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony sold all of its shares of S-LCD, the LCD panel manufacturing joint venture. Refer to Note 5.

(4) Chemical products business

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into a memorandum of understanding with a third-party to sell the chemical products business, which is included in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment. Sony classified certain assets and liabilities related to the business as held for sale as of March 31, 2012, and anticipates completing the divestiture during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. No impairment loss was recognized as a result of the held for sale classification. The assets and liabilities held for sale are comprised of 14,756 million yen of current assets including accounts receivable and inventories, 29,182 million yen of goodwill, 19,028 million yen of other noncurrent assets including property, plant and equipment, 17,554 million yen of current liabilities including accounts payable and accrued expenses, and 2,657 million yen of noncurrent liabilities. The current and noncurrent assets and liabilities were reclassified to prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

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Summary of significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Summary of significant accounting policies

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain adjustments and reclassifications have been incorporated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform with U.S. GAAP. These adjustments were not recorded in the statutory books and records as Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries in Japan maintain their records and prepare their statutory 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.

(1) Significant accounting policies:

Basis of consolidation and accounting for investments in affiliated companies -

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sony Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiary companies, general partnerships and other entities in which Sony has a controlling interest, and variable interest entities for which Sony is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated. Investments in business entities in which Sony does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, generally through 20-50% ownership, are accounted for under the equity method. In addition, investments in general partnerships in which Sony does not have a controlling interest and limited partnerships are also accounted for under the equity method if more than minor influence over the operation of the investee exists (generally through more than 3-5% ownership). When the interest in the partnership is so minor that Sony has no significant influence over the operation of the investee, the cost method is used. Under the equity method, investments are stated at cost plus/minus Sony’s portion of equity in undistributed earnings or losses. Sony’s equity in current earnings or losses of such entities is reported net of income taxes and is included in operating income (loss) after the elimination of unrealized intercompany profits. If the value of an investment has declined and is judged to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value.

On occasion, a consolidated subsidiary or an affiliated company accounted for by the equity method may issue its shares to third parties in either a public or private 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 earnings for the year the change in interest transaction occurs, while a change in interest of a consolidated subsidiary that does not result in a change in control is accounted for as a capital transaction and no gains or losses are recorded in earnings.

The excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies accounted for on an equity basis is allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on fair values at the date of acquisition. The unassigned residual value of the excess of the cost over Sony’s underlying net equity is recognized as goodwill as a component of the investment balance.

Use of estimates -

The preparation of the consolidated 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. The most significant estimates include those used in determining the valuation of investment securities, valuation of inventories, fair values of long-lived assets, fair values of goodwill, intangible assets and assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, product warranty liability, pension and severance plans, valuation of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, film costs, and insurance related liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Translation of foreign currencies -

All asset and liability accounts of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated into Japanese yen at appropriate fiscal year end current exchange rates and all income and expense accounts are translated at exchange 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. Upon remeasurement of a previously held equity interest in accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations achieved in stages, accumulated translation adjustments, if any, remain as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income as there has not been sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment.

Receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies are translated at appropriate fiscal year end exchange rates and the resulting translation gains or losses are taken into income.

Cash and cash equivalents -

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments, 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.

Marketable debt and equity securities -

Debt 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 fair 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.

Sony regularly evaluates its investment portfolio to identify other-than-temporary impairments of individual securities. Factors that are considered by Sony in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the length of time and extent to which the market value of the security has been less than its original cost, the financial condition, operating results, business plans and estimated future cash flows of the issuer of the security, other specific factors affecting the market value, deterioration of the credit condition of the issuers, sovereign risk, and whether or not Sony is able to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for the anticipated recovery in market value.

In evaluating the factors for available-for-sale securities whose fair values are readily determinable, Sony presumes a decline in value to be other-than-temporary if the fair value of the security is 20 percent or more below its original cost for an extended period of time (generally for a period of up to six months). This criterion is employed as a threshold to identify securities which may have a decline in value that is other-than-temporary. The presumption of an other-than-temporary impairment in such cases may be overcome if there is evidence to support that the decline is temporary in nature due to the existence of other factors which overcome the duration or magnitude of the decline. On the other hand, there may be cases where impairment losses are recognized when the decline in the fair value of the security is not more than 20 percent or such decline has not existed for an extended period of time, as a result of considering specific factors which may indicate the decline in the fair value is other-than-temporary.

When an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security has occurred, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in income depends on whether Sony intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. If the debt security meets either of these two criteria, the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in income, measured as the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost and its fair value at the impairment measurement date. For other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities that do not meet these two criteria, the net amount recognized in income is a credit loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and its net present value calculated by discounting Sony’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any difference between the fair value and the net present value of the debt security at the impairment measurement date is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains or losses on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in income are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Equity securities in non-public companies -

Equity securities in non-public companies are primarily carried at cost if fair value is not readily determinable. If the carrying value of a non-public equity investment is estimated to have declined and such decline is judged to be other-than-temporary, Sony recognizes the impairment of the investment and the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Determination of impairment is based on the consideration of several factors, including operating results, business plans and estimated future cash flows. Fair value is determined through the use of various methodologies such as discounted cash flows, valuation of recent financings and comparable valuations of similar companies.

Allowance for doubtful accounts -

Sony maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. Sony reviews accounts receivable by amounts due by customers which are past due to identify specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In determining the amount of the reserve, Sony makes judgments about the creditworthiness of customers based on past collection experience and ongoing credit risk evaluations.

Inventories -

Inventories in the Consumer Products & Services, Professional, Device & Solutions and Music segments as well as non-film inventories for the Pictures segment 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, including the inventories in the Sony Mobile Communications segment. The market value of inventory is determined as the net realizable value - i.e., estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less predictable costs of completion and disposal. Sony does not consider a normal profit margin when calculating the net realizable value.

Other receivables -

Other receivables include receivables which relate to arrangements with certain component manufacturers whereby Sony procures goods, including product components, for these component manufacturers and is reimbursed for the related purchases. No revenue or profit is recognized on these transfers. Sony usually will repurchase the inventory at a later date from the component manufacturers as either finished goods inventory or as partially assembled product.

Film costs -

Film costs include direct production costs, production overhead and acquisition costs for both motion picture and television productions and are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated fair value and classified as noncurrent assets. Film costs are amortized and the estimated liabilities for residuals and participations are accrued using an individual-film-forecast method based on the ratio of current period actual revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues. Film costs also include broadcasting rights which consist of acquired programming to be aired on Sony’s worldwide channel network and are recognized when the license period begins and the program is available for use. Broadcasting rights are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value, classified as either current or noncurrent assets based on timing of expected use, and amortized based on estimated usage or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Estimates used in calculating the fair value of the film costs and the net realizable value of the broadcasting rights are based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions and are reviewed on a periodic basis.

Property, plant and equipment and depreciation -

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed on the declining-balance method for Sony Corporation and its Japanese subsidiaries, except for certain semiconductor manufacturing facilities and buildings whose depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment for foreign subsidiaries is also computed on the straight-line method. Useful lives for depreciation range from two to 50 years for buildings and from two 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.

Goodwill and other intangible assets -

Goodwill and certain other intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized and are tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Reporting units are Sony’s operating segments or one level below the operating segments. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Fair value of reporting units and indefinite lived intangible assets is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates, determination of appropriate comparable entities and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. In addition to the estimates of future cash flows, two of the most significant estimates involved in the determination of fair value of the reporting units are the discount rates and perpetual growth rate applied to terminal values used in the discounted cash flow analysis. The discount rates used in the cash flow models for the goodwill impairment testing consider market and industry data as well as specific risk factors for each reporting unit. The perpetual growth rates for the individual reporting units, for purposes of the terminal value determination, are generally set after an initial three-year forecasted period, although certain reporting units utilized longer forecasted periods, and are based on historical experience, market and industry data.

Intangible assets with finite useful lives mainly consist of patent rights, know-how, license agreements, customer relationships, trademarks, software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed, music catalogs, artist contracts and television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements). Patent rights, know-how, license agreements, trademarks and software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed are generally amortized on a straight-line basis, generally, over three to eight years. Customer relationships, music catalogs, artist contracts and television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements) are amortized on a straight-line basis, generally, over 10 to 40 years.

Software to be sold, leased, or marketed -

Sony accounts for software development costs in accordance with accounting guidance for the costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed. The costs related to establishing the technological feasibility of a software product are expensed as incurred as a part of research and development in cost of sales. Costs that are incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility is established are capitalized and amortized to cost of sales over the estimated economic life, which is generally three years. The technological feasibility of game software is established when the product master is completed. Consideration to capitalize game software development costs before this point is limited to the development costs of games for which technological feasibility can be proven to be at an earlier stage. At each balance sheet date, Sony performs periodic reviews to ensure that unamortized capitalized software costs remain recoverable from future profits of the related software products.

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 include such items as commissions, medical examination costs and inspection report fees, and are subject to recoverability testing at least annually to ensure that the capitalized amounts do not exceed the present value of anticipated gross profits or premiums less benefits and maintenance expenses, as applicable. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related insurance policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy reserves. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for non-traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the expected life in proportion to the estimated gross profits.

Product warranty -

Sony provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The product warranty is calculated based upon product sales, estimated probability of failure and estimated cost per claim. The variables used in the calculation of the provision are reviewed on a periodic basis.

Certain subsidiaries in the Consumer Products & Services and Professional, Device & Solutions segments offer extended warranty programs. The consideration received for extended warranty service is deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the extended warranty.

Future insurance policy benefits -

Liabilities for future insurance policy benefits are primarily comprised of the present value of estimated future payments to policyholders. These liabilities are computed by the net level premium method based upon the assumptions, including future investment yield, morbidity, mortality, withdrawals and other factors. These assumptions are reviewed on a periodic basis. Liabilities for future insurance policy benefits also include liabilities for guaranteed benefits related to certain non-traditional life and annuity contracts.

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business -

Liabilities for policyholders’ account in the life insurance business represent the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholders as of the balance sheet date. This liability is generally equal to the accumulated account deposits, plus interest credited, less policyholder withdrawals and other charges assessed against the account balances.

Impairment of long-lived assets -

Sony reviews the recoverability of the carrying value of its long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, and assets to be disposed of, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the individual carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group with their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the cash flows are determined to be less than the carrying value of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss has occurred and the loss would be recognized during the period for the difference between the carrying value of the asset or asset group and estimated fair value. Long-lived assets that are to be disposed of other than by sale are considered held and used until they are disposed of. Long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less cost to sell and are not depreciated. Fair value is determined using the present value of estimated net cash flows or comparable market values. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates applied to determine terminal values, determination of appropriate market comparables and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables.

Fair value measurement -

Sony measures fair value as an exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date.

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of inputs to valuation techniques based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Sony’s assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable market data is used if such data is available without undue cost and effort. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of three levels which is determined by the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are:

Level 1	—	Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2	—	Inputs are based on observable inputs other than level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations, in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3	—	One or more significant inputs are unobservable.

When available, Sony uses unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets to measure fair value and classifies such items within level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates, currency rates and option volatilities. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation. For certain financial assets and liabilities, Sony determines fair value using third-party information such as indicative quotes from dealers and quantitative input from investment advisors following Sony’s established valuation procedures including validation against internally developed prices. Additionally, Sony considers both counterparty credit risk and Sony’s own creditworthiness in determining fair value. Sony attempts to mitigate credit risk to third parties by entering into netting agreements and actively monitoring the creditworthiness of counterparties and its exposure to credit risk through the use of credit limits and by selecting major international banks and financial institutions as counterparties.

Transfers between levels are deemed to have occurred at the beginning of the each interim period in which the transfers occur.

Derivative financial instruments -

All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in income or stockholders’ equity (as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income), depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies as a hedge and the derivative is being used to hedge changes in fair value or cash flows.

The accounting guidance for hybrid financial instruments permits an entity to elect fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument if the hybrid instrument contains an embedded derivative that would otherwise be required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The election to measure the hybrid instrument at fair value is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irreversible. Certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have hybrid financial instruments, disclosed in Note 7 as debt securities, that contain embedded derivatives where the entire instrument is carried at fair value.

In accordance with accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the various derivative financial instruments held by Sony are classified and accounted for as described below.

Fair value hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as fair value hedges for recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments are recognized in earnings as offsets to changes in the fair value of the related hedged assets or liabilities.

Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as cash flow hedges for forecasted transactions or exposures associated with recognized assets or liabilities are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion are recognized in current period earnings.

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized in current period earnings.

Assessment of hedges

When applying hedge accounting, Sony formally documents all hedging relationships between the derivatives designated as hedges and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedging activities. Sony links all hedges that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or to the specific forecasted transactions. Sony also assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, Sony discontinues hedge accounting. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is included in the current period earnings.

Stock-based compensation -

Sony accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair value based method, measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The expense is mainly included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Sony recognizes this compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, only for the rights expected to vest ratably over the requisite service period of the stock acquisition rights, which is generally a period of three years. The estimated forfeiture rate is based on Sony’s historical experience in the stock acquisition rights plans where the majority of the vesting terms have been satisfied.

Revenue recognition -

Revenues from sales in the Consumer Products & Services, Professional, Device & Solutions, Music and Sony Mobile Communications segments are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer has taken title to the product and the risks and rewards of ownership have been substantively transferred. If the sales contract contains a customer acceptance provision, then sales are recognized after customer acceptance occurs or the acceptance provisions lapse. Revenues are recognized net of anticipated returns and sales incentives.

Revenue arrangements with customers may include multiple elements, including any combination of products, services and software. An example includes sales of electronics products with rights to receive promotional goods. For Sony’s multiple element arrangements where at least one of the elements is not subject to existing software revenue recognition guidance, elements are separated into more than one unit of accounting when the delivered element(s) have value to the customer on a standalone basis, and delivery of the undelivered element(s) is probable and substantially in the control of Sony. Revenue is then allocated to each unit of accounting based on the relative selling price of each unit of accounting based first on vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”) if it exists, based next on third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) if VSOE does not exist, and, finally, if both VSOE and TPE do not exist, based on estimated selling prices (“ESP”). VSOE is limited to either the price charged for an element when it is sold separately or, for an element not yet being sold separately, the price established by management having the relevant authority; it must be probable that the price, once established, will not change before the separate introduction of the element into the market place. TPE is the price of Sony’s or any competitor’s largely interchangeable products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. ESP is the price at which Sony would transact if the element were sold by Sony regularly on a standalone basis. When determining ESP, Sony considers all relevant inputs, including sales, cost and margin analysis of the product, targeted rate of return of the product, competitors’ and Sony’s pricing practices and customer perspectives.

Certain software products published by Sony provide limited on-line features at no additional cost to the customer. Generally, such features are considered to be incidental to the overall software product and an inconsequential deliverable. Accordingly, revenue related to software products containing these limited on-line features is not deferred. In instances where the software products’ on-line features or additional functionality is considered a substantive deliverable in addition to the software product, revenue and costs of sales are recognized ratably over an estimated service period, which is estimated to be six months.

Revenues from the theatrical exhibition of motion pictures are recognized as the customer exhibits the film. Revenues from the licensing of motion picture and television product are recorded when the product is available for exploitation by the licensee and when any restrictions regarding the use of the product lapse. Revenues from the sale of DVDs and Blu-ray Disc^™, net of anticipated returns and sales incentives, are recognized upon availability of sale to the public. Revenues from the sale of broadcast advertising are recognized when the advertisement is aired. Revenues from subscription fees received by the television networks are recognized when the service is provided.

Traditional life insurance policies that the life insurance subsidiary underwrites, most of which are categorized as long-duration contracts, mainly consist of whole life, term life and accident and health insurance contracts. Premiums from these policies are reported as revenue when due from policyholders.

Amounts received as payment for non-traditional contracts such as interest sensitive whole life contracts, single payment juvenile contracts and other contracts without life contingencies are recognized in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business. Revenues from these contracts are comprised of fees earned for administrative and contract-holder services, which are recognized over the period of the contracts, and included in financial services revenue.

Property and casualty insurance policies that the non-life insurance subsidiary underwrites are primarily automotive insurance contracts which are categorized as short-duration contracts. Premiums from these policies are reported as revenue over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.

Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

Consideration given to a customer or a reseller -

In accordance with the accounting guidance for consideration given by a vendor to a customer or reseller of the vendor’s products, sales incentives or other cash consideration given to a customer or a reseller including payments for buydowns, slotting fees and cooperative advertising programs, are accounted for as a reduction of revenue unless Sony receives an identifiable benefit (goods or services) in exchange for the consideration, the fair value of the benefit is reasonably estimated and documentation from the reseller is received to support the amounts paid to the reseller. Payments meeting these criteria are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, consideration given to a reseller, primarily for free promotional shipping and cooperative advertising programs included in selling, general and administrative expenses totaled 23,591 million yen, 23,250 million yen and 17,641 million yen, respectively.

Cost of sales -

Costs classified as cost of sales relate to the producing and manufacturing of products and include items such as material cost, subcontractor cost, depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of intangible assets, personnel expenses, research and development costs, and amortization of film costs related to motion picture and television products.

Research and development costs -

Research and development costs, included in cost of sales, include items such as salaries, personnel expenses and other direct and indirect expenses associated with research and product development. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Selling, general and administrative -

Costs classified as selling expense relate to promoting and selling products and include items such as advertising, promotion, shipping, and warranty expenses. General and administrative expenses include operating items such as officers’ salaries, personnel expenses, depreciation of fixed assets, office rental for sales, marketing and administrative divisions, a provision for doubtful accounts and amortization of intangible assets.

Financial services expenses -

Financial services expenses include a provision for policy reserves and amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs, and all other operating costs such as personnel expenses, depreciation of fixed assets, and office rental of subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment.

Advertising costs -

Advertising costs are expensed when the advertisement or commercial appears in the selected media.

Shipping and handling costs -

The majority of shipping and handling, warehousing and internal transfer costs for finished goods are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. An exception to this is in the Pictures segment where such costs are charged to cost of sales as they are an integral part of producing and distributing films under accounting guidance for accounting by producers or distributors of films. All other costs related to Sony’s distribution network are included in cost of sales, including inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs and warehousing costs for raw materials and in-process inventory. Amounts paid by customers for shipping and handling costs are included in net sales.

Income taxes -

The provision for income taxes is computed based on the pretax income included in the consolidated statements of income, and the tax liability attributed to undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method expected to be remitted in the foreseeable future. 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.

Carrying amounts of deferred tax assets require a reduction by a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically with appropriate consideration given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. Management’s judgments related to this assessment consider, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses on an individual tax jurisdiction basis, forecasts of future profitability after consideration of uncertain tax positions, excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of net assets, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, the past utilization of net operating loss carryforwards prior to expiration, as well as prudent and feasible tax planning strategies which would be employed by Sony to prevent net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards from expiring unutilized.

Sony records assets and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Sony continues to recognize interest and penalties, if any, with respect to income taxes, including unrecognized tax benefits, as interest expense and as income tax expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income. The amount of income taxes Sony pays is subject to ongoing audits by various taxing authorities, which may result in proposed assessments. In addition, several significant items related to intercompany transfer pricing are currently the subject of negotiations between taxing authorities in different jurisdictions as a result of pending advance pricing agreement applications and competent authority requests. Sony’s estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issues is judgmental and requires significant estimates. Sony assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examinations based upon the evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at that reporting date. For those tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, Sony records the amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. If Sony does not believe that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. However, Sony’s future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to Sony’s estimated tax liabilities due to closure of income tax examinations, the outcome of negotiations between taxing authorities in different jurisdictions, new regulatory or judicial pronouncements or other relevant events. As a result, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, and the effective tax rate, may fluctuate significantly.

Net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders per share (“EPS”) -

Basic EPS is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted EPS reflects the maximum possible dilution from conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities including the conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments regardless of whether the conditions to exercise the conversion rights have been met. All potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation in a situation where there is a net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders.

(2) Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:

Goodwill impairment testing for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts -

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that modifies the first step of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with existing authoritative guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This guidance was effective for Sony as of April 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations -

In December 2010, the FASB issued new accounting guidance addressing when a business combination should be assumed to have occurred for the purpose of providing pro forma disclosure. The new guidance requires disclosure of revenue and income of the combined entity as though the business combination occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior reporting period. The guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosure to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The guidance was effective for Sony as of April 1, 2011. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption did not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Amendments to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) -

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance to substantially converge fair value measurement and disclosure requirements under U.S. GAAP and IFRS, including a consistent definition of fair value. The amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. For many of the requirements, the FASB does not intend for the new guidance to result in a change in the application of the existing guidance for fair value measurements. However, some of the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements and other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The guidance was effective for Sony in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosures about an employer’s participation in a multiemployer plan -

In September 2011, the FASB issued new disclosure guidance regarding multiemployer pension and other postretirement benefit plans. This guidance requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures for all individually significant multiemployer pension plans on annual basis, and revises the disclosures for multiemployer plans that provide other postretirement benefits. This guidance does not change the current recognition and measurement guidance for an employer’s participation in a multiemployer plan. This guidance was effective for Sony beginning with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, and is applied retrospectively. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, and Sony does not have any significant participation in multiemployer plans, its adoption did not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

(3) Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted:

Accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts -

In October 2010, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. Under the new guidance acquisition costs are to include only those costs that are directly related to the acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts by applying a model similar to the accounting for loan origination costs. An entity may defer incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that are incurred in transactions with independent third parties or employees as well as the portion of employee compensation and other costs directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical inspection, and contract selling for successfully negotiated contracts. Additionally, an entity may capitalize as a deferred acquisition cost only those advertising costs meeting the capitalization criteria for direct-response advertising. This change is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. Sony will apply this guidance prospectively from the date of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Testing goodwill for impairment -

In September 2011, the FASB issued a new standard to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. The new standard allows companies an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining if it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under the new standard, a company is no longer required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the company determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The new standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. This standard is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Presentation of comprehensive income -

In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for presentation of comprehensive income. The amendments require reporting entities to report components of comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements. This change is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and will be applied retrospectively. Subsequently, in December 2011, the FASB issued update accounting guidance for deferral of the effective date for amendments to the presentation of reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The remaining requirements of the guidance issued in June 2011 will become effective as originally issued. The guidance is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption will not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosure about balance sheet offsetting -

In December 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable financial statement users to understand the effect of such arrangements on the statement of financial position as well as to improve comparability of balance sheets prepared under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The new guidance is required to be applied retrospectively and is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2013. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption will not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

(4) Reclassifications:

Certain reclassifications of the financial statements and accompanying footnotes for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 have been made to conform to the presentation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

(5) Out of period adjustments:

The calculation of indirect taxes at a subsidiary -

In the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an out of period adjustment to correct an error in the calculation of indirect taxes at a subsidiary. The indirect tax calculation error began in 2005 and continued until it was identified by Sony in the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The adjustment, substantially all of which related to the Consumer Products & Services segment, impacted net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and interest expenses and, in the aggregate, increased loss before income taxes in consolidated statements of income by 4,413 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Sony determined that the adjustment was not material to the consolidated financial statements for any prior annual or interim periods and for the year ended March 31, 2012.

Revision of the presentation in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 -

The presentation of certain amounts for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 have been revised to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2012 to reflect the results of an analysis of deferred tax assets in relation to certain unrecognized tax benefits that was completed during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, within income taxes in the consolidated statements of income, this revision increased current income taxes by 30,422 million yen with a corresponding decrease to deferred income taxes, with no impact on net income and net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, this revision decreased deferred income taxes by 30,422 million yen, increased accrued income and other taxes by 8,320 million yen and increased other by 22,102 million yen, with no impact on net cash provided by operating activities. This revision had no impact on Sony’s consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, in the consolidated balance sheets, this revision increased deferred income taxes in other assets by 61,115 million yen, decreased other noncurrent assets by 74,981 million yen, decreased total assets by 13,866 million yen, increased accrued income and other taxes by 8,320 million yen, decreased other noncurrent liabilities by 22,186 million yen and decreased total liabilities and equity by 13,866 million yen. This revision had no impact on Sony’s consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

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Collaborative arrangements

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Collaborative arrangements

26. Collaborative arrangements

Sony’s collaborative arrangements primarily relate to arrangements entered into, through a subsidiary in the Pictures segment, with one or more active participants to jointly finance, produce and/or distribute motion picture or television product under which both the subsidiary and the other active participants share in the risks and rewards of ownership. These arrangements are referred to as co-production and distribution arrangements.

Sony typically records an asset for only the portion of the motion picture or television product it owns and finances. Sony and the other participants typically distribute the product in different media or markets. Revenues earned and expenses incurred for the media or markets in which Sony distributes the product are typically recorded on a gross basis. Sony typically does not record revenues earned and expenses incurred when the other participants distribute the product. Sony and the other participants typically share in the profits from the distribution of the product in all media or markets. For motion picture product, if Sony is a net receiver of (1) Sony’s share of the profits from the media or markets distributed by the other participants less (2) the other participants’ share of the profits from the media or markets distributed by Sony then the net amount is recorded as net sales. If Sony is a net payer then the net amount is recorded in cost of sales. For television product, Sony records its share of the profits from the media or markets distributed by the other participants as sales, and the other participants’ share of the profits from the media or markets distributed by Sony as cost of sales.

For the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, 4,687 million yen, 4,866 million yen and 10,990 million yen, respectively, were recorded as cost of sales for amounts owed to the other participants and 9,936 million yen, 10,244 million yen and 14,625 million yen, respectively, were recorded as net sales for amounts due from the other participants in these collaborative arrangements.

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Insurance-Related Accounts - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Combined amounts of statutory net equity of insurance subsidiaries which is not measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP	¥ 282,846	¥ 232,160
Life insurance revenues	654,986	600,291	554,650
Non-life insurance revenues	76,958	71,037	64,987
Amortization charged to income	55,427	59,249	53,767
Future insurance policy benefits	¥ 3,202,066	¥ 2,918,960
Interest rates sensitive whole life contracts	2.00%
Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rates for future policy benefit based on market conditions and expected investment returns	1.40%
Credited rates associated with investment contracts	0.10%
Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rates for future policy benefit based on market conditions and expected investment returns	4.50%
Credited rates associated with investment contracts	6.30%

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Changes in Number of Shares of Common Stock Issued and Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued, beginning balance	1,004,636,664	1,004,571,464	1,004,535,364
Exercise of stock acquisition rights	1,500	65,200	36,100
Common stock, shares issued, ending balance	1,004,638,164	1,004,636,664	1,004,571,464

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Marketable securities and securities investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Debt and Equity Securities of Aggregate Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses and Fair Value Pertaining to Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities

Marketable securities and securities investments, mainly included in the Financial Services segment, are comprised of debt and equity securities of which the aggregate cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value pertaining to available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011									March 31, 2012
	Cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses			Fair value		Cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses			Fair value
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		1,124,704		24,032		(4,971	)		1,143,765		1,036,946		55,384		(879	)		1,091,451
Japanese local government bonds		22,845		184		(64	)		22,965		33,513		163		(1	)		33,675
Japanese corporate bonds		332,567		1,511		(440	)		333,638		293,885		1,489		(224	)		295,150
Foreign corporate bonds		332,316		4,872		(11,367	)		325,821		377,609		4,705		(7,063	)		375,251
Other		8,241		109		(118	)		8,232		22,383		1,548		(6	)		23,925
		1,820,673		30,708		(16,960	)		1,834,421		1,764,336		63,289		(8,173	)		1,819,452
Equity securities		80,983		63,822		(3,316	)		141,489		60,694		53,016		(1,513	)		112,197
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		2,902,342		22,420		(48,149	)		2,876,613		3,404,069		157,740		(4,499	)		3,557,310
Japanese local government bonds		18,912		218		(2	)		19,128		12,592		277		—			12,869
Japanese corporate bonds		32,349		158		(67	)		32,440		31,379		1,501		—			32,880
Foreign corporate bonds		47,330		13		(3	)		47,340		46,441		10		—			46,451
		3,000,933		22,809		(48,221	)		2,975,521		3,494,481		159,528		(4,499	)		3,649,510
Total		4,902,589		117,339		(68,497	)		4,951,431		5,319,511		275,833		(14,185	)		5,581,159

Cost and Fair Value of Debt Securities Classified as Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity

The following table presents the cost and fair value of debt securities classified as available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Available-for-sale securities				Held-to-maturity securities
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less		230,037		223,870		23,552		23,625
Due after one year through five years		505,497		510,183		18,280		18,559
Due after five year through ten years		210,411		215,180		27,225		28,219
Due after ten years		818,391		870,219		3,425,424		3,579,107
Total		1,764,336		1,819,452		3,494,481		3,649,510

Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Securities with Unrealized Losses, Aggregated by Investment Category and Length of Time of Continuous Unrealized Loss Position

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses on, and fair value of, Sony’s investment securities with unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2011 and 2012.

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Less than 12 months					12 months or More					Total
	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		223,686		(3,230	)		54,477		(1,741	)		278,163		(4,971	)
Japanese local government bonds		12,434		(64	)		—		—			12,434		(64	)
Japanese corporate bonds		130,318		(440	)		—		—			130,318		(440	)
Foreign corporate bonds		126,184		(7,183	)		30,277		(4,184	)		156,461		(11,367	)
Other		3,182		(118	)		—		—			3,182		(118	)
		495,804		(11,035	)		84,754		(5,925	)		580,558		(16,960	)
Equity securities		36,391		(3,223	)		386		(93	)		36,777		(3,316	)
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		1,812,196		(48,149	)		—		—			1,812,196		(48,149	)
Japanese local government bonds		531		(2	)		—		—			531		(2	)
Japanese corporate bonds		20,788		(67	)		—		—			20,788		(67	)
Foreign corporate bonds		194		(3	)		—		—			194		(3	)
		1,833,709		(48,221	)		—		—			1,833,709		(48,221	)
Total		2,365,904		(62,479	)		85,140		(6,018	)		2,451,044		(68,497	)

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Less than 12 months					12 months or More					Total
	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		55,450		(877	)		3,048		(2	)		58,498		(879	)
Japanese local government bonds		2,364		(1	)		—		—			2,364		(1	)
Japanese corporate bonds		1,034		(196	)		25,243		(28	)		26,277		(224	)
Foreign corporate bonds		68,277		(6,065	)		83,650		(998	)		151,927		(7,063	)
Other		335		(6	)		—		—			335		(6	)
		127,460		(7,145	)		111,941		(1,028	)		239,401		(8,173	)
Equity securities		4,337		(318	)		280		(1,195	)		4,617		(1,513	)
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		—		—			333,702		(4,499	)		333,702		(4,499	)
Japanese local government bonds		70		(0	)		—		—			70		(0	)
Japanese corporate bonds		—		—			—		—			—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		—			—		—			—		—
		70		(0	)		333,702		(4,499	)		333,772		(4,499	)
Total		131,867		(7,463	)		445,923		(6,722	)		577,790		(14,185	)

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Income taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Components of Domestic and Foreign Income (Loss) and Provision for Current and Deferred Income Taxes

Domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes and the provision for current and deferred income taxes attributable to such income are summarized as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		45,290			143,917			(106,496	)
Foreign subsidiaries		(18,378	)		61,096			23,310
		26,912			205,013			(83,186	)
Income taxes — Current:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		42,723			60,514			33,921
Foreign subsidiaries		36,397			57,404			74,624
		79,120			117,918			108,545
Income taxes — Deferred:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		(25,589	)		365,665			2,794
Foreign subsidiaries		(39,573	)		(58,244	)		203,900
		(65,162	)		307,421			206,694
Total income tax expense		13,958			425,339			315,239

Reconciliation of Statutory Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate

A reconciliation of the differences between the Japanese statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Statutory tax rate		41.0	%		41.0	%		(41.0	)%
Non-deductible expenses		10.3			1.3			4.2
Income tax credits		(18.0	)		(2.0	)		(3.6	)
Change in statutory tax rate		(4.6	)		0.9			(36.2	)
Change in valuation allowances		4.7			174.5			491.0
Change in deferred tax liabilities on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures		5.8			1.5			(21.2	)
Lower tax rate applied to life and non-life insurance business in Japan		(30.3	)		(2.8	)		(7.8	)
Foreign income tax differential		(17.6	)		(10.5	)		6.7
Adjustments to tax accruals and reserves		16.2			4.5			(15.9	)
Effect of equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		46.0			(2.8	)		60.0
Sony Ericsson remeasurement gain		—			—			(50.6	)
Insurance recovery tax exemptions related to the Floods		—			—			(5.2	)
Other		(1.6	)		1.9			(1.4	)
Effective income tax rate		51.9	%		207.5	%		379.0	%

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Deferred tax assets:
Operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes		387,982			533,912
Accrued pension and severance costs		103,674			87,871
Film costs		16,405			40,566
Warranty reserves and accrued expenses		94,065			82,842
Future insurance policy benefits		26,177			22,907
Inventory		35,989			37,431
Depreciation		35,128			39,473
Tax credit carryforwards		74,284			73,945
Reserve for doubtful accounts		8,404			5,580
Impairment of investments		33,743			34,387
Deferred revenue in the Pictures segment		19,254			21,980
Other		140,745			146,777
Gross deferred tax assets		975,850			1,127,671
Less: Valuation allowance		(473,713	)		(868,233	)
Total deferred tax assets		502,137			259,438
Deferred tax liabilities:
Insurance acquisition costs		(155,073	)		(140,190	)
Future insurance policy benefits		(62,933	)		(66,998	)
Unbilled accounts receivable in the Pictures segment		(40,469	)		(45,467	)
Unrealized gains on securities		(33,101	)		(43,831	)
Intangible assets acquired through stock exchange offerings		(32,136	)		(28,139	)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures		(46,261	)		(27,920	)
Other		(46,970	)		(73,399	)
Gross deferred tax liabilities		(416,943	)		(425,944	)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		85,194			(166,506	)

Net Deferred Tax Assets

Net deferred tax assets (net of valuation allowance) are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Current assets — Deferred income taxes		133,059			36,769
Other assets — Deferred income taxes		300,702			100,460
Current liabilities — Other		(42,340	)		(19,236	)
Long-term liabilities — Deferred income taxes		(306,227	)		(284,499	)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		85,194			(166,506	)

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Gross Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year		276,627			229,228			225,120
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(38,450	)		(39,005	)		(25,302	)
Additions for tax positions of prior years		4,816			19,947			59,159
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		10,873			41,201			44,307
Settlements		(5,921	)		(1,478	)		(4,046	)
Lapse in statute of limitations		(1,506	)		(7,770	)		(3,807	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(17,211	)		(17,003	)		(7,120	)
Balance at end of the fiscal year		229,228			225,120			288,311
Total net amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate		76,125			87,497			77,925

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Leased Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Rental expenses under operating leases	¥ 76,188	¥ 78,538	¥ 87,077
Sublease rental received under operating leases	1,423	1,974	1,675
Total minimum rentals received in future under non cancelable subleases for operating lease	4,527
Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions	¥ 50,537
Sale and leaseback transaction	3 years

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	¥ 894,576	¥ 1,014,412
Marketable securities	680,913	646,171
Notes and accounts receivable, trade	840,924	834,221
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns	(71,009)	(90,531)
Inventories	707,052	704,043
Other receivables	202,044	215,181
Deferred income taxes	36,769	133,059
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	463,693	387,490
Total current assets	3,754,962	3,844,046
Film costs	270,048	275,389
Investments and advances:
Affiliated companies	36,800	221,993
Securities investments and other	6,282,676	5,670,662
Long-term Investments, Total	6,319,476	5,892,655
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	139,413	145,968
Buildings	817,730	868,615
Machinery and equipment	1,957,134	2,016,956
Construction in progress	35,648	53,219
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	2,949,925	3,084,758
Less - Accumulated depreciation	2,018,927	2,159,890
Property, plant and equipment, net	930,998	924,868
Other assets:
Intangibles, net	503,699	391,122
Goodwill	576,758	469,005
Deferred insurance acquisition costs	441,236	428,262
Deferred income taxes	100,460	300,702
Other	398,030	385,073
Other noncurrent asset	2,020,183	1,974,164
Total assets	13,295,667	12,911,122
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	99,878	53,737
Current portion of long-term debt	310,483	109,614
Notes and accounts payable, trade	758,680	793,275
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses	1,073,241	1,013,037
Accrued income and other taxes	63,396	87,396
Deposits from customers in the banking business	1,761,137	1,647,752
Other	463,166	430,488
Total current liabilities	4,529,981	4,135,299
Long-term debt	762,226	812,235
Accrued pension and severance costs	309,375	271,320
Deferred income taxes	284,499	306,227
Future insurance policy benefits and other	3,208,843	2,924,121
Policyholders' account in the life insurance business	1,449,644	1,301,252
Other	240,978	204,766
Total liabilities	10,785,546	9,955,220
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	20,014	19,323
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Sony Corporation's stockholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value - 2011 - Shares authorized: 3,600,000,000, shares issued: 1,004,636,664 2012 - Shares authorized: 3,600,000,000, shares issued: 1,004,638,164	630,923	630,921
Additional paid-in capital	1,160,236	1,159,666
Retained earnings	1,084,462	1,566,274
Accumulated other comprehensive income -
Unrealized gains on securities, net	64,882	50,336
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net	(1,050)	(1,589)
Pension liability adjustment	(186,833)	(152,165)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(719,092)	(700,786)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total	(842,093)	(804,204)
Treasury stock, at cost Common stock 2011 - 1,051,588 shares 2012 - 1,061,803 shares	(4,637)	(4,670)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total	2,028,891	2,547,987
Noncontrolling interests	461,216	388,592
Total equity	2,490,107	2,936,579
Total liabilities and equity	¥ 13,295,667	¥ 12,911,122

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Housing loans and deposits from customers in the banking business (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Aggregate Amounts of Annual Maturities of Time Deposits with Remaining Term of More Than One Year

At March 31, 2012, aggregate amounts of annual maturities of time deposits with a remaining term of more than one year are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2014		32,531
2015		11,421
2016		9,064
2017		3,946
2018		2,104
Later years		33,721
Total		92,787

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Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Housing loans in the banking business, Carrying amount	¥ 749,636	¥ 656,047
Total assets	13,295,667	12,911,122
Long-term debt including the current portion, Carrying amount	1,072,709	921,849
Total liabilities	10,785,546	9,955,220
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Housing loans in the banking business, Carrying amount	749,636	656,047
Total assets	749,636	656,047
Long-term debt including the current portion, Carrying amount	1,072,709	921,849
Investment contracts included in policyholders' account in the life insurance business, Carrying value	340,600	322,649
Total liabilities	1,413,309	1,244,498
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Housing loans in the banking business, Estimated fair value	823,668	714,985
Total assets	823,668	714,985
Long-term debt including the current portion, Estimated fair value	1,069,914	928,820
Investment contracts included in policyholders' account in the life insurance business, Estimated fair value	338,589	320,036
Total liabilities	1,408,503	1,248,856
Level 2 | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Housing loans in the banking business, Estimated fair value	823,668	714,985
Total assets	823,668	714,985
Long-term debt including the current portion, Estimated fair value	1,069,914	928,820
Investment contracts included in policyholders' account in the life insurance business, Estimated fair value	338,589	320,036
Total liabilities	¥ 1,408,503	¥ 1,248,856

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Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended										12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 16, 2011 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2010 JPY (¥)	Jan. 19, 2007 Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Variable Interest Entity Two JPY (¥)	Jan. 31, 2010 Mexican subsidiaries JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2010 Mexican subsidiaries JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary USD ($) Contract	Mar. 31, 2012 Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary JPY (¥) Contract	Mar. 31, 2009 Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Third VIE USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Third VIE JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Third VIE Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Variable Interest Entity JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Variable Interest Entity Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Third-party investor USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2008 Subsidiaries Contract	Mar. 31, 2012 Subsidiaries USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Subsidiaries JPY (¥)	Apr. 11, 2012 Subsidiaries Acquisition USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Sale price to obligate company for shortfall														$ 214
Value of building for purchase during lease term																255
Property, plant and equipment, net			930,998	924,868											14,332		863
Long-term debt															20,991
Total assets			13,295,667	12,911,122			17,552										100,630
Total liabilities			10,785,546	9,955,220			7,918										39,311
Guaranteed annual dividend for third party investor																		17.5
Guaranty obligation													303
Ownership interest used as collateral, Percent																			50.00%
Joint venture agreement for acquiring international distribution rights										12	12
Amount of financing capitalized for joint venture agreement										406
Amount of financing contributed by unrelated third party investors or subsidiaries																			95		11
Amount of financing funded through bank credit facility										300
Participation liabilities due to Variable Interest Entity																	32,835					748
Cost of acquired participation interest of Variable Interest Entity																							22
Repayment of debt contributed by unrelated third party investors												95
Number of films to be financed under two agreements with VIEs																				19
Amount received under two agreements with VIEs to fund production or acquisition cost of films		565
Commitment received from third VIE to fund production or acquisition cost of films on revolving basis			35,725			525
Amount funded by third VIE	20
Ownership interest sold in subsidiary								90.00%
Other assets including machinery and equipment sold			22,661	18,743	15,671			4,520
Inventories sold								5,619
Received in connection with sale of controlling interest in subsidiary									11,189
Loss in connection with sale of controlling interest in subsidiary									1,664
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			463,693	387,490							10,295
Accounts payable, trade											¥ 18,830

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Expected Future Benefit Payments (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2013	¥ 26,197
2014	28,084
2015	30,972
2016	33,553
2017	34,518
2018 - 2022	209,895
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2013	9,418
2014	9,485
2015	10,461
2016	10,163
2017	10,827
2018 - 2022	¥ 58,880

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Treasury stock, at cost	Sony Corporation's stockholders' equity	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2009	¥ 3,216,602	¥ 630,765	¥ 1,155,034	¥ 1,916,951	¥ (733,443)	¥ (4,654)	¥ 2,964,653	¥ 251,949
Exercise of stock acquisition rights	120	57	57				114	6
Stock-based compensation	2,174		2,174				2,174
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	12,954			(40,802)			(40,802)	53,756
Other comprehensive income, net of tax -
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities	48,794				32,267		32,267	16,527
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments	1,550				1,548		1,548	2
Pension liability adjustment	23,693				23,720		23,720	(27)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,507				6,850		6,850	(343)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	93,498						23,583	69,915
Dividends declared	(30,487)			(25,088)			(25,088)	(5,399)
Purchase of treasury stock	(139)					(139)	(139)
Reissuance of treasury stock	61			(57)		118	61
Transactions with noncontrolling interests shareholders and other	3,726		547				547	3,179
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2010	3,285,555	630,822	1,157,812	1,851,004	(669,058)	(4,675)	2,965,905	319,650
Exercise of stock acquisition rights	220	99	99				198	22
Stock-based compensation	1,782		1,782				1,782
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	(220,326)			(259,585)			(259,585)	39,259
Other comprehensive income, net of tax -
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities	(15,517)				(12,001)		(12,001)	(3,516)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments	(1,553)				(1,553)		(1,553)
Pension liability adjustment	(3,299)				(3,176)		(3,176)	(123)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(119,032)				(118,416)		(118,416)	(616)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(359,727)						(394,731)	35,004
Stock issue costs, net of tax	(8)			(8)			(8)
Dividends declared	(31,688)			(25,089)			(25,089)	(6,599)
Purchase of treasury stock	(111)					(111)	(111)
Reissuance of treasury stock	68			(48)		116	68
Transactions with noncontrolling interests shareholders and other	40,488		(27)				(27)	40,515
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2011	2,936,579	630,921	1,159,666	1,566,274	(804,204)	(4,670)	2,547,987	388,592
Exercise of stock acquisition rights	169	2	2				4	165
Stock-based compensation	1,838		1,838				1,838
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	(398,425)			(456,660)			(456,660)	58,235
Other comprehensive income, net of tax -
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities	20,557				14,546		14,546	6,011
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments	539				539		539
Pension liability adjustment	(33,173)				(34,668)		(34,668)	1,495
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(17,911)				(18,306)		(18,306)	395
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(428,413)						(494,549)	66,136
Stock issue costs, net of tax	(1)			(1)			(1)
Dividends declared	(32,850)			(25,090)			(25,090)	(7,760)
Purchase of treasury stock	(79)					(79)	(79)
Reissuance of treasury stock	51			(61)		112	51
Transactions with noncontrolling interests shareholders and other	12,813		(1,270)				(1,270)	14,083
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	¥ 2,490,107	¥ 630,923	¥ 1,160,236	¥ 1,084,462	¥ (842,093)	¥ (4,637)	¥ 2,028,891	¥ 461,216

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Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 JPY (¥)	Jan. 19, 2012 S-LCD JPY (¥)	Jan. 19, 2012 S-LCD KRW	Mar. 31, 2012 S-LCD JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Level 3 S-LCD JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring Level 3 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring Level 3 JPY (¥)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Transfers into level 1	¥ 2,169
Transfers out of level 1	7,221
Impairment losses related to long lived assets						59,583	23,735
Carrying values of long lived assets before impairments						67,875	27,513
Fair values of long-lived assets after impairments						8,292	3,778
Other-than-temporary impairment loss				60,019
Equity method investments, fair value					71,662
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments		¥ 71,986	1,070,000

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Preliminary Fair Value and Final Fair Value Assigned to Assets and Liabilities of GSN Recorded in Pictures Segment (Detail) (Game Show Network, Llc, JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	¥ 4,039
Notes and accounts receivable, trade	3,089
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	395
Film costs	4,178
Property, plant and equipment	220
Intangibles	47,323	47,323
Goodwill	45,905
Other noncurrent assets	38
Total Assets	105,187
Notes and accounts payable, trade	970
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses	4,131
Other current liabilities	59
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,730
Total liabilities	6,890
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	18,779
Noncontrolling interest	40,728
Total	38,790
Preliminary Allocation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	4,039
Notes and accounts receivable, trade	3,089
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	395
Film costs	4,178
Property, plant and equipment	220
Intangibles	46,749
Goodwill	46,432
Other noncurrent assets	38
Total Assets	105,140
Notes and accounts payable, trade	970
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses	4,131
Other current liabilities	59
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,683
Total liabilities	6,843
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	18,779
Noncontrolling interest	40,728
Total	38,790
Measurement period Adjustments
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles	574
Goodwill	(527)
Total Assets	47
Other noncurrent liabilities	47
Total liabilities	¥ 47

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Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information Presents Combined Results of Operations of Sony and GSN (Detail) (Sony and Game Show Network, Llc, JPY ¥) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Sony and Game Show Network, Llc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	¥ 6,325,310	¥ 6,313,222
Operating income	199,445	60,685
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation's stockholders	¥ (259,731)	¥ (33,655)
Basic EPS	¥ (258.81)	¥ (33.54)
Diluted EPS	¥ (258.81)	¥ (33.54)

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Description of evaluating factors in relation to available for sale securities	If the fair value of the security is 20 percent or more below its original cost for an extended period of time (generally for a period of up to six months)
Requisite service period of stock acquisition rights	3 years
Time taken to recognize revenue and cost of sales of software products in instances where the software products' on-line features or additional functionality is considered a substantive deliverable in addition to the software product	6 months
Consideration given to a reseller, primarily for free promotional shipping and cooperative advertising programs included in selling, general and administrative expenses	¥ 17,641	¥ 23,250	¥ 23,591
Percentage chance of tax amount to get realized on settlement with taxing authorities	50.00%
Out of period adjustment to correct error in calculation of indirect taxes	4,413
Increase (decrease) in income taxes			30,422
Increase (decrease)in deferred income taxes		61,115	(30,422)
Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes		8,320	8,320
Increase (decrease) income and other taxes			22,102
Increase (decrease) in other non current assets		(74,981)
Increase (decrease) in assets		(13,866)
Increase (decrease) in other non current liabilities		(22,186)
Increase (decrease) in liability and stockholder equity		¥ (13,866)
Minimum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in equity method investment	20.00%
Maximum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in equity method investment	50.00%
Original maturities of highly liquid investments included in cash and cash equivalents	3 months
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	3
Patent Rights, Know-how, License Agreements and Software
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets, minimum	3
Amortization period of intangible assets, maximum	8
Music catalogs, artist contracts and television carriage agreements
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets, minimum	10
Amortization period of intangible assets, maximum	40
Partnership Interest | Minimum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in equity method investment	3.00%
Partnership Interest | Maximum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in equity method investment	5.00%
Buildings
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life for depreciation, minimum	2
Useful life for depreciation, maximum	50
Machinery, equipment and others
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life for depreciation, minimum	2
Useful life for depreciation, maximum	10

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash flow hedges amounted to net reduction of equity	¥ 1,050

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SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SONY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

	Yen in millions
	Balance at beginning of period		Additions charged to costs and expenses		Deductions (Note 1)			Other (Note 2)			Balance at end of period
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns		110,383		59,987		(61,577	)		(4,318	)		104,475
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns		104,475		50,345		(55,106	)		(9,183	)		90,531
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns		90,531		33,441		(49,509	)		(3,454	)		71,009

Notes:

1. Reversal including amounts written off.

2. Translation adjustment.

	Balance at beginning of period (Note 1)		Additions (Note 2)		Deductions			Other (Note 3)			Balance at end of period (Note 1)
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010:
Valuation allowance — Deferred tax assets		120,512		48,372		(40,210	)		(2,421	)		126,253
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:
Valuation allowance — Deferred tax assets		126,253		381,837		(28,736	)		(5,641	)		473,713
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012:
Valuation allowance — Deferred tax assets		473,713		469,788		(22,904	)		(52,364	)		868,233

Note:

1. As discussed in Note 21 of the consolidated financial statements, the presentation of deferred income taxes in the consolidated balance sheets have been revised to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2012, which impacted the presentation of the valuation allowance for the previous fiscal years.

2. Including a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets which Sony Ericsson had prior to its acquisition during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Refer to Note 21 of the consolidated financial statements.

3. Translation adjustment and the effect of changes in statutory tax rate.

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Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Other - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 JPY (¥)	Jan. 19, 2007 Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Third-party investor	Mar. 31, 2012 Commercial customer JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 Game Show Network, Llc	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Minimum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Put Option	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Minimum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Put Option	Nov. 11, 2011 EMI Music Publishing USD ($)	Nov. 11, 2011 EMI Music Publishing Sony USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Financial Services JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Pictures JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Music JPY (¥)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unused committed lines of credit	¥ 800,306																	¥ 20,051
Purchase commitments and other outstanding	276,016
Commitments outstanding for purchase of property, plant and equipment	35,725		525
Commitment agreement period																			5 years	5 years
Subsidiaries committed to make payments contracts																			117,187	41,853
Total acquisition cost																2,200	325
Percentage of ownership interest acquired																	38.00%
Maximum expected ownership interest																	40.00%
Other liabilities current	463,166	430,488				15,173
Other long term liabilities						35,404
Contingent liabilities including guarantees	78,743
Guaranty obligation				303
Ownership interest used as collateral, Percent					50.00%
Ownership percentage in equity method investment							5.00%								18.00%
Term of put right, exercisable											60 days				60 days
Description of dates (period) put right can be exercised								The put right is exercisable during three windows starting on April 1 of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and lasting for 60 business days.				The put right is exercisable during three windows starting on April 1 of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and lasting for 60 business days (each such period, a "Trigger Window").
Put exercise price									$ 234	$ 288			$ 234	$ 288

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Net Deferred Tax Assets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Current assets - Deferred income taxes	¥ 36,769	¥ 133,059
Other assets - Deferred income taxes	100,460	300,702
Current liabilities - Other	(19,236)	(42,340)
Long-term liabilities - Deferred income taxes	(284,499)	(306,227)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	¥ (166,506)	¥ 85,194

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Equity Investees Information, Statements of Income (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012 Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Maximum	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2011 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2010 Sony Ericsson	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2012 S-LCD	Mar. 31, 2011 S-LCD	Mar. 31, 2010 S-LCD	Jun. 30, 2011 S-LCD	Mar. 31, 2012 Others	Mar. 31, 2011 Others	Mar. 31, 2010 Others	Mar. 31, 2012 Others Minimum	Mar. 31, 2011 Others Minimum	Mar. 31, 2010 Others Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Others Maximum	Mar. 31, 2011 Others Maximum	Mar. 31, 2010 Others Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net revenues	¥ 745,510	¥ 1,750,023	¥ 1,957,300			¥ 475,898	¥ 673,464	¥ 837,149		¥ 146,002	¥ 807,955	¥ 796,575		¥ 123,610	¥ 268,604	¥ 323,576
Operating income (loss)	(43,636)	46,610	(47,874)			(44,239)	16,453	(81,385)		(4,644)	12,527	3,825		5,247	17,630	29,686
Other income (expense), net						4,504	(1,572)	(4,676)		(3,098)	(4,119)	(4,055)
Income (loss) before income taxes						(39,735)	14,881	(86,061)		(7,742)	8,408	(230)
Income tax (expense) benefit						(73,054)	(6,065)	20,470		(374)	3,094	53
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests						(2,729)	(520)	(3,318)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	(122,684)	28,693	(52,022)			(115,518)	8,296	(68,909)		(8,116)	11,502	(177)		950	8,895	17,064
Percentage of ownership in equity investees				20.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%				20.00%	20.00%	20.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments						(57,759)	4,148	(34,455)		(4,058)	5,751	(89)
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Impairment loss including translation adjustments										(60,019)
Other						79	7	(59)		(1)	1,463	476
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	¥ (121,697)	¥ 14,062	¥ (30,235)			¥ (57,680)	¥ 4,155	¥ (34,514)		¥ (64,078)	¥ 7,214	¥ 387		¥ 61	¥ 2,693	¥ 3,892

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Stockholders' equity

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stockholders' equity

16. Stockholders’ equity

(1) Common stock:

Changes in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 have resulted from the following:

	Number of shares
Balance at March 31, 2009		1,004,535,364
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		36,100
Balance at March 31, 2010		1,004,571,464
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		65,200
Balance at March 31, 2011		1,004,636,664
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		1,500
Balance at March 31, 2012		1,004,638,164

At March 31, 2012, 22,417,400 shares of common stock would be issued upon the conversion or exercise of all convertible bonds and stock acquisition rights outstanding.

Conversions of convertible bonds into common stock are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act of Japan (Kaishaho) and related regulations (collectively the “Companies Act”) by crediting approximately one-half of the conversion proceeds to the common stock account and the remainder to the additional paid-in capital account.

Sony Corporation may purchase its own shares at any time by a resolution of the Board of Directors up to the retained earnings available for dividends to shareholders, in accordance with the Companies Act. No common stock had been acquired by the resolution of the Board of Directors during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

(2) Retained earnings:

The amount of statutory retained earnings of Sony Corporation available for dividends to shareholders as of March 31, 2012 was 310,522 million yen. The appropriation of retained earnings for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, including cash dividends for the six-month period ended March 31, 2012, has been incorporated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. This appropriation of retained earnings was approved at the meeting of the Board of Directors of Sony Corporation held on May 9, 2012 and was then recorded in the statutory books of account, in accordance with the Companies Act.

Retained earnings include Sony’s equity in undistributed earnings of affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method in the amount of 30,809 million yen and 7,891 million yen at March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(3) Other comprehensive income:

Other comprehensive income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period*		74,501			(22,469	)		33,502
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(1,896	)		661			(1,235	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		2,040			(415	)		1,625
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(566	)		489			(77	)
Pension liability adjustment*		45,767			(22,074	)		23,720
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period		4,583			(22	)		4,561
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		2,289			—			2,289
Other comprehensive income		126,718			(43,830	)		64,385

	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period*		(42,311	)		12,996			(25,445	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		21,548			(8,104	)		13,444
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		(662	)		52			(610	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(785	)		(158	)		(943	)
Pension liability adjustment*		3,164			(6,463	)		(3,176	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period		(118,840	)		1,256			(117,584	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(832	)		—			(832	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(138,718	)		(421	)		(135,146	)
	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period*		28,712			(10,162	)		12,369
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		3,417			(1,240	)		2,177
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		(177	)		(70	)		(247	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		911			(125	)		786
Pension liability adjustment*		(29,239	)		(3,934	)		(34,668	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period*		(32,640	)		74			(32,961	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		14,655			—			14,655
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(14,361	)		(15,457	)		(37,889	)

* Amounts allocable to the noncontrolling interests in the equity of a subsidiary and other are deducted from the net-of-tax amount for unrealized holding gains on securities, pension liability adjustment and foreign currency translation adjustments arising during the period.

During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, losses of 2,289 million yen, gains of 832 million yen and losses of 14,655 million yen, respectively, of foreign currency translation adjustments were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income as a result of the liquidation or sale of certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. The amount transferred during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 includes losses of 12,772 million yen as a result of the other-than-temporary impairment loss on the shares of S-LCD. Refer to Note 5.

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Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Basis of consolidation and accounting for investments in affiliated companies

Basis of consolidation and accounting for investments in affiliated companies -

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sony Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiary companies, general partnerships and other entities in which Sony has a controlling interest, and variable interest entities for which Sony is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated. Investments in business entities in which Sony does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, generally through 20-50% ownership, are accounted for under the equity method. In addition, investments in general partnerships in which Sony does not have a controlling interest and limited partnerships are also accounted for under the equity method if more than minor influence over the operation of the investee exists (generally through more than 3-5% ownership). When the interest in the partnership is so minor that Sony has no significant influence over the operation of the investee, the cost method is used. Under the equity method, investments are stated at cost plus/minus Sony’s portion of equity in undistributed earnings or losses. Sony’s equity in current earnings or losses of such entities is reported net of income taxes and is included in operating income (loss) after the elimination of unrealized intercompany profits. If the value of an investment has declined and is judged to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value.

On occasion, a consolidated subsidiary or an affiliated company accounted for by the equity method may issue its shares to third parties in either a public or private 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 earnings for the year the change in interest transaction occurs, while a change in interest of a consolidated subsidiary that does not result in a change in control is accounted for as a capital transaction and no gains or losses are recorded in earnings.

The excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies accounted for on an equity basis is allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on fair values at the date of acquisition. The unassigned residual value of the excess of the cost over Sony’s underlying net equity is recognized as goodwill as a component of the investment balance.

Use of estimates

Use of estimates -

The preparation of the consolidated 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. The most significant estimates include those used in determining the valuation of investment securities, valuation of inventories, fair values of long-lived assets, fair values of goodwill, intangible assets and assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, product warranty liability, pension and severance plans, valuation of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, film costs, and insurance related liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Translation of foreign currencies

Translation of foreign currencies -

All asset and liability accounts of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated into Japanese yen at appropriate fiscal year end current exchange rates and all income and expense accounts are translated at exchange 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. Upon remeasurement of a previously held equity interest in accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations achieved in stages, accumulated translation adjustments, if any, remain as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income as there has not been sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment.

Receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies are translated at appropriate fiscal year end exchange rates and the resulting translation gains or losses are taken into income.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents -

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments, 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.

Marketable debt and equity securities

Marketable debt and equity securities -

Debt 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 fair 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.

Sony regularly evaluates its investment portfolio to identify other-than-temporary impairments of individual securities. Factors that are considered by Sony in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the length of time and extent to which the market value of the security has been less than its original cost, the financial condition, operating results, business plans and estimated future cash flows of the issuer of the security, other specific factors affecting the market value, deterioration of the credit condition of the issuers, sovereign risk, and whether or not Sony is able to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for the anticipated recovery in market value.

In evaluating the factors for available-for-sale securities whose fair values are readily determinable, Sony presumes a decline in value to be other-than-temporary if the fair value of the security is 20 percent or more below its original cost for an extended period of time (generally for a period of up to six months). This criterion is employed as a threshold to identify securities which may have a decline in value that is other-than-temporary. The presumption of an other-than-temporary impairment in such cases may be overcome if there is evidence to support that the decline is temporary in nature due to the existence of other factors which overcome the duration or magnitude of the decline. On the other hand, there may be cases where impairment losses are recognized when the decline in the fair value of the security is not more than 20 percent or such decline has not existed for an extended period of time, as a result of considering specific factors which may indicate the decline in the fair value is other-than-temporary.

When an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security has occurred, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in income depends on whether Sony intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. If the debt security meets either of these two criteria, the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in income, measured as the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost and its fair value at the impairment measurement date. For other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities that do not meet these two criteria, the net amount recognized in income is a credit loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and its net present value calculated by discounting Sony’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any difference between the fair value and the net present value of the debt security at the impairment measurement date is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains or losses on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in income are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Equity securities in non-public companies

Equity securities in non-public companies -

Equity securities in non-public companies are primarily carried at cost if fair value is not readily determinable. If the carrying value of a non-public equity investment is estimated to have declined and such decline is judged to be other-than-temporary, Sony recognizes the impairment of the investment and the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Determination of impairment is based on the consideration of several factors, including operating results, business plans and estimated future cash flows. Fair value is determined through the use of various methodologies such as discounted cash flows, valuation of recent financings and comparable valuations of similar companies.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts -

Sony maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. Sony reviews accounts receivable by amounts due by customers which are past due to identify specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In determining the amount of the reserve, Sony makes judgments about the creditworthiness of customers based on past collection experience and ongoing credit risk evaluations.

Inventories

Inventories -

Inventories in the Consumer Products & Services, Professional, Device & Solutions and Music segments as well as non-film inventories for the Pictures segment 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, including the inventories in the Sony Mobile Communications segment. The market value of inventory is determined as the net realizable value - i.e., estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less predictable costs of completion and disposal. Sony does not consider a normal profit margin when calculating the net realizable value.

Other receivables

Other receivables -

Other receivables include receivables which relate to arrangements with certain component manufacturers whereby Sony procures goods, including product components, for these component manufacturers and is reimbursed for the related purchases. No revenue or profit is recognized on these transfers. Sony usually will repurchase the inventory at a later date from the component manufacturers as either finished goods inventory or as partially assembled product.

Film costs

Film costs -

Film costs include direct production costs, production overhead and acquisition costs for both motion picture and television productions and are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated fair value and classified as noncurrent assets. Film costs are amortized and the estimated liabilities for residuals and participations are accrued using an individual-film-forecast method based on the ratio of current period actual revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues. Film costs also include broadcasting rights which consist of acquired programming to be aired on Sony’s worldwide channel network and are recognized when the license period begins and the program is available for use. Broadcasting rights are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value, classified as either current or noncurrent assets based on timing of expected use, and amortized based on estimated usage or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Estimates used in calculating the fair value of the film costs and the net realizable value of the broadcasting rights are based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions and are reviewed on a periodic basis.

Property, plant and equipment and depreciation

Property, plant and equipment and depreciation -

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed on the declining-balance method for Sony Corporation and its Japanese subsidiaries, except for certain semiconductor manufacturing facilities and buildings whose depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment for foreign subsidiaries is also computed on the straight-line method. Useful lives for depreciation range from two to 50 years for buildings and from two 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.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets -

Goodwill and certain other intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized and are tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Reporting units are Sony’s operating segments or one level below the operating segments. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Fair value of reporting units and indefinite lived intangible assets is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates, determination of appropriate comparable entities and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. In addition to the estimates of future cash flows, two of the most significant estimates involved in the determination of fair value of the reporting units are the discount rates and perpetual growth rate applied to terminal values used in the discounted cash flow analysis. The discount rates used in the cash flow models for the goodwill impairment testing consider market and industry data as well as specific risk factors for each reporting unit. The perpetual growth rates for the individual reporting units, for purposes of the terminal value determination, are generally set after an initial three-year forecasted period, although certain reporting units utilized longer forecasted periods, and are based on historical experience, market and industry data.

Intangible assets with finite useful lives mainly consist of patent rights, know-how, license agreements, customer relationships, trademarks, software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed, music catalogs, artist contracts and television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements). Patent rights, know-how, license agreements, trademarks and software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed are generally amortized on a straight-line basis, generally, over three to eight years. Customer relationships, music catalogs, artist contracts and television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements) are amortized on a straight-line basis, generally, over 10 to 40 years.

Software to be sold, leased, or marketed

Software to be sold, leased, or marketed -

Sony accounts for software development costs in accordance with accounting guidance for the costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed. The costs related to establishing the technological feasibility of a software product are expensed as incurred as a part of research and development in cost of sales. Costs that are incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility is established are capitalized and amortized to cost of sales over the estimated economic life, which is generally three years. The technological feasibility of game software is established when the product master is completed. Consideration to capitalize game software development costs before this point is limited to the development costs of games for which technological feasibility can be proven to be at an earlier stage. At each balance sheet date, Sony performs periodic reviews to ensure that unamortized capitalized software costs remain recoverable from future profits of the related software products.

Deferred insurance acquisition costs

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 include such items as commissions, medical examination costs and inspection report fees, and are subject to recoverability testing at least annually to ensure that the capitalized amounts do not exceed the present value of anticipated gross profits or premiums less benefits and maintenance expenses, as applicable. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related insurance policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy reserves. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for non-traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the expected life in proportion to the estimated gross profits.

Product warranty

Product warranty -

Sony provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The product warranty is calculated based upon product sales, estimated probability of failure and estimated cost per claim. The variables used in the calculation of the provision are reviewed on a periodic basis.

Certain subsidiaries in the Consumer Products & Services and Professional, Device & Solutions segments offer extended warranty programs. The consideration received for extended warranty service is deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the extended warranty.

Future insurance policy benefits

Future insurance policy benefits -

Liabilities for future insurance policy benefits are primarily comprised of the present value of estimated future payments to policyholders. These liabilities are computed by the net level premium method based upon the assumptions, including future investment yield, morbidity, mortality, withdrawals and other factors. These assumptions are reviewed on a periodic basis. Liabilities for future insurance policy benefits also include liabilities for guaranteed benefits related to certain non-traditional life and annuity contracts.

Policyholders' account in the life insurance business

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business -

Liabilities for policyholders’ account in the life insurance business represent the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholders as of the balance sheet date. This liability is generally equal to the accumulated account deposits, plus interest credited, less policyholder withdrawals and other charges assessed against the account balances.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Impairment of long-lived assets -

Sony reviews the recoverability of the carrying value of its long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, and assets to be disposed of, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the individual carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group with their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the cash flows are determined to be less than the carrying value of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss has occurred and the loss would be recognized during the period for the difference between the carrying value of the asset or asset group and estimated fair value. Long-lived assets that are to be disposed of other than by sale are considered held and used until they are disposed of. Long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less cost to sell and are not depreciated. Fair value is determined using the present value of estimated net cash flows or comparable market values. This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rates applied to determine terminal values, determination of appropriate market comparables and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables.

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement -

Sony measures fair value as an exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date.

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of inputs to valuation techniques based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Sony’s assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable market data is used if such data is available without undue cost and effort. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of three levels which is determined by the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are:

Level 1	—	Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2	—	Inputs are based on observable inputs other than level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations, in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3	—	One or more significant inputs are unobservable.

When available, Sony uses unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets to measure fair value and classifies such items within level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates, currency rates and option volatilities. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation. For certain financial assets and liabilities, Sony determines fair value using third-party information such as indicative quotes from dealers and quantitative input from investment advisors following Sony’s established valuation procedures including validation against internally developed prices. Additionally, Sony considers both counterparty credit risk and Sony’s own creditworthiness in determining fair value. Sony attempts to mitigate credit risk to third parties by entering into netting agreements and actively monitoring the creditworthiness of counterparties and its exposure to credit risk through the use of credit limits and by selecting major international banks and financial institutions as counterparties.

Transfers between levels are deemed to have occurred at the beginning of the each interim period in which the transfers occur.

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments -

All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in income or stockholders’ equity (as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income), depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies as a hedge and the derivative is being used to hedge changes in fair value or cash flows.

The accounting guidance for hybrid financial instruments permits an entity to elect fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument if the hybrid instrument contains an embedded derivative that would otherwise be required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The election to measure the hybrid instrument at fair value is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irreversible. Certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have hybrid financial instruments, disclosed in Note 7 as debt securities, that contain embedded derivatives where the entire instrument is carried at fair value.

In accordance with accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the various derivative financial instruments held by Sony are classified and accounted for as described below.

Fair value hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as fair value hedges for recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments are recognized in earnings as offsets to changes in the fair value of the related hedged assets or liabilities.

Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and effective as cash flow hedges for forecasted transactions or exposures associated with recognized assets or liabilities are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion are recognized in current period earnings.

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized in current period earnings.

Assessment of hedges

When applying hedge accounting, Sony formally documents all hedging relationships between the derivatives designated as hedges and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedging activities. Sony links all hedges that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or to the specific forecasted transactions. Sony also assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, Sony discontinues hedge accounting. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is included in the current period earnings.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation -

Sony accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair value based method, measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The expense is mainly included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Sony recognizes this compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, only for the rights expected to vest ratably over the requisite service period of the stock acquisition rights, which is generally a period of three years. The estimated forfeiture rate is based on Sony’s historical experience in the stock acquisition rights plans where the majority of the vesting terms have been satisfied.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition -

Revenues from sales in the Consumer Products & Services, Professional, Device & Solutions, Music and Sony Mobile Communications segments are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer has taken title to the product and the risks and rewards of ownership have been substantively transferred. If the sales contract contains a customer acceptance provision, then sales are recognized after customer acceptance occurs or the acceptance provisions lapse. Revenues are recognized net of anticipated returns and sales incentives.

Revenue arrangements with customers may include multiple elements, including any combination of products, services and software. An example includes sales of electronics products with rights to receive promotional goods. For Sony’s multiple element arrangements where at least one of the elements is not subject to existing software revenue recognition guidance, elements are separated into more than one unit of accounting when the delivered element(s) have value to the customer on a standalone basis, and delivery of the undelivered element(s) is probable and substantially in the control of Sony. Revenue is then allocated to each unit of accounting based on the relative selling price of each unit of accounting based first on vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”) if it exists, based next on third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) if VSOE does not exist, and, finally, if both VSOE and TPE do not exist, based on estimated selling prices (“ESP”). VSOE is limited to either the price charged for an element when it is sold separately or, for an element not yet being sold separately, the price established by management having the relevant authority; it must be probable that the price, once established, will not change before the separate introduction of the element into the market place. TPE is the price of Sony’s or any competitor’s largely interchangeable products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. ESP is the price at which Sony would transact if the element were sold by Sony regularly on a standalone basis. When determining ESP, Sony considers all relevant inputs, including sales, cost and margin analysis of the product, targeted rate of return of the product, competitors’ and Sony’s pricing practices and customer perspectives.

Certain software products published by Sony provide limited on-line features at no additional cost to the customer. Generally, such features are considered to be incidental to the overall software product and an inconsequential deliverable. Accordingly, revenue related to software products containing these limited on-line features is not deferred. In instances where the software products’ on-line features or additional functionality is considered a substantive deliverable in addition to the software product, revenue and costs of sales are recognized ratably over an estimated service period, which is estimated to be six months.

Revenues from the theatrical exhibition of motion pictures are recognized as the customer exhibits the film. Revenues from the licensing of motion picture and television product are recorded when the product is available for exploitation by the licensee and when any restrictions regarding the use of the product lapse. Revenues from the sale of DVDs and Blu-ray Disc^™, net of anticipated returns and sales incentives, are recognized upon availability of sale to the public. Revenues from the sale of broadcast advertising are recognized when the advertisement is aired. Revenues from subscription fees received by the television networks are recognized when the service is provided.

Traditional life insurance policies that the life insurance subsidiary underwrites, most of which are categorized as long-duration contracts, mainly consist of whole life, term life and accident and health insurance contracts. Premiums from these policies are reported as revenue when due from policyholders.

Amounts received as payment for non-traditional contracts such as interest sensitive whole life contracts, single payment juvenile contracts and other contracts without life contingencies are recognized in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business. Revenues from these contracts are comprised of fees earned for administrative and contract-holder services, which are recognized over the period of the contracts, and included in financial services revenue.

Property and casualty insurance policies that the non-life insurance subsidiary underwrites are primarily automotive insurance contracts which are categorized as short-duration contracts. Premiums from these policies are reported as revenue over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.

Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

Consideration given to a customer or a reseller

Consideration given to a customer or a reseller -

In accordance with the accounting guidance for consideration given by a vendor to a customer or reseller of the vendor’s products, sales incentives or other cash consideration given to a customer or a reseller including payments for buydowns, slotting fees and cooperative advertising programs, are accounted for as a reduction of revenue unless Sony receives an identifiable benefit (goods or services) in exchange for the consideration, the fair value of the benefit is reasonably estimated and documentation from the reseller is received to support the amounts paid to the reseller. Payments meeting these criteria are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, consideration given to a reseller, primarily for free promotional shipping and cooperative advertising programs included in selling, general and administrative expenses totaled 23,591 million yen, 23,250 million yen and 17,641 million yen, respectively.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales -

Costs classified as cost of sales relate to the producing and manufacturing of products and include items such as material cost, subcontractor cost, depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of intangible assets, personnel expenses, research and development costs, and amortization of film costs related to motion picture and television products.

Research, development costs

Research and development costs -

Research and development costs, included in cost of sales, include items such as salaries, personnel expenses and other direct and indirect expenses associated with research and product development. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative -

Costs classified as selling expense relate to promoting and selling products and include items such as advertising, promotion, shipping, and warranty expenses. General and administrative expenses include operating items such as officers’ salaries, personnel expenses, depreciation of fixed assets, office rental for sales, marketing and administrative divisions, a provision for doubtful accounts and amortization of intangible assets.

Financial services expenses

Financial services expenses -

Financial services expenses include a provision for policy reserves and amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs, and all other operating costs such as personnel expenses, depreciation of fixed assets, and office rental of subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment.

Advertising costs

Advertising costs -

Advertising costs are expensed when the advertisement or commercial appears in the selected media.

Shipping and handling costs

Shipping and handling costs -

The majority of shipping and handling, warehousing and internal transfer costs for finished goods are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. An exception to this is in the Pictures segment where such costs are charged to cost of sales as they are an integral part of producing and distributing films under accounting guidance for accounting by producers or distributors of films. All other costs related to Sony’s distribution network are included in cost of sales, including inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs and warehousing costs for raw materials and in-process inventory. Amounts paid by customers for shipping and handling costs are included in net sales.

Income taxes

Income taxes -

The provision for income taxes is computed based on the pretax income included in the consolidated statements of income, and the tax liability attributed to undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method expected to be remitted in the foreseeable future. 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.

Carrying amounts of deferred tax assets require a reduction by a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically with appropriate consideration given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. Management’s judgments related to this assessment consider, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses on an individual tax jurisdiction basis, forecasts of future profitability after consideration of uncertain tax positions, excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of net assets, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, the past utilization of net operating loss carryforwards prior to expiration, as well as prudent and feasible tax planning strategies which would be employed by Sony to prevent net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards from expiring unutilized.

Sony records assets and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Sony continues to recognize interest and penalties, if any, with respect to income taxes, including unrecognized tax benefits, as interest expense and as income tax expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income. The amount of income taxes Sony pays is subject to ongoing audits by various taxing authorities, which may result in proposed assessments. In addition, several significant items related to intercompany transfer pricing are currently the subject of negotiations between taxing authorities in different jurisdictions as a result of pending advance pricing agreement applications and competent authority requests. Sony’s estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issues is judgmental and requires significant estimates. Sony assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examinations based upon the evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at that reporting date. For those tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, Sony records the amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. If Sony does not believe that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. However, Sony’s future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to Sony’s estimated tax liabilities due to closure of income tax examinations, the outcome of negotiations between taxing authorities in different jurisdictions, new regulatory or judicial pronouncements or other relevant events. As a result, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, and the effective tax rate, may fluctuate significantly.

Net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation's stockholders per share ("EPS")

Net income (loss) attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders per share (“EPS”) -

Basic EPS is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted EPS reflects the maximum possible dilution from conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities including the conversion of contingently convertible debt instruments regardless of whether the conditions to exercise the conversion rights have been met. All potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation in a situation where there is a net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

(2) Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:

Goodwill impairment testing for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts -

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that modifies the first step of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with existing authoritative guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This guidance was effective for Sony as of April 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations -

In December 2010, the FASB issued new accounting guidance addressing when a business combination should be assumed to have occurred for the purpose of providing pro forma disclosure. The new guidance requires disclosure of revenue and income of the combined entity as though the business combination occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior reporting period. The guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosure to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The guidance was effective for Sony as of April 1, 2011. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption did not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Amendments to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) -

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance to substantially converge fair value measurement and disclosure requirements under U.S. GAAP and IFRS, including a consistent definition of fair value. The amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. For many of the requirements, the FASB does not intend for the new guidance to result in a change in the application of the existing guidance for fair value measurements. However, some of the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements and other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The guidance was effective for Sony in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosures about an employer’s participation in a multiemployer plan -

In September 2011, the FASB issued new disclosure guidance regarding multiemployer pension and other postretirement benefit plans. This guidance requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures for all individually significant multiemployer pension plans on annual basis, and revises the disclosures for multiemployer plans that provide other postretirement benefits. This guidance does not change the current recognition and measurement guidance for an employer’s participation in a multiemployer plan. This guidance was effective for Sony beginning with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, and is applied retrospectively. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, and Sony does not have any significant participation in multiemployer plans, its adoption did not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

(3) Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted:

Accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts -

In October 2010, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. Under the new guidance acquisition costs are to include only those costs that are directly related to the acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts by applying a model similar to the accounting for loan origination costs. An entity may defer incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that are incurred in transactions with independent third parties or employees as well as the portion of employee compensation and other costs directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical inspection, and contract selling for successfully negotiated contracts. Additionally, an entity may capitalize as a deferred acquisition cost only those advertising costs meeting the capitalization criteria for direct-response advertising. This change is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. Sony will apply this guidance prospectively from the date of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Testing goodwill for impairment -

In September 2011, the FASB issued a new standard to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. The new standard allows companies an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining if it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under the new standard, a company is no longer required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the company determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The new standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. This standard is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Presentation of comprehensive income -

In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for presentation of comprehensive income. The amendments require reporting entities to report components of comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements. This change is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and will be applied retrospectively. Subsequently, in December 2011, the FASB issued update accounting guidance for deferral of the effective date for amendments to the presentation of reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The remaining requirements of the guidance issued in June 2011 will become effective as originally issued. The guidance is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2012. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption will not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosure about balance sheet offsetting -

In December 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable financial statement users to understand the effect of such arrangements on the statement of financial position as well as to improve comparability of balance sheets prepared under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The new guidance is required to be applied retrospectively and is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2013. Since this guidance impacts disclosures only, its adoption will not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Reclassifications

(4) Reclassifications:

Certain reclassifications of the financial statements and accompanying footnotes for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 have been made to conform to the presentation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Out of period adjustment

(5) Out of period adjustments:

The calculation of indirect taxes at a subsidiary -

In the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an out of period adjustment to correct an error in the calculation of indirect taxes at a subsidiary. The indirect tax calculation error began in 2005 and continued until it was identified by Sony in the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The adjustment, substantially all of which related to the Consumer Products & Services segment, impacted net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and interest expenses and, in the aggregate, increased loss before income taxes in consolidated statements of income by 4,413 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Sony determined that the adjustment was not material to the consolidated financial statements for any prior annual or interim periods and for the year ended March 31, 2012.

Revision of the presentation in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 -

The presentation of certain amounts for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 have been revised to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2012 to reflect the results of an analysis of deferred tax assets in relation to certain unrecognized tax benefits that was completed during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, within income taxes in the consolidated statements of income, this revision increased current income taxes by 30,422 million yen with a corresponding decrease to deferred income taxes, with no impact on net income and net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, this revision decreased deferred income taxes by 30,422 million yen, increased accrued income and other taxes by 8,320 million yen and increased other by 22,102 million yen, with no impact on net cash provided by operating activities. This revision had no impact on Sony’s consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, in the consolidated balance sheets, this revision increased deferred income taxes in other assets by 61,115 million yen, decreased other noncurrent assets by 74,981 million yen, decreased total assets by 13,866 million yen, increased accrued income and other taxes by 8,320 million yen, decreased other noncurrent liabilities by 22,186 million yen and decreased total liabilities and equity by 13,866 million yen. This revision had no impact on Sony’s consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

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Effects of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Fair Value Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	¥ (3,047)	¥ 570	¥ (3,378)
Fair Value Hedging | Interest rate contracts | Financial services revenue
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	(2,998)	588	(3,475)
Fair Value Hedging | Foreign exchange contracts | Foreign exchange gain or (loss), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	(49)	(18)	97
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative	171	(108)
Gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)	308	329
Gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest rate contracts | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative	171	(108)
Gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)	308	329
Gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	917	3,660	(8,530)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Financial services revenue
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	(3,303)	(3,332)	(884)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Financial services expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative		32	32
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Financial services revenue
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	(79)	(1,294)	1,468
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Foreign exchange gain or (loss), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	4,324	8,311	(8,779)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Equity Contracts | Financial services revenue
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative			83
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Bond Contracts | Financial services revenue
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative		44	68
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Credit contracts | Financial services revenue
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	¥ (25)	¥ (101)	¥ (518)

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Changes in Accrued Restructuring Charges (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued restructuring charges, beginning balance	¥ 20,559		¥ 36,180		¥ 65,274
Sony Ericsson acquisition	10,979
Restructuring costs	52,645		62,318		116,472
Non-cash charges	(20,428)		(8,294)		(31,928)
Cash payments	(29,790)		(66,607)		(110,557)
Adjustments	(1,032)		(3,038)		(3,081)
Accrued restructuring charges, ending balance	32,933		20,559		36,180
Employee termination benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued restructuring charges, beginning balance	15,585		27,218		53,813
Sony Ericsson acquisition	8,789
Restructuring costs	25,453		38,264		65,133
Cash payments	(24,928)		(47,521)		(88,803)
Adjustments	98		(2,376)		(2,925)
Accrued restructuring charges, ending balance	24,997		15,585		27,218
Non-cash write-downs and disposals, net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	20,428	[1]	8,294	[1]	31,928	[1]
Non-cash charges	(20,428)	[1]	(8,294)	[1]	(31,928)	[1]
Other associated costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued restructuring charges, beginning balance	4,974		8,962		11,461
Sony Ericsson acquisition	2,190
Restructuring costs	6,764		15,760		19,411
Cash payments	(4,862)		(19,086)		(21,754)
Adjustments	(1,130)		(662)		(156)
Accrued restructuring charges, ending balance	¥ 7,936		¥ 4,974		¥ 8,962

[1] Significant asset impairments excluded from restructuring charges are described below.

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Great East Japan Earthquake and Thai Floods

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Great East Japan Earthquake and Thai Floods

18. Great East Japan Earthquake and Thai Floods

(1) Great East Japan Earthquake

On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced a massive earthquake and tsunami (the “Great East Japan Earthquake”). The disaster caused significant damage to certain fixed assets including buildings, machinery and equipment as well as inventories in manufacturing sites and warehouses located principally in northeastern Japan.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony incurred incremental losses and expenses including repair, removal and cleaning costs directly related to the damage caused by the disaster of 10,897 million yen, including the disposal or impairment of fixed assets of 7,668 million yen. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income and were offset by insurance recoveries of 10,841 million yen, the amount that was deemed probable up to the extent of the corresponding losses recognized, as described below. The restoration costs anticipated to occur on or after April 1, 2011 were not recorded in the period ended March 31, 2011. In addition, Sony also incurred other losses and expenses of 11,821 million yen, which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites, and an additional provision for life insurance policy reserves. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in cost of sales and financial services expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony incurred incremental losses and expenses including repair, removal, restoration and cleaning costs directly related to the damage caused by the disaster of 5,864 million yen. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income and were partially offset by insurance recoveries of 2,159 million yen, as described below. In addition, Sony also incurred other losses and expenses of 6,294 million yen, which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Sony has insurance policies which cover certain damage directly caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake for Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries including manufacturing sites. The insurance policies cover the damage and costs associated with fixed assets and inventories and provide business interruption coverage, including lost profits.

Insurance claims in the amount of 15,000 million yen, the total coverage amount, were agreed to by the insurance carriers as a final settlement and were paid in March 2012. Of this amount, 2,000 million yen is due to a certain carrier as reinsurance and recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The insurance proceeds are primarily included in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

(2) Thai Floods

In October 2011, certain of Sony’s Thailand subsidiaries temporarily closed operations due to significant floods (the “Floods”). The Floods caused significant damage to certain fixed assets including buildings, machinery and equipment as well as inventories in manufacturing sites and warehouses located in Thailand. In addition, the Floods impacted the operations of certain Sony subsidiaries in Japan and other countries.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony incurred incremental losses and expenses including repair, removal and cleaning costs directly related to the damage caused by the Floods of 13,236 million yen, including the disposal or impairment of fixed assets of 7,882 million yen. These losses and expenses were primarily recorded in other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income and were offset by insurance recoveries as described below. The restoration costs anticipated to occur on or after April 1, 2012 were not recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 and will be recorded when the services are rendered and liabilities incurred. In addition, Sony also incurred other losses and expenses of 13,899 million yen, which included idle facility costs at manufacturing sites and other additional expenses. These losses and expenses were mainly recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Sony has insurance policies which cover certain damage directly caused by the Floods for Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries including manufacturing sites. The insurance policies cover the damage and costs associated with fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses including removal and cleaning costs and provide business interruption coverage, including lost profits.

Insurance claims in the amount of 50,416 million yen were agreed to by the insurance carriers and were paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Of this amount, Sony received 26,316 million yen for fixed assets, inventories and additional expenses, of which 17,520 million yen represents the portion of insurance recoveries in excess of the carrying value before the damage caused by the Floods of the insured fixed assets and inventories, and were recorded in cost of sales and other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. The remaining amount of the insurance claims paid of 24,100 million yen was for business interruption insurance recoveries, which applies to the lost profit which occurred after the Floods to December 31, 2011, and were recorded in other operating revenue in the consolidated statements of income. The insurance proceeds for fixed assets and for other than fixed assets are included in investing activities and operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, respectively.

In addition, as of March 31, 2012, Sony still had pending insurance claims for damage to fixed assets, inventories, additional expenses and business interruption. Sony recorded insurance receivables of 5,788 million yen which represents the portion of the insurance claims that were deemed probable of collection up to the extent of the amount of corresponding losses recognized in the same period and substantially all relate to damaged assets and inventories. Sony concluded that the recoveries from these insurance claims are probable based on the coverage under valid policies, communications with the insurance carriers, Sony’s past claims history with the insurance carriers, and Sony’s assessment that the insurance carriers have the financial ability to pay the claims. These receivables were primarily recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

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Debt and Equity Securities of Aggregate Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses and Fair Value Pertaining to Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Cost	¥ 3,494,481	¥ 3,000,933
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized gains	159,528	22,809
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized losses	(4,499)	(48,221)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair value	3,649,510	2,975,521
Marketable securities, Cost	5,319,511	4,902,589
Marketable securities, Gross unrealized gains	275,833	117,339
Marketable securities, Gross unrealized losses	(14,185)	(68,497)
Marketable securities, Fair value	5,581,159	4,951,431
Japanese national government bonds
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Cost	3,404,069	2,902,342
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized gains	157,740	22,420
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized losses	(4,499)	(48,149)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair value	3,557,310	2,876,613
Japanese local government bonds
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Cost	12,592	18,912
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized gains	277	218
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized losses		(2)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair value	12,869	19,128
Japanese corporate bonds
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Cost	31,379	32,349
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized gains	1,501	158
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized losses		(67)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair value	32,880	32,440
Foreign corporate bonds
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Cost	46,441	47,330
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized gains	10	13
Held-to-maturity Securities, Gross unrealized losses		(3)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair value	46,451	47,340
Debt Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale, Cost	1,764,336	1,820,673
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized gains	63,289	30,708
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized losses	(8,173)	(16,960)
Available-for-Sale, Fair value	1,819,452	1,834,421
Debt Securities | Japanese national government bonds
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale, Cost	1,036,946	1,124,704
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized gains	55,384	24,032
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized losses	(879)	(4,971)
Available-for-Sale, Fair value	1,091,451	1,143,765
Debt Securities | Japanese local government bonds
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale, Cost	33,513	22,845
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized gains	163	184
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized losses	(1)	(64)
Available-for-Sale, Fair value	33,675	22,965
Debt Securities | Japanese corporate bonds
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale, Cost	293,885	332,567
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized gains	1,489	1,511
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized losses	(224)	(440)
Available-for-Sale, Fair value	295,150	333,638
Debt Securities | Foreign corporate bonds
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale, Cost	377,609	332,316
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized gains	4,705	4,872
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized losses	(7,063)	(11,367)
Available-for-Sale, Fair value	375,251	325,821
Debt Securities | Other
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale, Cost	22,383	8,241
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized gains	1,548	109
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized losses	(6)	(118)
Available-for-Sale, Fair value	23,925	8,232
Equity securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale, Cost	60,694	80,983
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized gains	53,016	63,822
Available-for-Sale, Gross unrealized losses	(1,513)	(3,316)
Available-for-Sale, Fair value	¥ 112,197	¥ 141,489

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Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	1.90%		2.10%
Rate of compensation increase		[1]		[1]
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.70%		5.20%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%		3.50%

[1] Substantially all of Sony's Japanese pension plans were point-based. Point-based plans do not incorporate a measure of compensation rate increases.

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Components of Other Significant Items (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	¥ (121,697)	¥ 14,062	¥ (30,235)
Depreciation and amortization	319,594	325,366	371,004
Consumer Products & Services
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	(64,078)	7,214	387
Depreciation and amortization	69,717	68,579	100,710
Professional, Device & Solutions
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	(198)	(130)	(1,034)
Depreciation and amortization	124,956	122,057	142,411
Pictures
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	(516)	2,483	4,347
Depreciation and amortization	10,825	7,996	8,427
Music
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	(372)	(265)	(80)
Depreciation and amortization	10,789	12,166	13,427
Financial Services
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	(1,252)	(1,961)	(1,345)
Depreciation and amortization	56,322	62,077	56,531
Sony Mobile Communications
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	(57,680)	4,155	(34,514)
Depreciation and amortization	869
All Other
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	2,399	2,566	2,004
Depreciation and amortization	16,656	20,805	22,452
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	290,134	293,680	343,958
Corporate
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	¥ 29,460	¥ 31,686	¥ 27,046

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Nature of operations

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Nature of operations

1. Nature of operations

Sony Corporation and its 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, professional and industrial markets as well as game consoles and software. Sony’s primary manufacturing facilities are located in Asia including Japan. Sony also utilizes third-party contract manufacturers for certain products. Sony’s products are marketed throughout the world by sales subsidiaries and unaffiliated distributors as well as direct sales via the Internet. Sony is engaged in the development, production and acquisition, manufacture, marketing, distribution and broadcasting of image-based software, including motion picture, home entertainment and television products. Sony is also engaged in the development, production, manufacture, and distribution of recorded music. Further, Sony is also engaged in various financial services businesses, including life and non-life insurance operations through its Japanese insurance subsidiaries and banking operations through a Japanese Internet-based banking subsidiary. In addition to the above, Sony is engaged in a network services business and an advertising agency business in Japan.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (JPY ¥)	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Common stock, par value
Common stock, shares authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,004,638,164	1,004,636,664
Treasury stock, common stock shares	1,061,803	1,051,588

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Short-term borrowings and long-term debt

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Short-term borrowings and long-term debt

11. Short-term borrowings and long-term debt

Short-term borrowings are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Unsecured loans:
with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.40%		43,737
with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.98%				89,878
Secured call money:
with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.11%		10,000
with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.11%				10,000
		53,737		99,878

At March 31, 2012, securities investments with a book value of 10,845 million yen were pledged as collateral for 10,000 million yen of call money, by subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment. In addition, marketable securities with a book value of 129,472 million yen were pledged as collateral for cash settlements, variation margins of futures markets and certain other purposes at March 31, 2012.

Long-term debt is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Unsecured loans, representing obligations principally to banks:
Due 2011 to 2018, with interest rates ranging from 0.20% to 4.50% per annum		441,976
Due 2012 to 2024, with interest rates ranging from 0.23% to 4.50% per annum				564,275
Unsecured 1.52% bonds, due 2011, net of unamortized discount		50,000
Unsecured 1.16% bonds, due 2012, net of unamortized discount		39,996		39,999
Unsecured 1.52% bonds, due 2013, net of unamortized discount		34,999		35,000
Unsecured 1.57% bonds, due 2015, net of unamortized discount		29,991		29,993
Unsecured 1.75% bonds, due 2015, net of unamortized discount		24,996		24,997
Unsecured 1.17% bonds, due 2011		10,500
Unsecured 0.95% bonds, due 2012		60,000		60,000
Unsecured 1.40% bonds, due 2013		10,700		10,700
Unsecured 1.30% bonds, due 2014		110,000		110,000
Unsecured 0.55% bonds, due 2016				10,000
Unsecured 0.66% bonds, due 2017				45,000
Unsecured 2.00% bonds, due 2018		16,300		16,300
Unsecured 2.07% bonds, due 2019		50,000		50,000
Unsecured 1.41% bonds, due 2022				10,000
Capital lease obligations:
Due 2011 to 2021, with interest rates ranging from 0.03% to 9.09% per annum Due 2012 to 2026, with interest rates ranging from 0.03% to 8.74% per annum		24,673		49,754
Guarantee deposits received		17,718		16,691
		921,849		1,072,709
Less — Portion due within one year		109,614		310,483
		812,235		762,226

In March 2012, Sony executed a 1,365 million U.S. dollar unsecured bank loan with a group of lenders having six to ten year maturity terms in connection with acquiring Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson. This bank loan utilizes the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (“JBIC”) Facility, which was established to facilitate overseas mergers and acquisitions by Japanese companies as one of countermeasures against yen appreciation. Of the 1,365 million U.S. dollar loan, 60% or 819 million U.S. dollars is from the JBIC Facility and 40% or 546 million U.S. dollars is from private banks. The terms of this U.S. dollar loan agreement require accelerated repayment of the loan if Sony Corporation or its wholly-owned subsidiaries discontinue the business of mobile devices featuring telephone functionality.

There are no significant adverse debt covenants or cross-default provisions related to the above borrowings.

Aggregate amounts of annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		310,483
2014		135,487
2015		209,814
2016		77,391
2017		97,419
Later years		242,115
Total		1,072,709

At March 31, 2012, Sony had unused committed lines of credit amounting to 800,306 million yen and can generally borrow up to 180 days from the banks with whom Sony has committed line contracts. Furthermore, at March 31, 2012, Sony has commercial paper programs, the size of which was 746,570 million yen. Sony can issue commercial paper for a period generally not in excess of 270 days up to the size of the programs.

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Changes in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets as well as Funded Status and Composition of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Change in plan assets:
Employer contribution	¥ 16,000
Japanese plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of the fiscal year	735,853	709,554
Service cost	29,774	29,589	30,980
Interest cost	15,196	16,067	15,402
Amendments	(1,119)
Actuarial (gain) loss	25,098	6,424
Curtailments and settlements	(301)	(404)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries	8,852
Benefits paid	(24,294)	(25,377)
Benefit obligation at end of the fiscal year	789,059	735,853	709,554
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the fiscal year	536,648	515,701
Actual return on plan assets	18,447	4,327
Employer contribution	15,745	34,892
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries	4,592
Benefits paid	(19,185)	(18,272)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the fiscal year	556,247	536,648	515,701
Funded status at end of the fiscal year	(232,812)	(199,205)
Foreign plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of the fiscal year	206,497	231,341
Service cost	3,348	4,160	3,645
Interest cost	10,082	11,165	12,083
Plan participants' contributions	684	764
Amendments	440	(6,677)
Actuarial (gain) loss	12,376	(6,869)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(3,273)	(16,994)
Curtailments and settlements	(577)	(166)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries	3,104
Benefits paid	(11,040)	(10,227)
Benefit obligation at end of the fiscal year	221,641	206,497	231,341
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the fiscal year	140,387	134,226
Actual return on plan assets	11,421	10,930
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(1,872)	(9,121)
Employer contribution	9,033	13,029
Plan participants' contributions	684	764
Curtailments and settlements	(1,386)	(217)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries	2,331
Benefits paid	(9,459)	(9,224)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the fiscal year	151,139	140,387	134,226
Funded status at end of the fiscal year	¥ (70,502)	¥ (66,110)

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Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	¥ 433,491		¥ 375,802
Other investments	83,518	[1]	84,122	[1]
Derivative assets	18,518	[2]	15,110	[2]
Total assets	2,467,176		2,450,944
Derivative liabilities	41,218	[2]	33,759	[2]
Total liabilities	41,218		33,759
Marketable securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	433,491		375,802
Total assets	657,361		628,920
Securities investments and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	83,518	[1]	84,122	[1]
Total assets	1,791,297		1,806,914
Other current assets/ liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	18,513	[2]	15,101	[2]
Total assets	18,513		15,101
Derivative liabilities	40,034	[2]	32,096	[2]
Total liabilities	40,034		32,096
Other noncurrent assets/liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	5	[2]	9	[2]
Total assets	5		9
Derivative liabilities	1,184	[2]	1,663	[2]
Total liabilities	1,184		1,663
Japanese national government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,091,451		1,143,765
Japanese national government bonds | Marketable securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	23,267		71,472
Japanese national government bonds | Securities investments and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,068,184		1,072,293
Japanese local government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	33,675		22,965
Japanese local government bonds | Marketable securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,405		3,415
Japanese local government bonds | Securities investments and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	32,270		19,550
Japanese corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	295,150		333,638
Japanese corporate bonds | Marketable securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	123,434		96,745
Japanese corporate bonds | Securities investments and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	171,716		236,893
Foreign corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	375,251		325,821
Foreign corporate bonds | Marketable securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	75,764		81,486
Foreign corporate bonds | Securities investments and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	299,487		244,335
Other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	23,925		8,232
Other | Securities investments and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	23,925		8,232
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	112,197		141,489
Equity securities | Securities investments and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	112,197		141,489
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	214,036		189,320
Other investments	5,475	[1]	5,459	[1]
Total assets	331,028		336,187
Level 1 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	111,517		141,408
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	219,455		186,482
Other investments	4,592	[1]	4,637	[1]
Derivative assets	18,518	[2]	15,110	[2]
Total assets	2,045,584		2,016,100
Derivative liabilities	41,218	[2]	33,759	[2]
Total liabilities	41,218		33,759
Level 2 | Japanese national government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,091,451		1,143,765
Level 2 | Japanese local government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	33,675		22,965
Level 2 | Japanese corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	293,637		329,057
Level 2 | Foreign corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	359,960		306,070
Level 2 | Other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	23,616		7,933
Level 2 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	680		81
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	73,451	[1]	74,026	[1]
Total assets	90,564		98,657
Level 3 | Japanese corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,513		4,581
Level 3 | Foreign corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	15,291		19,751
Level 3 | Other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	¥ 309		¥ 299

[1] Other investments include certain hybrid financial instruments and certain private equity investments.

[2] Derivative assets and liabilities are recognized and disclosed on a gross basis.

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Housing Loans and Deposits from Customers in Banking Business - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Housing Loans and Deposits from Customers [Line Items]
Housing loans in the banking business	¥ 749,636	¥ 656,047
Allowance for credit losses of housing loans in the banking business	1,066	925
Balance of time deposits issued in amounts of 10 million yen or more	¥ 374,665	¥ 247,799

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Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2012 Employee termination benefits	Mar. 31, 2011 Employee termination benefits	Mar. 31, 2010 Employee termination benefits	Mar. 31, 2012 Other associated costs	Mar. 31, 2011 Other associated costs	Mar. 31, 2010 Other associated costs	Mar. 31, 2012 Consumer Products & Services	Mar. 31, 2011 Consumer Products & Services	Mar. 31, 2010 Consumer Products & Services	Mar. 31, 2012 Consumer Products & Services Retirement Plan	Mar. 31, 2011 Consumer Products & Services Retirement Plan	Mar. 31, 2010 Consumer Products & Services Retirement Plan	Mar. 31, 2010 Consumer Products & Services Business Realignments	Mar. 31, 2011 Consumer Products & Services Sales and Transfers of Manufacturing Operation	Mar. 31, 2012 Consumer Products & Services LCD Television Assets Group	Mar. 31, 2010 Consumer Products & Services LCD Television Assets Group	Mar. 31, 2012 Consumer Products & Services Network Business Assets Group	Mar. 31, 2012 Professional, Device & Solutions	Mar. 31, 2011 Professional, Device & Solutions	Mar. 31, 2010 Professional, Device & Solutions	Mar. 31, 2010 Professional, Device & Solutions OLED Business	Mar. 31, 2012 Professional, Device & Solutions Small- and Medium-Sized TFT LCD Business	Mar. 31, 2010 Professional, Device & Solutions Small- and Medium-Sized TFT LCD Business	Mar. 31, 2012 Professional, Device & Solutions Retirement Plan	Mar. 31, 2011 Professional, Device & Solutions Retirement Plan	Mar. 31, 2010 Professional, Device & Solutions Retirement Plan	Mar. 31, 2010 Professional, Device & Solutions Business Realignments	Mar. 31, 2012 Financial Services	Mar. 31, 2011 Financial Services	Mar. 31, 2010 Financial Services	Mar. 31, 2011 Financial Services Financial services expenses	Mar. 31, 2010 Financial Services Financial services expenses	Mar. 31, 2011 Financial Services Other operating (income) expense, net	Mar. 31, 2010 Financial Services Other operating (income) expense, net	Mar. 31, 2012 All Other and Corporate	Mar. 31, 2011 All Other and Corporate	Mar. 31, 2010 All Other and Corporate	Mar. 31, 2010 All Other and Corporate Business Realignments	Mar. 31, 2010 All Other and Corporate Lease Termination	Mar. 31, 2010 Corporate Organizational Restructuring
Restructuring and Impairment Costs [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	¥ 52,645,000,000	¥ 62,318,000,000	¥ 116,472,000,000			¥ 25,453,000,000	¥ 38,264,000,000	¥ 65,133,000,000	¥ 6,764,000,000	¥ 15,760,000,000	¥ 19,411,000,000	¥ 8,972,000,000	¥ 25,532,000,000	¥ 31,255,000,000									¥ 25,645,000,000	¥ 19,507,000,000	¥ 41,067,000,000								¥ 1,822,000,000	¥ 5,010,000,000	¥ 5,078,000,000					¥ 8,686,000,000	¥ 6,885,000,000	¥ 28,242,000,000
Anticipation of restructuring charges	75,000,000,000
Non-cash charges related to depreciation associated with restructured assets recorded in cost of sales	2,115,000,000	4,751,000,000	7,851,000,000															4,823,000,000														799,000,000											553,000,000
Restructuring charges related to employee termination benefits															8,134,000,000	14,035,000,000	20,189,000,000	3,586,000,000											6,925,000,000	14,073,000,000	23,002,000,000	5,273,000,000											4,900,000,000		5,897,000,000
Restructuring charges																		7,132,000,000	11,583,000,000													6,087,000,000				3,371,000,000	3,718,000,000	1,639,000,000	1,360,000,000				6,041,000,000	6,495,000,000
Losses on disposal or impairment of assets																		3,261,000,000		16,700,000,000	27,100,000,000	12,601,000,000				5,265,000,000		7,832,000,000				455,000,000											862,000,000
Impairment of assets to be disposed																											19,187,000,000
Percentage of ownership in equity investees				50.00%	50.00%
Sony Ericsson acquisition	¥ 10,979,000,000					¥ 8,789,000,000			¥ 2,190,000,000

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Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Gross Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year	¥ 225,120	¥ 229,228	¥ 276,627
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(25,302)	(39,005)	(38,450)
Additions for tax positions of prior years	59,159	19,947	4,816
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	44,307	41,201	10,873
Settlements	(4,046)	(1,478)	(5,921)
Lapse in statute of limitations	(3,807)	(7,770)	(1,506)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,120)	(17,003)	(17,211)
Balance at end of the fiscal year	288,311	225,120	229,228
Total net amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate	¥ 77,925	¥ 87,497	¥ 76,125

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Collaborative Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (Pictures, JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Pictures
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Collaborative arrangements, amounts owed to the other participants recorded as cost of sale	¥ 10,990	¥ 4,866	¥ 4,687
Collaborative arrangements, amounts due from the other participants recorded as net sale	¥ 14,625	¥ 10,244	¥ 9,936

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Summary of Activities Regarding Stock Acquisition Rights Plan (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Number of shares
Exercised	1,500	65,200	36,100
Stock Acquisition Rights Plan
Number of shares
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year	17,011,400
Granted	2,537,500
Exercised	1,500
Forfeited or expired	667,100
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year	18,880,300
Exercisable at end of the fiscal year	13,952,100
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year	3,458
Granted	1,520
Exercised	2,347
Forfeited or expired	3,326
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year	3,188
Exercisable at end of the fiscal year	3,548
Weighted-average remaining life
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year	5.78
Exercisable at end of the fiscal year	4.64
Total intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year	336
Exercisable at end of the fiscal year

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Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	SNE
Entity Registrant Name	SONY CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000313838
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,004,638,164

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Components of Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2010
Components of Other Operating Income [Line Items]
(Gain) loss on sale of interests in subsidiaries and affiliates, net	¥ (2,882)	[1],[2]	¥ (4,465)	[1],[2]	¥ (30,529)	[1],[2]
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net	45,619	[2],[3]	18,006	[2],[3]	73,517	[2],[3]
Other operating (income) expense, net	(59,594)		(13,450)		42,988
Game Show Network, Llc
Components of Other Operating Income [Line Items]
Remeasurement gain			(26,991)	[1]
Sony Ericsson
Components of Other Operating Income [Line Items]
Remeasurement gain	¥ (102,331)	[1]

[1] Refer to Note 24.

[2] Refer to Note 25.

[3] Refer to Notes 13, 18 and 19.

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Housing loans and deposits from customers in the banking business

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Housing loans and deposits from customers in the banking business

12. Housing loans and deposits from customers in the banking business

(1) Housing loans in the banking business:

Sony acquires and holds certain financial receivables in the normal course of business. A majority of financing receivables held by Sony consist of housing loans in the banking business and no other significant financial receivables exist.

A subsidiary in the banking business monitors the credit quality of housing loans based on the classification set by the financial conditions and the past due status of individual obligators. Past due status is monitored on a daily basis and the aforementioned classification is reviewed on a quarterly basis.

The allowance for the credit losses is established based on the aforementioned classifications and the evaluation of collateral. The amount of housing loans in the banking business and the corresponding allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2011 were 656,047 million yen and 925 million yen, and at March 31, 2012 were 749,636 million yen and 1,066 million yen, respectively. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, charge-offs on housing loans in the banking business and changes in the allowance for credit losses, which took into consideration the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake discussed in Note 18, were not significant.

In addition, the balance of housing loans placed on nonaccrual status or past due status were not significant at March 31, 2011 and 2012. A subsidiary in the banking business assesses the nonaccrual status based on the aforementioned classification, and may resume the accrual of the interest on the housing loan if the classification of the housing loan is changed.

(2) Deposits from customers in the banking business:

All deposits from customers in the banking business within the Financial Services segment are interest bearing deposits. At March 31, 2011 and 2012, the balances of time deposits issued in amounts of 10 million yen or more were 247,799 million yen and 374,665 million yen, respectively. These amounts have been classified as current liabilities due to the ability of the customers to make withdrawals prior to maturity.

At March 31, 2012, aggregate amounts of annual maturities of time deposits with a remaining term of more than one year are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2014		32,531
2015		11,421
2016		9,064
2017		3,946
2018		2,104
Later years		33,721
Total		92,787

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Total Carrying Amount of Intangible Assets having Indefinite Life (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Carrying amount of intangible assets having an indefinite life	¥ 90,033	¥ 89,031
Trademarks
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Carrying amount of intangible assets having an indefinite life	66,729	66,967
Distribution agreements
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Carrying amount of intangible assets having an indefinite life	18,807	18,834
Other
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Carrying amount of intangible assets having an indefinite life	¥ 4,497	¥ 3,230

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Aggregate Amounts of Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2013	¥ 310,483
2014	135,487
2015	209,814
2016	77,391
2017	97,419
Later years	242,115
Total	¥ 1,072,709	¥ 921,849

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Consolidated Statements of Income (JPY ¥) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Sales and operating revenue:
Net sales	¥ 5,526,611	¥ 6,304,401	¥ 6,293,005
Financial services revenue	868,971	798,495	838,300
Other operating revenue	97,630	78,377	82,693
Sales and operating revenue, Total	6,493,212	7,181,273	7,213,998
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	4,386,447	4,831,363	4,892,563
Selling, general and administrative	1,375,887	1,501,813	1,544,890
Financial services expenses	736,050	675,788	671,550
Other operating (income) expense, net	(59,594)	(13,450)	42,988
Costs and Expenses, Total	6,438,790	6,995,514	7,151,991
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	(121,697)	14,062	(30,235)
Operating income (loss)	(67,275)	199,821	31,772
Other income:
Interest and dividends	15,101	11,783	13,191
Gain on sale of securities investments, net	671	14,325	9,953
Foreign exchange gain, net		9,297
Other	7,706	9,561	20,690
Other income, Total	23,478	44,966	43,834
Other expenses:
Interest	23,432	23,909	22,505
Loss on devaluation of securities investments	3,604	7,669	2,946
Foreign exchange loss, net	5,089		10,876
Other	7,264	8,196	12,367
Other expenses, Total	39,389	39,774	48,694
Income (loss) before income taxes	(83,186)	205,013	26,912
Income taxes:
Current	108,545	117,918	79,120
Deferred	206,694	307,421	(65,162)
Income tax expense, Total	315,239	425,339	13,958
Net income (loss)	(398,425)	(220,326)	12,954
Less - Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	58,235	39,259	53,756
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation's stockholders	¥ (456,660)	¥ (259,585)	¥ (40,802)
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation's stockholders per share
- Basic	¥ (455.03)	¥ (258.66)	¥ (40.66)
- Diluted	¥ (455.03)	¥ (258.66)	¥ (40.66)
Cash dividends	¥ 25.00	¥ 25.00	¥ 25.00

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Transfer of financial assets

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Transfer of financial assets

6. Transfer of financial assets

The below transactions are accounted for as sales in accordance with the accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets, because Sony has relinquished control of the receivables. In each case, losses from these transactions were insignificant, and although Sony continues servicing the receivables subsequent to being sold or contributed, no servicing liabilities are recorded as the costs of collection of the sold receivables are insignificant. In addition to the cash proceeds from the sales below, net cash flows related to these transactions, including servicing fees, in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were insignificant.

Sony has established several accounts receivable sales programs in Japan whereby Sony can sell up to 50,200 million yen of eligible trade accounts receivable in the aggregate at any one time. Through these programs, Sony can sell receivables to special purpose entities owned and operated by banks. Sony can sell receivables in which the agreed upon original due dates are no more than 190 days after the sales of receivables. Total trade accounts receivable sold during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 109,271 million yen, 136,232 million yen and 126,513 million yen, respectively.

A subsidiary of the Financial Services segment has established several receivables sales programs whereby the subsidiary can sell up to 24,000 million yen of eligible receivables in the aggregate at any one time. Through these programs, the subsidiary can sell receivables to special purpose entities owned and operated by banks. The subsidiary can sell receivables in which the agreed upon original due dates are no more than 180 days after the sales of receivables. Total receivables sold during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 183,805 million yen, 166,025 million yen and 130,060 million yen, respectively.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony established an accounts receivable sales program in the United States. Through this program, a bankruptcy-remote entity, which is consolidated by Sony’s U.S. subsidiary, can sell up to 450 million U.S. dollars of eligible trade accounts receivables in the aggregate at any one time to a commercial bank. Total trade accounts receivables sold during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 were 258,085 million yen. Subsequent to its establishment, Sony amended this program. While the transactions continued to qualify as sales under the new accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets, the amended program requires that a portion of the sales proceeds be held back and deferred until collection of the related receivables by the purchaser. The portion of the sales proceeds held back and deferred is initially recorded at estimated fair value, is included in other current assets and was 32,751 million yen at March 31, 2011 and 16,272 million yen at March 31, 2012. Sony includes collections on such receivables as cash flows within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows since the receivables are the result of operating activities and the associated interest rate risk is insignificant due to its short-term nature. Total trade receivables sold, deferred proceeds from those sales and collections of deferred proceeds during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 were 414,147 million yen, 185,647 million yen and 153,550 million yen, respectively. Total trade receivables sold, deferred proceeds from those sales and collections of deferred proceeds during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 were 476,855 million yen, 117,343 million yen and 132,636 million yen, respectively.

The accounts receivable sales programs in Japan and in the Financial Services segment above involved qualified special purpose entities (“QSPEs”) under the accounting guidance effective prior to April 1, 2010 for transfers of financial assets. Since the QSPEs met certain criteria, they were not consolidated by Sony. From April 1, 2010, the entities that formerly met the criteria to be a QSPE are subject to the same consolidation accounting guidance as other variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Refer to Note 23.

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Related party transactions

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Related party transactions

5. Related party transactions

Sony accounts for its investments in affiliated companies over which Sony has significant influence under the equity method. In addition, investments in general partnerships in which Sony does not have a controlling interest and limited partnerships are also accounted for under the equity method if more than minor influence over the operation of the investee exists (generally through more than 3-5% ownership).

During fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony Corporation acquired the remaining interests in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”) and sold all of its shares of S-LCD Corporation (“S-LCD”), both of which were considered significant equity affiliates. There are no remaining individually significant investments at March 31, 2012.

The summarized combined financial information that is based on information provided by the equity investees including information for significant equity affiliates and the reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements is shown below:

Balance Sheets

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Current assets		254,858			188,903			183,597			627,358
Noncurrent assets		92,925			233,988			137,720			464,633
Total assets		347,783			422,891			321,317			1,091,991
Current liabilities		282,857			71,572			166,056			520,485
Long-term liabilities and noncontrolling interests		8,089			29,696			61,036			98,821
Stockholders’ equity		56,837			321,623			94,225			472,685
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity investment and undistributed earnings of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		28,419			160,812
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		(79	)		—
Investment in and advances to equity investees at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition		28,340			160,812			32,841			221,993
	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
Current assets		167,786
Noncurrent assets		168,143
Total assets		335,929
Current liabilities		93,535
Long-term liabilities and noncontrolling interests		79,513
Stockholders’ equity		162,881
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		20%-50	%
Investment in and advances to equity investees at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition		36,800

Statements of Income

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		837,149			796,575			323,576			1,957,300
Operating income (loss)		(81,385	)		3,825			29,686			(47,874	)
Other income (expense), net		(4,676	)		(4,055	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(86,061	)		(230	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		20,470			53
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3,318	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		(68,909	)		(177	)		17,064			(52,022	)
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		(34,455	)		(89	)
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		(59	)		476
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(34,514	)		387			3,892			(30,235	)
	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		673,464			807,955			268,604			1,750,023
Operating income (loss)		16,453			12,527			17,630			46,610
Other income (expense), net		(1,572	)		(4,119	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		14,881			8,408
Income tax (expense) benefit		(6,065	)		3,094
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(520	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		8,296			11,502			8,895			28,693
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		4,148			5,751
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other		7			1,463
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		4,155			7,214			2,693			14,062

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Sony Ericsson			S-LCD			Others			Total
Net revenues		475,898			146,002			123,610			745,510
Operating income (loss)		(44,239	)		(4,644	)		5,247			(43,636	)
Other income (expense), net		4,504			(3,098	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(39,735	)		(7,742	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(73,054	)		(374	)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2,729	)		—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests		(115,518	)		(8,116	)		950			(122,684	)
Percentage of ownership in equity investees		50	%		50	%		20%-50	%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments		(57,759	)		(4,058	)
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Impairment loss including translation adjustments		—			(60,019	)
Other		79			(1	)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		(57,680	)		(64,078	)		61			(121,697	)

Sony Ericsson, a 50/50 joint venture with Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (“Ericsson”) focused on mobile phone handsets, was established in October 2001 and was included in affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method through February 15, 2012. On February 15, 2012, Sony Corporation acquired Ericsson’s 50 percent stake in Sony Ericsson, making the mobile handset business a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. Refer to Note 24.

S-LCD, a joint venture with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (“Samsung”) focused on manufacturing amorphous TFT panels, was established in April 2004 with Sony’s ownership interest of 50% minus 1 share. S-LCD was strategic to Sony’s television business as it provided a source of high quality large screen LCD panels to differentiate Sony’s Bravia LCD televisions. In June 2011, S-LCD decreased its capital stock by 0.6 trillion Korean won and Sony received a cash distribution of 22,100 million yen from S-LCD. However, LCD panel and television market conditions became increasingly challenging and in order to respond to the situation and to strengthen their respective market competitiveness, Sony and Samsung agreed to shift to a new LCD panel business alliance in December 2011. As a result of this agreement, on January 19, 2012, Sony sold to Samsung all of its shares of S-LCD, and received cash consideration of 71,986 million yen (1.07 trillion Korean won) from Samsung. Following the transaction S-LCD was no longer an equity affiliate. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded a 60,019 million yen other-than-temporary impairment loss on its share of S-LCD, including the reclassification to net income of foreign currency translation adjustments and the impact of exchange rate fluctuations between the initial impairment loss and closing of the sale to Samsung. Cash proceeds from the sale of the investment in S-LCD are included in sales of securities investments in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

There was no significant difference between Sony’s proportionate share in the underlying net assets of the investees and the carrying value of investments in affiliated companies at March 31, 2011 and 2012.

There were no affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method with a market quotation at March 31, 2011 and 2012.

The number of affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method at March 31, 2011 and 2012 were 82 and 95, respectively.

Account balances and transactions with affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method are presented below:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Accounts receivable, trade		18,631		4,125
Accounts payable, trade		45,434		508
Capital lease obligations		—		39,080

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales		132,937		96,164		79,677
Purchases		309,550		383,922		157,930
Lease payments		—		—		24,159

SFI Leasing Company, Limited (“SFIL”), a leasing company in Japan, is accounted for under the equity method and 34% is owned by Sony after deconsolidation in November 2010. Sony entered into a three year sale and leaseback transaction regarding certain acquired machinery and equipment with SFIL in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Refer to Note 24.

Dividends from affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 5,948 million yen, 2,583 million yen and 1,964 million yen, respectively.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 and prior to the sale of its shares of S-LCD, Sony paid additional LCD panel related expenses of 22,759 million yen (292 million U.S. dollars) resulting from low capacity utilization of S-LCD.

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Summary of Fair Values Assigned to Assets Acquired of Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation (Detail) (Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation, JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2011
Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventories	¥ 4,370
Other current assets	82
Machinery and equipment	51,083
Intangibles	1,223
Other noncurrent assets	693
Total Assets	¥ 57,451

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Stock-based compensation plans

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock-based compensation plans

17. Stock-based compensation plans

The stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 2,202 million yen, 1,952 million yen and 1,952 million yen, respectively. The income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 271 million yen, 322 million yen and 287 million yen, respectively. The total cash received from exercises under all of the stock-based compensation plans during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 114 million yen, 198 million yen and 4 million yen, respectively. Sony issued new shares upon exercise of these rights. The actual income tax benefit realized for tax deductions from exercises under all the stock-based compensation plans for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was insignificant.

Sony has three types of stock-based compensation plans as incentive plans for selected directors, corporate executive officers and employees.

(1) Stock Acquisition Rights plan:

Sony has an equity-based compensation plan that issues common stock acquisition rights for the purpose of granting stock options to selected directors, corporate executive officers and employees of Sony, pursuant to the Companies Act. The stock acquisition rights generally vest ratably over a period of three years and are exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant.

The weighted-average fair value per share at the date of grant of stock acquisition rights granted during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 813 yen, 1,036 yen and 345 yen, respectively. The fair value of stock acquisition rights granted on the date of grant and used to recognize compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Weighted-average assumptions
Risk-free interest rate		2.08	%		1.60	%		1.08	%
Expected lives		6.49	years		6.64	years		6.77	years
Expected volatility*		33.70	%		35.74	%		36.88	%
Expected dividends		0.99	%		0.83	%		1.85	%

* Expected volatility was based on the historical volatilities of Sony Corporation’s common stock over the expected life of the stock acquisition rights.

A summary of the activities regarding the stock acquisition rights plan during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Number of shares		Weighted- average exercise price		Weighted- average remaining life		Total intrinsic value
			Yen		Years		Yen in millions
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year		17,011,400		3,458
Granted		2,537,500		1,520
Exercised		1,500		2,347
Forfeited or expired		667,100		3,326
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year		18,880,300		3,188		5.78		336
Exercisable at end of the fiscal year		13,952,100		3,548		4.64		—

The total intrinsic value of shares exercised under the stock acquisition rights plan during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 20 million yen, 26 million yen and 0.2 million yen, respectively.

As of March 31, 2012, there was 1,425 million yen of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock acquisition rights. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.01 years.

(2) Convertible Bonds plan:

Sony had an equity-based compensation plan for selected executives of Sony’s U.S. subsidiaries using U.S. dollar-denominated non-interest bearing convertible bonds, which had characteristics similar to that of an option plan. Each convertible bond could be converted into 100 shares of the common stock of Sony Corporation at an exercise price based on the prevailing market rate shortly before the date of grant. The convertible bonds vested ratably over a three-year period and were exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant. As the convertible bonds were issued in exchange for a non-interest bearing employee loan and a right of offset exists between the convertible bonds and the employee loans, no accounting recognition was given to either the convertible bonds or the employee loans in Sony’s consolidated balance sheets.

A summary of the activities regarding the convertible bond plan during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Number of shares			Weighted-average exercise price
				Yen
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year		548,500			6,931
Expired		(548,500	)		6,931
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year		—

There were no shares granted or exercised under the convertible bond plan during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. At March 31, 2012, the remaining exercisable shares expired under this plan and there are no further shares outstanding or exercisable under the convertible bond plan as of March 31, 2012.

(3) Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) plan:

Sony granted SARs in the United States of America for selected employees. Under the terms of these plans, employees upon exercise of such rights 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 ten years from the date of grant.

There were no SARs granted during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. As of March 31, 2012, there were 23,200 SARs outstanding and the weighted-average exercise price was 4,298 yen. All SARs were exercisable as of March 31, 2012.

The compensation expense for the SARs is measured as the excess of the quoted market price of Sony Corporation’s common stock over the SARs strike price. SAR compensation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012 was insignificant.

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Fair value measurements

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair value measurements

13. Fair value measurements

As discussed in Note 2, assets and liabilities subject to the accounting guidance for fair value measurements held by Sony are classified and accounted for as described below.

(1) Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

The following section describes the valuation techniques used by Sony to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified.

Trading securities, available-for-sale securities and other investments

Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 securities include exchange-traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available for the specific security or the market is inactive, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows and mainly classified in level 2 of the hierarchy. Level 2 securities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, such as the majority of government bonds and corporate bonds. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 securities do not have actively traded quotes at the balance sheet date and require the use of unobservable inputs, such as indicative quotes from dealers and qualitative input from investment advisors, to value these securities. Level 3 assets include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow techniques, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset. Level 3 securities primarily include certain hybrid financial instruments and certain private equity investments not classified within levels 1 or 2.

Derivatives

Exchange-traded derivatives valued using quoted prices are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. However, few classes of derivative contracts are listed on an exchange; thus, the majority of Sony’s derivative positions are valued using internally developed models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters — i.e., parameters that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources, including industry pricing services. Depending on the types and contractual terms of derivatives, fair value can be modeled using a series of techniques, such as the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which are consistently applied. Where derivative products have been established for some time, Sony uses models that are widely accepted in the financial services industry. These models reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and market-based parameters such as interest rates, volatility, and the credit rating of the counterparty. Further, many of these models do not contain a high level of subjectivity as the techniques used in the models do not require significant judgment, and inputs to the model are readily observable from actively quoted markets. Such instruments are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

In determining the fair value of Sony’s interest rate swap derivatives, Sony uses the present value of expected cash flows based on market observable interest rate yield curves commensurate with the term of each instrument. For foreign currency derivatives, Sony’s approach is to use forward contract and option valuation models employing market observable inputs, such as spot currency rates, time value and option volatilities. These derivatives are classified within level 2 since Sony primarily uses observable inputs in its valuation of its derivative assets and liabilities.

The fair value of Sony’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
									Presentation in the consolidated balance sheets
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Marketable securities		Securities investments and other		Other current assets/ liabilities		Other noncurrent assets/ liabilities
Assets:
Trading securities		189,320		186,482		—		375,802		375,802		—		—		—
Available-for-sale securities
Debt securities
Japanese national government bonds		—		1,143,765		—		1,143,765		71,472		1,072,293		—		—
Japanese local government bonds		—		22,965		—		22,965		3,415		19,550		—		—
Japanese corporate bonds		—		329,057		4,581		333,638		96,745		236,893		—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		306,070		19,751		325,821		81,486		244,335		—		—
Other		—		7,933		299		8,232		—		8,232		—		—
Equity securities		141,408		81		—		141,489		—		141,489		—		—
Other investments*1		5,459		4,637		74,026		84,122		—		84,122		—		—
Derivative assets*2		—		15,110		—		15,110		—		—		15,101		9
Total assets		336,187		2,016,100		98,657		2,450,944		628,920		1,806,914		15,101		9
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities*2		—		33,759		—		33,759		—		—		32,096		1,663
Total liabilities		—		33,759		—		33,759		—		—		32,096		1,663

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
									Presentation in the consolidated balance sheets
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Marketable securities		Securities investments and other		Other current assets/ liabilities		Other noncurrent assets/ liabilities
Assets:
Trading securities		214,036		219,455		—		433,491		433,491		—		—		—
Available-for-sale securities
Debt securities
Japanese national government bonds		—		1,091,451		—		1,091,451		23,267		1,068,184		—		—
Japanese local government bonds		—		33,675		—		33,675		1,405		32,270		—		—
Japanese corporate bonds		—		293,637		1,513		295,150		123,434		171,716		—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		359,960		15,291		375,251		75,764		299,487		—		—
Other		—		23,616		309		23,925		—		23,925		—		—
Equity securities		111,517		680		—		112,197		—		112,197		—		—
Other investments*1		5,475		4,592		73,451		83,518		—		83,518		—		—
Derivative assets*2		—		18,518		—		18,518		—		—		18,513		5
Total assets		331,028		2,045,584		90,564		2,467,176		657,361		1,791,297		18,513		5
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities*2		—		41,218		—		41,218		—		—		40,034		1,184
Total liabilities		—		41,218		—		41,218		—		—		40,034		1,184

*1 Other investments include certain hybrid financial instruments and certain private equity investments.

*2 Derivative assets and liabilities are recognized and disclosed on a gross basis.

There were no significant transfers between levels 1 and 2 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Transfers into level 1 were 2,169 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 as quoted prices for certain trading securities became available in an active market. Transfers out of level 1 were 7,221 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 as quoted prices for certain trading securities were not available in an active market.

The changes in fair value of level 3 assets and liabilities for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities									Other investments
	Debt securities
	Japanese corporate bonds			Foreign corporate bonds			Other
Beginning balance		1,097			17,433			—			73,608
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings*1		(13	)		(224	)		—			(3,332	)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)*2		(18	)		(841	)		(1	)		2,638
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements		3,515			7,951			300			1,112
Transfers in and/or out of level 3		—			(4,568	)		—			—
Ending balance		4,581			19,751			299			74,026
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date:
Included in earnings*1		(2	)		10			—			(3,779	)
	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Assets
	Available-for-sale securities									Other investments
	Debt securities
	Japanese corporate bonds			Foreign corporate bonds			Other
Beginning balance		4,581			19,751			299			74,026
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings*1		—			27			—			(1,214	)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)*2		(2	)		271			10			505
Purchases		—			6,994			—			3,144
Settlements		(500	)		(5,961	)		—			(2,784	)
Transfers into level 3*3		2,116			956			—			—
Transfers out of level 3*4		(4,682	)		(6,747	)		—			—
Other		—			—			—			(226	)
Ending balance		1,513			15,291			309			73,451
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date:
Included in earnings*1		—			(2	)		—			(1,215	)

*1 Earning effects are included in financial services revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

*2 Unrealized gains (losses) are included in unrealized gains (losses) on securities in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

*3 Certain corporate bonds were transferred into level 3 because differences between fair value determined by indicative quotes from dealers and internally developed prices became significant and the observability of inputs decreased.

*4 Certain corporate bonds were transferred out of level 3 because quoted prices became available.

Level 3 assets include certain hybrid financial instruments for which the price fluctuates primarily based on the main stock index in Japan (Nikkei index), certain private equity investments, and certain domestic and foreign corporate bonds for which quoted prices are not available in a market and where there is less transparency around inputs. In determining the fair value of such assets, Sony uses third-party information such as indicative quotes from dealers without adjustment. For validating the fair values, Sony primarily uses internal models which include management judgment or estimation of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset.

(2) Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Sony also has assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when certain circumstances occur. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, such measurements of fair value related primarily to the impairments of long-lived assets, the remeasurement of the previously owned equity interests as part of the Game Show Network and Sony Ericsson acquisitions, and the S-LCD impairment.

Long-lived assets impairments

Long-lived assets are measured at the lesser of carrying value or fair value if such assets are held for sale or when there is a determination that the asset is impaired. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, Sony recorded impairment losses of 23,735 million yen and 59,583 million yen related to long-lived assets with carrying values prior to impairment of 27,513 million yen and 67,875 million yen; the fair value of the long-lived assets after impairments was 3,778 million yen and 8,292 million yen, respectively. Sony’s determination of fair value was based on the comparable market values or estimated net cash flows which considered prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving comparable assets or cash flow projections based upon the most recent business plan. These measurements are classified as level 3 because significant unobservable inputs, such as the conditions of the assets or projections of future cash flows, were considered in the fair value measurements.

Remeasurement of previously owned equity interests

During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, Sony remeasured to fair value the previously owned equity interests as part of the Game Show Network and Sony Ericsson acquisitions. These measurements are classified as level 3 because significant unobservable inputs, such as projections of future cash flows and market comparables of similar transactions and companies were considered in the fair value measurements. Refer to Note 24.

S-LCD impairment

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded a 60,019 million yen other-than-temporary impairment loss on its share of S-LCD, including the reclassification to net income of foreign currency translation adjustments and the impact of the exchange rate fluctuations between the initial impairment loss and closing of the sale to Samsung. The fair value of the shares of S-LCD after impairment was 71,662 million yen which approximated the cash consideration of 1.07 trillion Korean won subsequently received from Samsung upon its acquisition of Sony’s share of S-LCD. This measurement is classified as level 3 because significant unobservable inputs, primarily the estimate of the cash that would be received upon the sale to Samsung were considered in the fair value measurement. Refer to Note 5.

(3) Financial instruments:

The estimated fair values by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments that are not reported at fair value are summarized as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Estimated fair value								Carrying amount
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Total
Assets:
Housing loans in the banking business		—		714,985		—		714,985		656,047
Total assets		—		714,985		—		714,985		656,047
Liabilities:
Long-term debt including the current portion		—		928,820		—		928,820		921,849
Investment contracts included in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business		—		320,036		—		320,036		322,649
Total liabilities		—		1,248,856		—		1,248,856		1,244,498
	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Estimated fair value								Carrying amount
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Total
Assets:
Housing loans in the banking business		—		823,668		—		823,668		749,636
Total assets		—		823,668		—		823,668		749,636
Liabilities:
Long-term debt including the current portion		—		1,069,914		—		1,069,914		1,072,709
Investment contracts included in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business		—		338,589		—		338,589		340,600
Total liabilities		—		1,408,503		—		1,408,503		1,413,309

The summary excludes cash and cash equivalents, call loans, time deposits, notes and accounts receivable, trade, call money, short-term borrowings, notes and accounts payable, trade and deposits from customers in the banking business because the carrying values of these financial instruments approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. The summary also excludes held-to-maturity securities disclosed in Note 7.

Cash and cash equivalents, call loans and call money are classified in level 1. Time deposits, short-term borrowings, deposits from customers in the banking business are classified in level 2. Held-to-maturity securities, included in marketable securities and securities investments and other in the consolidated balance sheets, primarily include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, such as the majority of government bonds and corporate bonds and are substantially all classified in level 2. The fair values of housing loans in the banking business, included in securities investments and other in the consolidated balance sheets, were estimated based on the discounted future cash flows using interest rates reflecting London InterBank Offered Rate base yield curve with a certain risk premium. The fair values of long-term debt including the current portion and investment contracts included in policyholders’ account in the life insurance business were estimated based on either the market value or the discounted future cash flows using Sony’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar liabilities.

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Policyholders' Account in Life Insurance Business (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Life Settlement Contracts, Investment Method, Disclosure Items [Line Items]
Universal life insurance	¥ 1,010,277	¥ 896,539
Investment contracts	340,600	322,580
Other	98,767	82,133
Total	¥ 1,449,644	¥ 1,301,252

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Goodwill and intangible assets

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Goodwill and intangible assets

9. Goodwill and intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 totaled 174,430 million yen, of which 174,275 million yen is subject to amortization and are comprised of the following:

	Intangible assets acquired  during the year		Weighted-average amortization period
	Yen in millions		Years
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements*1		103,036		7
Customer relationships		19,793		14
Trademarks		14,177		7
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed		23,621		3
Other		13,648		4

*1 Includes intellectual property cross-licensing and developed technology relating to the Sony Ericsson acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

Intangible assets subject to amortization are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011					March 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements		122,444		(69,224	)		226,142		(80,334	)
Customer relationships		3,051		(1,105	)		23,758		(1,409	)
Trademarks		4,938		(1,401	)		20,214		(2,154	)
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed		76,112		(40,447	)		98,852		(58,865	)
Music catalogs		160,325		(40,455	)		157,699		(45,570	)
Artist contracts		27,727		(17,903	)		27,401		(19,419	)
Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements)		35,874		(228	)		36,216		(2,370	)
Other		82,519		(40,136	)		87,843		(54,338	)
Total		512,990		(210,899	)		678,125		(264,459	)

The aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 57,069 million yen, 52,763 million yen and 57,023 million yen, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		68,735
2014		58,885
2015		48,971
2016		41,218
2017		36,509

Total carrying amount of intangible assets having an indefinite life are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Trademarks		66,967		66,729
Distribution agreements		18,834		18,807
Other		3,230		4,497
Total		89,031		90,033

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Consumer Products & Services			Professional, Device & Solutions			Pictures			Music			Financial Services			Sony Mobile*1		All Other			Total
Balance, March 31, 2010:
Goodwill — gross		135,591			65,123			102,481			110,192			3,020			—		36,749			453,156
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(7,655	)		(14,287	)
Goodwill		130,271			64,823			102,481			109,886			2,314			—		29,094			438,869
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisitions*2		—			1,085			46,504			203			—			—		55			47,847
Sales and dispositions		(257	)		—			—			—			—			—		—			(257	)
Impairments		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			—
Translation adjustments		(770	)		31			(8,401	)		(6,956	)		—			—		(1,239	)		(17,335	)
Other*3		171			232			—			(445	)		—			—		(77	)		(119	)
Balance, March 31, 2011:
Goodwill — gross		134,735			66,471			140,584			102,994			3,020			—		35,488			483,292
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(7,655	)		(14,287	)
Goodwill		129,415			66,171			140,584			102,688			2,314			—		27,833			469,005
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisitions		166			—			1,330			—			—			128,522		4,358			134,376
Sales and dispositions		—			(589	)		—			—			—			—		—			(589	)
Impairments*4		—			—			—			—			—			—		(932	)		(932	)
Translation adjustments		(65	)		(184	)		(3,073	)		(1,891	)		—			9,733		(559	)		3,961
Other*3*5		(201	)		(28,773	)		(521	)		(147	)		—			—		579			(29,063	)
Balance, March 31, 2012:
Goodwill — gross		134,635			36,925			138,320			100,956			3,020			138,255		39,866			591,977
Accumulated impairments		(5,320	)		(300	)		—			(306	)		(706	)		—		(8,587	)		(15,219	)
Goodwill		129,315			36,625			138,320			100,650			2,314			138,255		31,279			576,758

*1 The amounts in the Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) segment relate to the Sony Ericsson acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

*2 Substantially all of the acquisition amounts in the Pictures segment relate to the Game Show Network, LLC (“GSN”) acquisition. Refer to Note 24.

*3 Other primarily consists of purchase price adjustments for prior years and amounts reclassified as held for sale.

*4 During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded impairment losses of 932 million yen in a reporting unit included in All Other. The impairment charge reflected the overall decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

*5 During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into a memorandum of understanding with a third-party to sell the chemical products business, which is included in the Professional, Device & Solutions segment. Sony classified certain assets and liabilities related to the business as held for sale as of March 31, 2012, and anticipates completing the divestiture during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. No impairment loss was recognized as a result of the held for sale classification. The assets held for sale include 29,182 million yen of goodwill and it was reclassified to other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 25.

As described in Note 2, Sony performs an annual impairment test for goodwill. As a result of the impairment test, there were no impairments other than the one noted above for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

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Business Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 15, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of U.S. based joint-venture in Music segment		50.00%
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		¥ (121,697)		¥ 14,062	¥ (30,235)
Sony Ericsson
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in equity investees	50.00%	50.00%
Remeasurement gain		102,331	[1]
Sony Mobile Communications
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest acquired	50.00%
Remeasurement gain	102,331
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		¥ (57,680)		¥ 4,155	¥ (34,514)

[1] Refer to Note 24.

XML

Inventories (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Finished products	¥ 498,430	¥ 529,666
Work in process	88,236	70,969
Raw materials, purchased components and supplies	120,386	103,408
Inventories	¥ 707,052	¥ 704,043

XML

Sales and Operating Revenue to External Customers by Product Category in CPS and PDS Segments (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Sales and operating revenue	¥ 6,493,212	¥ 7,181,273	¥ 7,213,998
Consumer Products & Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	3,061,214	3,771,610	3,638,137
Consumer Products & Services | Televisions
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	840,359	1,200,491	1,005,773
Consumer Products & Services | Home Audio and Video
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	241,885	285,297	302,678
Consumer Products & Services | Digital Imaging
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	497,957	642,570	664,502
Consumer Products & Services | Personal and Mobile Products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	722,301	828,375	809,369
Consumer Products & Services | Game
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	744,285	798,405	840,711
Consumer Products & Services | Other products and services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	14,427	16,472	15,104
Professional, Device & Solutions
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	967,603	1,066,574	1,080,984
Professional, Device & Solutions | Professional Solutions
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	280,645	287,394	295,360
Professional, Device & Solutions | Semiconductor
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	375,891	358,396	299,715
Professional, Device & Solutions | Components
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	297,108	410,090	476,097
Professional, Device & Solutions | Other products and services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	13,959	10,694	9,812
Pictures
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	656,097	599,654	705,237
Music
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	430,751	457,771	511,097
Financial Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	868,971	798,495	838,300
Sony Mobile Communications
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	77,732
All Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	378,071	377,822	379,862
Corporate
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Operating revenue from external customers	¥ 52,773	¥ 109,347	¥ 60,381

XML

Fair Values of Assets Held by Japanese and Foreign Plans (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2010
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	¥ 556,247		¥ 536,648		¥ 515,701
Japanese plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	14,586		25,151
Japanese plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	130,283	[1]	127,695	[1]
Japanese plans | Government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	255,010	[2]	226,183	[2]
Japanese plans | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	23,853	[3]	23,375	[3]
Japanese plans | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	4,722	[4]	3,451	[4]
Japanese plans | Commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	58,862	[5]	63,693	[5]
Japanese plans | Commodity Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	1,850	[6]	1,991	[6]
Japanese plans | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	23,388	[7]	19,888	[7]
Japanese plans | Hedge funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	42,258	[8]	43,688	[8]
Japanese plans | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	1,435		1,533
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	151,139		140,387		134,226
Foreign plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	859		860
Foreign plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	36,497	[9]	38,512	[9]
Foreign plans | Government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	43,504	[10]	21,405	[10]
Foreign plans | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	9,192	[11]	14,994	[11]
Foreign plans | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	648		2,053
Foreign plans | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	9,283	[12]	6,718	[12]
Foreign plans | Commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	43,902	[13]	50,517	[13]
Foreign plans | Real estate and other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	7,254	[14]	5,328	[14]
Level 1 | Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	142,504		150,843
Level 1 | Japanese plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	14,586		25,151
Level 1 | Japanese plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	127,918	[1]	125,692	[1]
Level 1 | Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	31,393		34,178
Level 1 | Foreign plans | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	859		860
Level 1 | Foreign plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	30,514	[9]	33,273	[9]
Level 1 | Foreign plans | Real estate and other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	20	[14]	45	[14]
Level 2 | Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	346,662		320,696
Level 2 | Japanese plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	2,365	[1]	2,003	[1]
Level 2 | Japanese plans | Government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	255,010	[2]	226,183	[2]
Level 2 | Japanese plans | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	23,853	[3]	23,375	[3]
Level 2 | Japanese plans | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	4,722	[4]	3,451	[4]
Level 2 | Japanese plans | Commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	58,862	[5]	63,693	[5]
Level 2 | Japanese plans | Commodity Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	1,850	[6]	1,991	[6]
Level 2 | Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	110,702		97,060
Level 2 | Foreign plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	5,983	[9]	5,239	[9]
Level 2 | Foreign plans | Government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	43,504	[10]	21,405	[10]
Level 2 | Foreign plans | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	5,231	[11]	10,148	[11]
Level 2 | Foreign plans | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	648		2,053
Level 2 | Foreign plans | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	9,283	[12]	6,718	[12]
Level 2 | Foreign plans | Commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	43,902	[13]	49,987	[13]
Level 2 | Foreign plans | Real estate and other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	2,151	[14]	1,510	[14]
Level 3 | Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	67,081		65,109		74,490
Level 3 | Japanese plans | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	23,388	[7]	19,888	[7]	21,337
Level 3 | Japanese plans | Hedge funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	42,258	[8]	43,688	[8]	51,498
Level 3 | Japanese plans | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	1,435		1,533		1,655
Level 3 | Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	9,044		9,149		8,951
Level 3 | Foreign plans | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	3,961	[11]	4,846	[11]	4,571
Level 3 | Foreign plans | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held					75
Level 3 | Foreign plans | Commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held			530	[13]	528
Level 3 | Foreign plans | Real estate and other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets held	¥ 5,083	[14]	¥ 3,773	[14]	¥ 3,777

[1] Includes approximately 64 percent and 65 percent of Japanese equity securities, and 36 percent and 35 percent of foreign equity securities for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

[2] Includes approximately 65 percent and 64 percent of debt securities issued by Japanese national and local governments, and 35 percent and 36 percent of debt securities issued by foreign national and local governments for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

[3] Includes debt securities issued by Japanese and foreign corporation and government related agencies.

[4] Includes primarily mortgage-backed securities.

[5] Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments, including primarily investment trusts. They include approximately 39 percent and 42 percent of investments in equity, 58 percent and 56 percent of investments in fixed income, and 3 percent and 2 percent of investments in other for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

[6] Represents commodity futures funds.

[7] Includes multiple private equity funds of funds that primarily invest in venture, buyout, and distressed markets in the U.S. and Europe.

[8] Includes primarily funds that invest in a portfolio of a broad range of hedge funds to diversify the risks and reduce the volatilities associated with a single hedge fund.

[9] Includes primarily foreign equity securities.

[10] Includes primarily foreign government debt securities.

[11] Includes primarily foreign corporate debt securities.

[12] Represents annuity contracts with or without profit sharing.

[13] Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments including mutual funds, common trust funds, and collective investment funds. They are primarily comprised of foreign equities and fixed income investments.

[14] Includes primarily private real estate investment trusts.

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Marketable securities and securities investments

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Marketable securities and securities investments

7. Marketable securities and securities investments

Marketable securities and securities investments, mainly included in the Financial Services segment, are comprised of debt and equity securities of which the aggregate cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value pertaining to available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011									March 31, 2012
	Cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses			Fair value		Cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses			Fair value
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		1,124,704		24,032		(4,971	)		1,143,765		1,036,946		55,384		(879	)		1,091,451
Japanese local government bonds		22,845		184		(64	)		22,965		33,513		163		(1	)		33,675
Japanese corporate bonds		332,567		1,511		(440	)		333,638		293,885		1,489		(224	)		295,150
Foreign corporate bonds		332,316		4,872		(11,367	)		325,821		377,609		4,705		(7,063	)		375,251
Other		8,241		109		(118	)		8,232		22,383		1,548		(6	)		23,925
		1,820,673		30,708		(16,960	)		1,834,421		1,764,336		63,289		(8,173	)		1,819,452
Equity securities		80,983		63,822		(3,316	)		141,489		60,694		53,016		(1,513	)		112,197
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		2,902,342		22,420		(48,149	)		2,876,613		3,404,069		157,740		(4,499	)		3,557,310
Japanese local government bonds		18,912		218		(2	)		19,128		12,592		277		—			12,869
Japanese corporate bonds		32,349		158		(67	)		32,440		31,379		1,501		—			32,880
Foreign corporate bonds		47,330		13		(3	)		47,340		46,441		10		—			46,451
		3,000,933		22,809		(48,221	)		2,975,521		3,494,481		159,528		(4,499	)		3,649,510
Total		4,902,589		117,339		(68,497	)		4,951,431		5,319,511		275,833		(14,185	)		5,581,159

The following table presents the cost and fair value of debt securities classified as available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Available-for-sale securities				Held-to-maturity securities
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less		230,037		223,870		23,552		23,625
Due after one year through five years		505,497		510,183		18,280		18,559
Due after five year through ten years		210,411		215,180		27,225		28,219
Due after ten years		818,391		870,219		3,425,424		3,579,107
Total		1,764,336		1,819,452		3,494,481		3,649,510

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were 785,698 million yen, 532,619 million yen and 177,850 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. On these sales, gross realized gains were 39,622 million yen, 38,654 million yen and 9,593 million yen and gross realized losses were 37,537 million yen, 2,014 million yen and 1,834 million yen, respectively.

Marketable securities classified as trading securities at March 31, 2011 and 2012 were 375,802 million yen and 433,491 million yen, respectively, which consist of debt and equity securities.

In the ordinary course of business, Sony maintains long-term investment securities, included in securities investments and other, issued by a number of non-public companies. The aggregate carrying amounts of the investments in non-public companies at March 31, 2011 and 2012, totaled 75,930 million yen and 93,050 million yen, respectively. Non-public equity investments are primarily valued at cost as fair value is not readily determinable.

With respect to trading securities, primarily in the Financial Services segment, Sony recorded net unrealized gains of 50,992 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, net unrealized losses of 10,768 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and net unrealized gains of 21,216 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Changes in the fair value of trading securities are primarily recognized in financial services revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses on, and fair value of, Sony’s investment securities with unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2011 and 2012.

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011
	Less than 12 months					12 months or More					Total
	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		223,686		(3,230	)		54,477		(1,741	)		278,163		(4,971	)
Japanese local government bonds		12,434		(64	)		—		—			12,434		(64	)
Japanese corporate bonds		130,318		(440	)		—		—			130,318		(440	)
Foreign corporate bonds		126,184		(7,183	)		30,277		(4,184	)		156,461		(11,367	)
Other		3,182		(118	)		—		—			3,182		(118	)
		495,804		(11,035	)		84,754		(5,925	)		580,558		(16,960	)
Equity securities		36,391		(3,223	)		386		(93	)		36,777		(3,316	)
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		1,812,196		(48,149	)		—		—			1,812,196		(48,149	)
Japanese local government bonds		531		(2	)		—		—			531		(2	)
Japanese corporate bonds		20,788		(67	)		—		—			20,788		(67	)
Foreign corporate bonds		194		(3	)		—		—			194		(3	)
		1,833,709		(48,221	)		—		—			1,833,709		(48,221	)
Total		2,365,904		(62,479	)		85,140		(6,018	)		2,451,044		(68,497	)

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2012
	Less than 12 months					12 months or More					Total
	Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses			Fair value		Unrealized losses
Available-for-sale:
Debt securities:
Japanese national government bonds		55,450		(877	)		3,048		(2	)		58,498		(879	)
Japanese local government bonds		2,364		(1	)		—		—			2,364		(1	)
Japanese corporate bonds		1,034		(196	)		25,243		(28	)		26,277		(224	)
Foreign corporate bonds		68,277		(6,065	)		83,650		(998	)		151,927		(7,063	)
Other		335		(6	)		—		—			335		(6	)
		127,460		(7,145	)		111,941		(1,028	)		239,401		(8,173	)
Equity securities		4,337		(318	)		280		(1,195	)		4,617		(1,513	)
Held-to-maturity Securities:
Japanese national government bonds		—		—			333,702		(4,499	)		333,702		(4,499	)
Japanese local government bonds		70		(0	)		—		—			70		(0	)
Japanese corporate bonds		—		—			—		—			—		—
Foreign corporate bonds		—		—			—		—			—		—
		70		(0	)		333,702		(4,499	)		333,772		(4,499	)
Total		131,867		(7,463	)		445,923		(6,722	)		577,790		(14,185	)

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, total realized impairment losses were 5,508 million yen, 9,763 million yen and 5,530 million yen, respectively.

At March 31, 2012, Sony determined that the decline in value for securities with unrealized losses shown in the above table is not other-than-temporary in nature.

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Leased assets

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Leased assets

8. Leased assets

Sony leases certain communication and commercial equipment, plant, office space, warehouses, employees’ residential facilities and other assets. Certain of these leases have renewal and purchase options. In addition, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony entered into a three year sale and leaseback transaction, accounted for as a capital lease, for certain machinery and equipment. Sony received proceeds of 50,537 million yen based on the amounts recorded at fair value in the acquisition described in Note 24, and as such there was no gain in the sale and leaseback transaction. Sony has also entered into capital lease arrangements with third parties to finance certain of its motion picture productions.

Leased assets under capital leases are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
Class of property	2011			2012
Machinery, equipment and others		9,288			58,751
Film costs		19,208			9,465
Accumulated amortization		(4,634	)		(20,514	)
		23,862			47,702

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, 2012:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		20,652
2014		20,098
2015		2,035
2016		1,469
2017		1,346
Later years		5,647
Total minimum lease payments		51,247
Less — Amount representing interest		1,493
Present value of net minimum lease payments		49,754
Less — Current obligations		20,494
Long-term capital lease obligations		29,260

Rental expenses under operating leases for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 87,077 million yen, 78,538 million yen and 76,188 million yen, respectively. Sublease rentals received under operating leases for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 1,675 million yen, 1,974 million yen and 1,423 million yen, respectively. The total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases for operating leases as of March 31, 2012 were 4,527 million yen.

The minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at March 31, 2012 are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		42,789
2014		33,110
2015		24,087
2016		17,368
2017		13,653
Later years		49,174
Total minimum future rentals		180,181

XML

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended					1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended											12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2010 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Maximum	Mar. 31, 2011 Game Show Network, Llc JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 Game Show Network, Llc JPY (¥)		Mar. 31, 2010 Game Show Network, Llc JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Minimum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Maximum USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 Game Show Network, Llc Prior to acquisition	Mar. 31, 2012 Game Show Network, Llc Put Option	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Acquisitions JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 Other Acquisitions USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 Other Acquisitions JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Acquisitions Contingent consideration JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Ericsson JPY (¥)		Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson EUR (€)	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation JPY (¥)	Jun. 30, 2011 Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation JPY (¥)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in equity method investment				20.00%	50.00%	40.00%		40.00%		50.00%			35.00%	18.00%					50.00%		50.00%	50.00%
Cash proceeds on sale of ownership										¥ 8,831
Gain on sale of ownership										8,322
Acquired additional equity interest in GSN						5.00%
Acquired additional equity interest in GSN, Value						4,849		4,849
Term of put right, exercisable														60 days
Description of dates (period) put right can be exercised							The put right is exercisable during three windows starting on April 1 of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and lasting for 60 business days.
Put exercise price											234	288
Equity interest owned prior to acquisition at fair value						33,940		33,940														71,449
Recognized gain on remeasured equity interest								26,991	[1]										102,331	[1]
Cash consideration for acquisition																					1,050	107,174
Accumulated translation adjustment	(719,092)	(700,786)																				(11,690)
Total acquisition cost															7,914	2,884	17,616						57,451
Acquisition date																							Apr. 01, 2011
Proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions																							50,537
Sale and leaseback transaction																							3 years
Contingent consideration and subject to future change																	1,420
Goodwill							45,905								5,853	1,415	13,425					128,522
Intangible assets															3,345	1,227	3,708					123,097		1,223
Other operating (income) expense, net	¥ (59,594)	¥ (13,450)	¥ 42,988															¥ 896

[1] Refer to Note 24.

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Insurance-related accounts

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Insurance-related accounts

10. Insurance-related accounts

Sony’s Financial Services segment subsidiaries in Japan maintain their accounting records as described in Note 2 in accordance with the accounting principles and practices generally accepted in Japan, which vary in some respects from U.S. GAAP.

Those differences are mainly that insurance acquisition costs for life and non-life insurance are charged to income when incurred in Japan whereas in the U.S. those costs are deferred and amortized generally over the premium-paying period of the related insurance policies, and that future policy benefits for life insurance calculated locally under the authorization of the supervisory administrative agencies 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 the accounting for these items in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The combined amounts of statutory net equity of the insurance subsidiaries, which is not measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 were 232,160 million yen and 282,846 million yen, respectively.

(1) Insurance policies:

Life insurance policies that a subsidiary in the Financial Services segment underwrites, most of which are categorized as long-duration contracts, mainly consist of whole life, term life and accident and health insurance contracts. The life insurance revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 554,650 million yen, 600,291 million yen and 654,986 million yen, respectively. Property and casualty insurance policies that a subsidiary in the Financial Services segment underwrites are primarily automotive insurance contracts, which are categorized as short-duration contracts. The non-life insurance revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 64,987 million yen, 71,037 million yen and 76,958 million yen, respectively.

(2) 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 include such items as commissions, medical examination costs and inspection report fees, and are subject to recoverability testing at least annually to ensure that the capitalized amounts do not exceed the present value of anticipated gross profits or premiums less benefits and maintenance expenses, as applicable. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related insurance policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy reserves. The deferred insurance acquisition costs for non-traditional life insurance contracts are amortized over the expected life in proportion to the estimated gross profits. Amortization charged to income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 amounted to 53,767 million yen, 59,249 million yen and 55,427 million yen, respectively.

(3) Future insurance policy benefits:

Liabilities for future policy benefits, which mainly related to individual life insurance policies, are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in force. These liabilities, which require significant management judgment and estimates, are computed by the net level premium method based upon the assumptions as to future investment yield, morbidity, mortality, withdrawals and other factors. Future policy benefits are computed using interest rates ranging from 1.4% to 4.5% and are based on factors such as market conditions and expected investment returns. Morbidity, mortality and withdrawal assumptions for all policies are based on either the subsidiary’s own experience or various actuarial tables. Generally these assumptions are locked-in throughout the life of the contract upon the issuance of new insurance, although significant changes in experience or assumptions may require Sony to provide for expected future losses. At March 31, 2011 and 2012, future insurance policy benefits amounted to 2,918,960 million yen and 3,202,066 million yen, respectively.

(4) Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business:

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business represents an accumulation of account deposits plus credited interest less withdrawals, expenses and mortality charges. Policyholders’ account includes universal life insurance and investment contracts. Universal life insurance includes interest sensitive whole life contracts and variable contracts. The credited rate associated with interest sensitive whole life contracts is 2.0%. For variable contracts, policy values are expressed in terms of investment units. Each unit is linked to an asset portfolio. The value of a unit increases or decreases based on the value of the linked assets portfolio. Investment contracts mainly include single payment juvenile contracts and policies after the start of annuity payments. The credited rates associated with investment contracts ranges from 0.1% to 6.3%.

Policyholders’ account in the life insurance business is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Universal life insurance		896,539		1,010,277
Investment contracts		322,580		340,600
Other		82,133		98,767
Total		1,301,252		1,449,644

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Equity Investees Information, Balance Sheets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012 Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Maximum	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2011 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2010 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2012 S-LCD	Jun. 30, 2011 S-LCD	Mar. 31, 2011 S-LCD	Mar. 31, 2010 S-LCD	Mar. 31, 2011 Others	Mar. 31, 2012 Others Minimum	Mar. 31, 2011 Others Minimum	Mar. 31, 2010 Others Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Others Maximum	Mar. 31, 2011 Others Maximum	Mar. 31, 2010 Others Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Current assets	¥ 167,786	¥ 627,358					¥ 254,858				¥ 188,903		¥ 183,597
Noncurrent assets	168,143	464,633					92,925				233,988		137,720
Total assets	335,929	1,091,991					347,783				422,891		321,317
Current liabilities	93,535	520,485					282,857				71,572		166,056
Long-term liabilities and noncontrolling interests	79,513	98,821					8,089				29,696		61,036
Stockholders' equity	162,881	472,685					56,837				321,623		94,225
Percentage of ownership in equity investees			20.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%		20.00%	20.00%	20.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Equity investment and undistributed earnings of affiliated companies, before consolidating and reconciling adjustments							28,419				160,812
Consolidation and reconciling adjustments:
Other							(79)
Investment in and advances to equity investees at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition	¥ 36,800	¥ 221,993					¥ 28,340				¥ 160,812		¥ 32,841

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Summary of Activities Regarding Convertible Bond Plan (Detail) (Convertible Bonds Plan, JPY ¥)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Convertible Bonds Plan
Number of shares
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year	548,500
Expired	(548,500)
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at beginning of the fiscal year	¥ 6,931
Expired	¥ 6,931
Outstanding at end of the fiscal year

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Short-Term Borrowings (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	¥ 99,878	¥ 53,737
Unsecured Loans, weighted-average interest rate of 4.40%
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings		43,737
Unsecured Loans, weighted-average interest rate of 3.98%
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	89,878
Secured Call Money, weighted-average interest rate of 0.11%
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	¥ 10,000	¥ 10,000

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Account Balances and Transactions with Affiliated Companies Accounted for under Equity Method (Detail) (Equity Method Investments, JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Equity Method Investments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, trade	¥ 4,125	¥ 18,631
Accounts payable, trade	508	45,434
Capital lease obligations	39,080
Sales	79,677	96,164	132,937
Purchases	157,930	383,922	309,550
Lease payments	¥ 24,159

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Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization of net transition asset	¥ 59
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	29,774	29,589	30,980
Interest cost	15,196	16,067	15,402
Expected return on plan assets	(15,401)	(17,987)	(16,969)
Recognized actuarial loss	12,219	11,802	16,000
Amortization of prior service costs	(10,380)	(10,391)	(10,391)
Net periodic benefit costs	31,408	29,080	35,022
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	3,348	4,160	3,645
Interest cost	10,082	11,165	12,083
Expected return on plan assets	(9,049)	(9,135)	(8,652)
Amortization of net transition asset	139	20	67
Recognized actuarial loss	2,771	2,911	857
Amortization of prior service costs	(448)	(32)	30
Losses (gains) on curtailments and settlements	1,111	(31)	1,766
Net periodic benefit costs	¥ 7,954	¥ 9,058	¥ 9,796

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Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended						1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) Entity	Mar. 31, 2012 JPY (¥) Entity	Mar. 31, 2011 JPY (¥) Entity	Mar. 31, 2010 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2012 Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Maximum	Jan. 19, 2012 S-LCD JPY (¥)	Jan. 19, 2012 S-LCD KRW	Jun. 30, 2011 S-LCD JPY (¥)	Jun. 30, 2011 S-LCD KRW	Mar. 31, 2012 S-LCD JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 S-LCD	Mar. 31, 2010 S-LCD	Nov. 30, 2010 SFI Leasing Company, Limited	Mar. 31, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Feb. 15, 2012 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2011 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2010 Sony Ericsson	Mar. 31, 2012 Partnership Interest Minimum	Mar. 31, 2012 Partnership Interest Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in equity method investment					20.00%	50.00%			50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	34.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	3.00%	5.00%
Number of shares less than 50% ownership in equity method investment									1	1
Decrease in capital stock										(600,000,000,000)
Dividends received from affiliated companies		1,964,000,000	2,583,000,000	5,948,000,000					22,100,000,000
Impairment loss including translation adjustments											60,019,000,000
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments							71,986,000,000	1,070,000,000,000
Number of affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method	95	95	82
Sale and leaseback transaction, period														3 years
Additional LCD Panel related expenses	$ 292,000,000	¥ 22,759,000,000

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Aggregate Amounts of Annual Maturities of Time Deposits with Remaining Term of More Than One Year (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Interest Bearing Deposits [Line Items]
2014	¥ 32,531
2015	11,421
2016	9,064
2017	3,946
2018	2,104
Later years	33,721
Total	¥ 92,787

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Reconciliation of Statutory Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of Effective Income Tax Rate [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	(41.00%)	41.00%	41.00%
Non-deductible expenses	4.20%	1.30%	10.30%
Income tax credits	(3.60%)	(2.00%)	(18.00%)
Change in statutory tax rate	(36.20%)	0.90%	(4.60%)
Change in valuation allowances	491.00%	174.50%	4.70%
Change in deferred tax liabilities on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures	(21.20%)	1.50%	5.80%
Lower tax rate applied to life and non-life insurance business in Japan	(7.80%)	(2.80%)	(30.30%)
Foreign income tax differential	6.70%	(10.50%)	(17.60%)
Adjustments to tax accruals and reserves	(15.90%)	4.50%	16.20%
Effect of equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies	60.00%	(2.80%)	46.00%
Sony Ericsson remeasurement gain	(50.60%)
Insurance recovery tax exemptions related to the Floods	(5.20%)
Other	(1.40%)	1.90%	(1.60%)
Effective income tax rate	379.00%	207.50%	51.90%

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Business segment information

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Business segment information

28. Business segment information

The reportable segments presented below are the segments of Sony for which separate financial information is available and for which operating profit or loss amounts are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The CODM does not evaluate segments using discrete asset information. Sony’s CODM is its Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.

Sony realigned its reportable segments from the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, to reflect modifications to the organizational structure as of April 1, 2011, primarily repositioning the operations of the previously reported Consumer, Professional & Devices (“CPD”) and Networked Products & Services (“NPS”) segments. In connection with this realignment, the operations of the former CPD and NPS segments are included in two newly established segments, namely the Consumer Products & Services (“CPS”) segment and the Professional, Device & Solutions (“PDS”) segment.

The CPS segment includes televisions, home audio and video, digital imaging, personal and mobile products, and the game business. The equity results of S-LCD are also included within the CPS segment. The PDS segment includes professional solutions, semiconductors and components. The Pictures segment is engaged in the development, production and acquisition, manufacture, marketing, distribution and broadcasting of image-based software, including motion picture, home entertainment and television products. The Music segment includes SME, SMEJ and a 50% owned U.S. based joint venture in the music publishing business, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. The Financial Services segment primarily represents individual life insurance and non-life insurance businesses in the Japanese market, a credit financing business and a bank business in Japan. On February 15, 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson, which changed its name to Sony Mobile Communications upon becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Accordingly, the Sony Ericsson segment that had been presented as a separate segment was renamed the Sony Mobile segment in the fourth quarter. The Sony Mobile segment includes Sony’s equity in net income (loss) of Sony Ericsson through February 15, 2012 and sales, operating revenue and operating income (loss) from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012, as well as a gain of 102,331 million yen recorded on the remeasurement of Sony’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson at fair value upon obtaining control through the acquisition of Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson. Refer to Note 24. All Other consists of various operating activities, including a mobile phone OEM business in Japan, So-net Entertainment Corporation, an Internet-related service business subsidiary operating mainly in Japan and the disc manufacturing business. Sony’s products and services are generally unique to a single operating segment. In connection with the realignment, all prior period amounts in the segment disclosures have been restated to conform to the current fiscal year’s presentation.

Sales and operating revenue:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Consumer Products & Services —
Customers		3,638,137			3,771,610			3,061,214
Intersegment		74,228			78,223			75,543
Total		3,712,365			3,849,833			3,136,757
Professional, Device & Solutions —
Customers		1,080,984			1,066,574			967,603
Intersegment		438,002			436,690			346,168
Total		1,518,986			1,503,264			1,313,771
Pictures —
Customers		705,237			599,654			656,097
Intersegment		—			312			1,624
Total		705,237			599,966			657,721
Music —
Customers		511,097			457,771			430,751
Intersegment		11,519			12,972			12,038
Total		522,616			470,743			442,789
Financial Services —
Customers		838,300			798,495			868,971
Intersegment		13,096			8,031			2,924
Total		851,396			806,526			871,895
Sony Mobile —
Customers		—			—			77,732
Intersegment		—			—			—
Total		—			—			77,732
All Other —
Customers		379,862			377,822			378,071
Intersegment		80,904			70,004			64,598
Total		460,766			447,826			442,669
Corporate and elimination		(557,368	)		(496,885	)		(450,122	)
Consolidated total		7,213,998			7,181,273			6,493,212

CPS intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with All Other.

PDS intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the CPS segment.

The Sony Mobile segment includes sales and operating revenue from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

All Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Pictures segment, the Music segment and the CPS segment.

Corporate and elimination includes certain brand and patent royalty income.

Segment profit or loss:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Operating income (loss):
Consumer Products & Services		(101,403	)		10,817			(229,807	)
Professional, Device & Solutions		(35,435	)		27,650			(20,194	)
Pictures		42,814			38,669			34,130
Music		36,513			38,927			36,887
Financial Services		162,492			118,818			131,421
Sony Mobile		(34,514	)		4,155			31,407
All Other		(4,976	)		7,116			(3,546	)
Total		65,491			246,152			(19,702	)
Corporate and elimination		(33,719	)		(46,331	)		(47,573	)
Consolidated operating income (loss)		31,772			199,821			(67,275	)
Other income		43,834			44,966			23,478
Other expenses		(48,694	)		(39,774	)		(39,389	)
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes		26,912			205,013			(83,186	)

Operating income (loss) is Sales and operating revenue less Costs and expenses, and includes Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies.

The Sony Mobile segment includes Sony’s equity in net loss for Sony Ericsson of 57,680 million yen through February 15, 2012 and the operating income (loss) from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012, as well as a gain of 102,331 million yen recorded on the remeasurement of Sony’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson at fair value upon obtaining control through the acquisition of Ericsson’s 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson.

Corporate and elimination includes headquarters restructuring costs and certain other corporate expenses, including the amortization of certain intellectual property assets such as the cross-licensing intangible assets acquired from Ericsson at the time of the Sony Mobile acquisition, which are not allocated to segments.

Other significant items:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies:
Consumer Products & Services		387			7,214			(64,078	)
Professional, Device & Solutions		(1,034	)		(130	)		(198	)
Pictures		4,347			2,483			(516	)
Music		(80	)		(265	)		(372	)
Financial Services		(1,345	)		(1,961	)		(1,252	)
Sony Mobile		(34,514	)		4,155			(57,680	)
All Other		2,004			2,566			2,399
Consolidated total		(30,235	)		14,062			(121,697	)
Depreciation and amortization:
Consumer Products & Services		100,710			68,579			69,717
Professional, Device & Solutions		142,411			122,057			124,956
Pictures		8,427			7,996			10,825
Music		13,427			12,166			10,789
Financial Services, including deferred insurance acquisition costs		56,531			62,077			56,322
Sony Mobile		—			—			869
All Other		22,452			20,805			16,656
Total		343,958			293,680			290,134
Corporate		27,046			31,686			29,460
Consolidated total		371,004			325,366			319,594

The Sony Mobile segment includes Sony’s equity in net income (loss) in Sony Ericsson through February 15, 2012 and the equity in net income (loss) of Sony Mobile from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

The Sony Mobile segment includes the depreciation and amortization from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

The following table includes a breakdown of sales and operating revenue to external customers by product category in the CPS and PDS segments. The CPS and PDS segments are each managed as a single operating segment by Sony’s management.

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Consumer Products & Services
Televisions		1,005,773		1,200,491		840,359
Home Audio and Video		302,678		285,297		241,885
Digital Imaging		664,502		642,570		497,957
Personal and Mobile Products		809,369		828,375		722,301
Game		840,711		798,405		744,285
Other		15,104		16,472		14,427
Total		3,638,137		3,771,610		3,061,214
Professional, Device & Solutions
Professional Solutions		295,360		287,394		280,645
Semiconductors		299,715		358,396		375,891
Components		476,097		410,090		297,108
Other		9,812		10,694		13,959
Total		1,080,984		1,066,574		967,603
Pictures		705,237		599,654		656,097
Music		511,097		457,771		430,751
Financial Services		838,300		798,495		868,971
Sony Mobile		—		—		77,732
All Other		379,862		377,822		378,071
Corporate		60,381		109,347		52,773
Consolidated total		7,213,998		7,181,273		6,493,212

The Sony Mobile segment includes sales and operating revenue from February 16, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

Geographic Information:

Sales and operating revenue attributed to countries based on location of external customers for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and property, plant and equipment, net as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Japan		2,099,297		2,152,552		2,104,669
United States		1,595,016		1,443,693		1,211,849
Europe		1,644,698		1,539,432		1,268,258
China		485,512		562,048		495,101
Asia-Pacific		708,061		726,364		636,489
Other Areas		681,414		757,184		776,846
Total		7,213,998		7,181,273		6,493,212

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Japan		684,031		699,647
United States		95,157		82,914
Europe		39,602		55,192
China		39,936		39,388
Asia-Pacific		46,894		37,060
Other Areas		19,248		16,797
Total		924,868		930,998

Geographic information for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 in the tables above has been restated to reflect the change in geographic classification.

Major areas in each geographic segment excluding Japan, United States and China are as follows:

(1) Europe:	United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Spain and Sweden
(2) Asia-Pacific:	India, South Korea and Oceania
(3) Other Areas:	The Middle East/Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Canada

There are not any individually material countries with respect to the sales and operating revenue and property, plant and equipment, net included in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Other Areas.

Transfers between reportable business segments or geographic areas are made at amounts which Sony’s management believes approximate as arms-length transactions.

There were no sales and operating revenue with any single major external customer for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

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Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information Combined Results of Acquisition Operations of Sony and Sony Ericsson (Detail) (Sony and Sony Ericsson, JPY ¥) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Sony and Sony Ericsson
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	¥ 5,941,131	¥ 6,901,151
Operating income (loss)	(187,725)	231,895
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation's stockholders	¥ (654,833)	¥ (226,038)
Basic EPS	¥ (652.50)	¥ (225.24)
Diluted EPS	¥ (652.50)	¥ (225.24)

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Restructuring charges and asset impairments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Changes in Accrued Restructuring Charges

The changes in the accrued restructuring charges for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Employee termination benefits			Non-cash write-downs  and disposals, net*			Other associated costs			Total
Balance at March 31, 2009		53,813			—			11,461			65,274
Restructuring costs		65,133			31,928			19,411			116,472
Non-cash charges		—			(31,928	)		—			(31,928	)
Cash payments		(88,803	)		—			(21,754	)		(110,557	)
Adjustments		(2,925	)		—			(156	)		(3,081	)
Balance at March 31, 2010		27,218			—			8,962			36,180
Restructuring costs		38,264			8,294			15,760			62,318
Non-cash charges		—			(8,294	)		—			(8,294	)
Cash payments		(47,521	)		—			(19,086	)		(66,607	)
Adjustments		(2,376	)		—			(662	)		(3,038	)
Balance at March 31, 2011		15,585			—			4,974			20,559
Sony Ericsson acquisition		8,789			—			2,190			10,979
Restructuring costs		25,453			20,428			6,764			52,645
Non-cash charges		—			(20,428	)		—			(20,428	)
Cash payments		(24,928	)		—			(4,862	)		(29,790	)
Adjustments		98			—			(1,130	)		(1,032	)
Balance at March 31, 2012		24,997			—			7,936			32,933

* Significant asset impairments excluded from restructuring charges are described below.

Total Amount of Costs Incurred in Connection with Restructuring Programs by Segment

The total amount of costs incurred in connection with these restructuring programs by segment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Consumer Products & Services		31,255		25,532		8,972
Professional, Device & Solutions		41,067		19,507		25,645
Pictures		5,605		2,722		1,273
Music		5,225		2,662		5,710
Financial Services		5,078		5,010		1,822
Sony Mobile*		—		—		537
All Other and Corporate		28,242		6,885		8,686
Total net charges		116,472		62,318		52,645

* Sony acquired Ericsson’s shares in Sony Ericsson and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. Subsequent to the acquisition, Sony Ericsson was renamed Sony Mobile. Refer to Note 24.

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Pension and severance plans

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Pension and severance plans

15. Pension and severance plans

Upon terminating employment, employees of Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries in Japan are entitled, under most circumstances, to lump-sum indemnities or pension payments as described below. In July 2004, Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries amended their pension plans and introduced a point-based plan under which a point is added every year reflecting the individual employee’s performance over that year. Under the point-based plan, the amount of payment is determined based on the sum of cumulative points from past services and interest points earned on the cumulative points regardless of whether or not the employee is voluntarily retiring.

Under the plans, in general, the defined benefits cover 65% of the indemnities under existing regulations to employees. The remaining indemnities are covered by severance payments by the companies. The pension benefits are payable at the option of the retiring employee either in a lump-sum amount or monthly pension payments. Contributions to the plans are funded through several financial institutions in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

From April 1, 2012, Sony Corporation and substantially all of its subsidiaries in Japan have modified existing defined benefit pension plans such that life annuities will no longer accrue additional service benefits, with those participants instead accruing fixed-term annuities. The defined benefit pension plans were closed to new participants and a defined contribution plan was also introduced. The changes have no impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position as of and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

In addition, several of Sony’s foreign subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans or severance indemnity plans, which cover substantially all of their employees. Under such plans, the related cost of benefits is currently funded or accrued. Benefits awarded under these plans are based primarily on the current rate of pay and length of service.

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

Japanese plans:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Service cost		30,980			29,589			29,774
Interest cost		15,402			16,067			15,196
Expected return on plan assets		(16,969	)		(17,987	)		(15,401	)
Recognized actuarial loss		16,000			11,802			12,219
Amortization of prior service costs		(10,391	)		(10,391	)		(10,380	)
Net periodic benefit costs		35,022			29,080			31,408

Foreign plans:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Service cost		3,645			4,160			3,348
Interest cost		12,083			11,165			10,082
Expected return on plan assets		(8,652	)		(9,135	)		(9,049	)
Amortization of net transition asset		67			20			139
Recognized actuarial loss		857			2,911			2,771
Amortization of prior service costs		30			(32	)		(448	)
Losses (gains) on curtailments and settlements		1,766			(31	)		1,111
Net periodic benefit costs		9,796			9,058			7,954

The estimated net actuarial loss, prior service cost and obligation (asset) existing at transition for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit costs over the next fiscal year are 11,262 million yen, 10,671 million yen and 59 million yen, respectively.

The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets as well as the funded status and composition of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of the fiscal year		709,554			735,853			231,341			206,497
Service cost		29,589			29,774			4,160			3,348
Interest cost		16,067			15,196			11,165			10,082
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			764			684
Amendments		—			(1,119	)		(6,677	)		440
Actuarial (gain) loss		6,424			25,098			(6,869	)		12,376
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		—			—			(16,994	)		(3,273	)
Curtailments and settlements		(404	)		(301	)		(166	)		(577	)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries		—			8,852			—			3,104
Benefits paid		(25,377	)		(24,294	)		(10,227	)		(11,040	)
Benefit obligation at end of the fiscal year		735,853			789,059			206,497			221,641
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the fiscal year		515,701			536,648			134,226			140,387
Actual return on plan assets		4,327			18,447			10,930			11,421
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		—			—			(9,121	)		(1,872	)
Employer contribution		34,892			15,745			13,029			9,033
Plan participants’ contributions		—			—			764			684
Curtailments and settlements		—			—			(217	)		(1,386	)
Effect of changes in consolidated subsidiaries		—			4,592			—			2,331
Benefits paid		(18,272	)		(19,185	)		(9,224	)		(9,459	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the fiscal year		536,648			556,247			140,387			151,139
Funded status at end of the fiscal year		(199,205	)		(232,812	)		(66,110	)		(70,502	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Noncurrent assets		1,454			1,769			3,894			4,399
Current liabilities		—			—			(2,716	)		(2,943	)
Noncurrent liabilities		(200,659	)		(234,581	)		(67,288	)		(71,958	)
Ending balance		(199,205	)		(232,812	)		(66,110	)		(70,502	)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, excluding tax effects, consist of:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	Yen in millions						Yen in millions
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Prior service cost (credit)		(86,470	)		(75,840	)		(3,930	)		(2,933	)
Net actuarial loss		278,895			292,382			33,919			38,196
Obligation existing at transition		—			—			204			52
Ending balance		192,425			216,542			30,193			35,315

The accumulated benefit obligations for all defined benefit pension plans were as follows:

	Japanese plans				Foreign plans
	Yen in millions				Yen in millions
	March 31				March 31
	2011		2012		2011		2012
Accumulated benefit obligations		731,666		786,679		183,954		189,360

The projected benefit obligations, the accumulated benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows:

	Japanese plans				Foreign plans
	Yen in millions				Yen in millions
	March 31				March 31
	2011		2012		2011		2012
Projected benefit obligations		729,691		781,983		176,755		170,314
Accumulated benefit obligations		725,504		779,604		167,609		163,002
Fair value of plan assets		530,300		549,017		121,338		111,667

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

	Japanese plans						Foreign plans
	March 31						March 31
	2011			2012			2011			2012
Discount rate		2.1	%		1.9	%		5.2	%		4.7	%
Rate of compensation increase		*			*			3.5			3.5

* Substantially all of Sony’s Japanese pension plans were point-based. Point-based plans do not incorporate a measure of compensation rate increases.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

	Japanese plans									Foreign plans
	Fiscal year ended March 31									Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012			2010			2011			2012
Discount rate		2.2	%		2.3	%		2.1	%		6.5	%		5.5	%		5.2	%
Expected return on plan assets		3.6			2.9			3.0			6.5			5.9			6.5
Rate of compensation increase		2.7			*			*			3.2			4.0			3.5

* As of March 31, 2011 and 2012, substantially all of Sony’s Japanese pension plans were point-based. Point-based plans do not incorporate a measure of compensation rate increases.

Sony reviews these assumptions for changes in circumstances.

The weighted-average rate of compensation increase is calculated based only on the pay-related plans. The point-based plans discussed above are excluded from the calculation because payments made under the plan are not based on employee compensation.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, Sony considers the current and expected asset allocations, as well as the historical and expected long-term rates of returns on various categories of plan assets. Sony’s pension investment policy recognizes the expected growth and the variability risk associated with the long-term nature of pension liabilities, the returns and risks of diversification across asset classes, and the correlation among assets. The asset allocations are designed to maximize returns consistent with levels of liquidity and investment risk that are considered prudent and reasonable. While the pension investment policy gives appropriate consideration to recent market performance and historical returns, the investment assumptions utilized by Sony are designed to achieve a long-term return consistent with the long-term nature of the corresponding pension liabilities.

The investment objectives of Sony’s plan assets are designed to generate returns that will enable the plans to meet their future obligations. The precise amount for which these obligations will be settled depends on future events, including the retirement dates and life expectancy of the plans’ participants. The obligations are estimated using actuarial assumptions, based on the current economic environment and other pertinent factors. Sony’s investment strategy balances the requirement to generate returns, using potentially higher yielding assets such as equity securities, with the need to control risk in the portfolio with less volatile assets, such as fixed-income securities. Risks include, among others, inflation, volatility in equity values and changes in interest rates that could negatively impact the funding level of the plans, thereby increasing its dependence on contributions from Sony. To mitigate any potential concentration risk, thorough consideration is given to balancing the portfolio among industry sectors and geographies, taking into account interest rate sensitivity, dependence on economic growth, currency and other factors that affect investment returns. The target allocations as of March 31, 2012, are, as a result of Sony’s asset liability management, 28% of equity securities, 58% of fixed income securities and 14% of other investments for the pension plans of Sony Corporation and most of its subsidiaries in Japan, and, on a weighted average basis, 46% of equity securities, 39% of fixed income securities and 15% of other investments for the pension plans of foreign subsidiaries.

The fair values of the assets held by Japanese and foreign plans, which are classified in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described in Note 2, are as follows:

	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2011		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		25,151		25,151		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		127,695		125,692		2,003		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		226,183		—		226,183		—
Corporate bonds(c)		23,375		—		23,375		—
Asset-backed securities(d)		3,451		—		3,451		—
Commingled funds(e)		63,693		—		63,693		—
Commodity funds(f)		1,991		—		1,991		—
Private equity(g)		19,888		—		—		19,888
Hedge funds(h)		43,688		—		—		43,688
Real estate		1,533		—		—		1,533
Total		536,648		150,843		320,696		65,109
	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2012		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		14,586		14,586		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		130,283		127,918		2,365		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		255,010		—		255,010		—
Corporate bonds(c)		23,853		—		23,853		—
Asset-backed securities(d)		4,722		—		4,722		—
Commingled funds(e)		58,862		—		58,862		—
Commodity funds(f)		1,850		—		1,850		—
Private equity(g)		23,388		—		—		23,388
Hedge funds(h)		42,258		—		—		42,258
Real estate		1,435		—		—		1,435
Total		556,247		142,504		346,662		67,081

(a) Includes approximately 64 percent and 65 percent of Japanese equity securities, and 36 percent and 35 percent of foreign equity securities for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(b) Includes approximately 65 percent and 64 percent of debt securities issued by Japanese national and local governments, and 35 percent and 36 percent of debt securities issued by foreign national and local governments for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(c) Includes debt securities issued by Japanese and foreign corporation and government related agencies.

(d) Includes primarily mortgage-backed securities.

(e) Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments, including primarily investment trusts. They include approximately 39 percent and 42 percent of investments in equity, 58 percent and 56 percent of investments in fixed income, and 3 percent and 2 percent of investments in other for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

(f) Represents commodity futures funds.

(g) Includes multiple private equity funds of funds that primarily invest in venture, buyout, and distressed markets in the U.S. and Europe.

(h) Includes primarily funds that invest in a portfolio of a broad range of hedge funds to diversify the risks and reduce the volatilities associated with a single hedge fund.

	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2011		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		860		860		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		38,512		33,273		5,239		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		21,405		—		21,405		—
Corporate bonds(c)		14,994		—		10,148		4,846
Asset-backed securities		2,053		—		2,053		—
Insurance contracts(d)		6,718		—		6,718		—
Commingled funds(e)		50,517		—		49,987		530
Real estate and other(f)		5,328		45		1,510		3,773
Total		140,387		34,178		97,060		9,149
	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value at March 31, 2012		Fair value measurements using inputs considered as
Asset class			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents		859		859		—		—
Equity:
Equity securities(a)		36,497		30,514		5,983		—
Fixed income:
Government bonds(b)		43,504		—		43,504		—
Corporate bonds(c)		9,192		—		5,231		3,961
Asset-backed securities		648		—		648		—
Insurance contracts(d)		9,283		—		9,283		—
Commingled funds(e)		43,902		—		43,902		—
Real estate and other(f)		7,254		20		2,151		5,083
Total		151,139		31,393		110,702		9,044

(a) Includes primarily foreign equity securities.

(b) Includes primarily foreign government debt securities.

(c) Includes primarily foreign corporate debt securities.

(d) Represents annuity contracts with or without profit sharing.

(e) Commingled funds represent pooled institutional investments including mutual funds, common trust funds, and collective investment funds. They are primarily comprised of foreign equities and fixed income investments.

(f) Includes primarily private real estate investment trusts.

Each level in the fair value hierarchy in which each plan asset is classified is determined based on inputs used to measure the fair values of the asset, and does not necessarily indicate the risks or rating of the asset.

The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure Japanese and foreign plan assets at fair value. There were no changes in valuation techniques during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012.

Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded. These assets are generally classified as level 1.

The fair value of fixed income securities is typically estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows and are generally classified as level 2.

Commingled funds are typically valued using the net asset value provided by the administrator of the fund and reviewed by Sony. The net asset value is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. These assets are classified as level 1, level 2 or level 3 depending on availability of quoted market prices.

Commodity funds are valued using inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These assets are generally classified as level 2.

Private equity and private real estate investment trust valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. These assets are initially valued at cost and are reviewed periodically utilizing available and relevant market data to determine if the carrying value of these assets should be adjusted. These investments are classified as level 3. The valuation methodology is applied consistently from period to period.

Hedge funds are valued using the net asset value as determined by the administrator or custodian of the fund. These investments are classified as level 3.

The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair values of Japanese and foreign plans’ level 3 assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012:

	Japanese plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Private equity			Hedge funds			Real estate			Total
Beginning balance at April 1, 2010		21,337			51,498			1,655			74,490
Return on assets held at end of year		(1,449	)		2,467			(122	)		896
Return on assets sold during the year		—			(436	)		—			(436	)
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		—			(9,841	)		—			(9,841	)
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—
Ending balance at March 31, 2011		19,888			43,688			1,533			65,109
Return on assets held at end of year		450			470			(98	)		822
Return on assets sold during the year		—			—			—			—
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		3,050			(1,900	)		—			1,150
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—
Ending balance at March 31, 2012		23,388			42,258			1,435			67,081

	Foreign plans
	Yen in millions
	Fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Corporate bonds			Asset-backed securities			Commingled funds			Real estate and other			Total
Beginning balance at April 1, 2010		4,571			75			528			3,777			8,951
Return on assets held at end of year		503			—			9			490			1,002
Return on assets sold during the year		—			5			—			—			5
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		260			(72	)		—			(159	)		29
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—			—
Other*		(488	)		(8	)		(7	)		(335	)		(838	)
Ending balance at March 31, 2011		4,846			—			530			3,773			9,149
Return on assets held at end of year		447			—			—			558			1,005
Return on assets sold during the year		—			—			—			—			—
Purchases, sales, and settlements, net		(1,209	)		—			(530	)		156			(1,583	)
Transfers, net		—			—			—			—			—
Other*		(123	)		—			—			596			473
Ending balance at March 31, 2012		3,961			—			—			5,083			9,044

* Primarily consists of translation adjustments.

Sony makes contributions to its defined benefit pension plans as deemed appropriate by management after considering the fair value of plan assets, expected return on plan assets and the present value of benefit obligations. Sony expects to contribute approximately 18 billion yen to the Japanese plans and approximately 9 billion yen to the foreign plans during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. At the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony had expected to contribute approximately 35 billion yen to the Japanese plans. However, Sony actually contributed 16 billion yen to the plans in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

The expected future benefit payments are as follows:

	Japanese plans		Foreign plans
Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions		Yen in millions
2013		26,197		9,418
2014		28,084		9,485
2015		30,972		10,461
2016		33,553		10,163
2017		34,518		10,827
2018 — 2022		209,895		58,880

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Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Common stock to be issued on conversion or exercise of convertible bonds and stock acquisition rights	22,417,400
Retained earnings available for dividends to shareholders	¥ 310,522
Undistributed earnings of affiliated companies accounted for by equity method investment	7,891	30,809
Gain (loss) due to foreign currency translation adjustments transferred from AOCI to net income	14,655	(832)	2,289
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on shares of S-LCD
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Gain (loss) due to foreign currency translation adjustments transferred from AOCI to net income	¥ 12,772

XML

Supplemental consolidated statements of income information

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Supplemental consolidated statements of income information

20. Supplemental consolidated statements of income information

(1) Other operating (income) expense, net:

Other operating (income) expense, net is comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2010			2011			2012
GSN remeasurement gain*1		—			(26,991	)		—
Sony Ericsson remeasurement gain*1		—			—			(102,331	)
(Gain) loss on sale of interests in subsidiaries and affiliates, net*1,2		(30,529	)		(4,465	)		(2,882	)
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net*2,3		73,517			18,006			45,619
		42,988			(13,450	)		(59,594	)

*1 Refer to Note 24.

*2 Refer to Note 25.

*3 Refer to Notes 13, 18 and 19.

(2) Research and development costs:

Research and development costs charged to cost of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 432,001 million yen, 426,814 million yen and 433,477 million yen, respectively.

(3) Advertising costs:

Advertising costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 383,540 million yen, 396,425 million yen and 357,106 million yen, respectively.

(4) Shipping and handling costs:

Shipping and handling costs for finished goods included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 83,622 million yen, 91,926 million yen and 76,644 million yen, respectively, which included the internal transportation costs of finished goods.

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Changes in Fair Value of Level Three Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Other Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	¥ 74,026		¥ 73,608
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), included in earnings	(1,214)	[1]	(3,332)	[1]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), included in other comprehensive income (loss)	505	[2]	2,638	[2]
Purchases	3,144
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements			1,112
Settlements	(2,784)
Other	(226)
Ending balance	73,451		74,026
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date included in earnings	(1,215)	[1]	(3,779)	[1]
Available-for-sale securities | Japanese corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	4,581		1,097
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), included in earnings			(13)	[1]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(2)	[2]	(18)	[2]
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements			3,515
Settlements	(500)
Transfers into level 3	2,116	[3]
Transfers out of level 3	(4,682)	[4]
Ending balance	1,513		4,581
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date included in earnings			(2)	[1]
Available-for-sale securities | Foreign corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	19,751		17,433
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), included in earnings	27	[1]	(224)	[1]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), included in other comprehensive income (loss)	271	[2]	(841)	[2]
Purchases	6,994
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements			7,951
Settlements	(5,961)
Transfers in and/or out of level 3			(4,568)
Transfers into level 3	956	[3]
Transfers out of level 3	(6,747)	[4]
Ending balance	15,291		19,751
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at reporting date included in earnings	(2)	[1]	10	[1]
Available-for-sale securities | Other
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	299
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), included in other comprehensive income (loss)	10	[2]	(1)	[2]
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements			300
Ending balance	¥ 309		¥ 299

[1] Earning effects are included in financial services revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

[2] Unrealized gains (losses) are included in unrealized gains (losses) on securities in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity.

[3] Certain corporate bonds were transferred into level 3 because differences between fair value determined by indicative quotes from dealers and internally developed prices became significant and the observability of inputs decreased.

[4] Certain corporate bonds were transferred out of level 3 because quoted prices became available.

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Stockholders' equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Changes in Number of Shares of Common Stock Issued and Outstanding

Changes in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 have resulted from the following:

	Number of shares
Balance at March 31, 2009		1,004,535,364
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		36,100
Balance at March 31, 2010		1,004,571,464
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		65,200
Balance at March 31, 2011		1,004,636,664
Exercise of stock acquisition rights		1,500
Balance at March 31, 2012		1,004,638,164

Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period*		74,501			(22,469	)		33,502
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(1,896	)		661			(1,235	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		2,040			(415	)		1,625
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(566	)		489			(77	)
Pension liability adjustment*		45,767			(22,074	)		23,720
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period		4,583			(22	)		4,561
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		2,289			—			2,289
Other comprehensive income		126,718			(43,830	)		64,385

	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period*		(42,311	)		12,996			(25,445	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		21,548			(8,104	)		13,444
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		(662	)		52			(610	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(785	)		(158	)		(943	)
Pension liability adjustment*		3,164			(6,463	)		(3,176	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period		(118,840	)		1,256			(117,584	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		(832	)		—			(832	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(138,718	)		(421	)		(135,146	)
	Yen in millions
	Pre-tax amount			Tax benefit/(expense)			Net-of-tax amount
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net —
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period*		28,712			(10,162	)		12,369
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		3,417			(1,240	)		2,177
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net —
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		(177	)		(70	)		(247	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		911			(125	)		786
Pension liability adjustment*		(29,239	)		(3,934	)		(34,668	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments —
Translation adjustments arising during the period*		(32,640	)		74			(32,961	)
Less : Reclassification adjustment included in net income		14,655			—			14,655
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(14,361	)		(15,457	)		(37,889	)

* Amounts allocable to the noncontrolling interests in the equity of a subsidiary and other are deducted from the net-of-tax amount for unrealized holding gains on securities, pension liability adjustment and foreign currency translation adjustments arising during the period.

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Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Excluding Tax Effects (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service cost (credit)	¥ (75,840)	¥ (86,470)
Net actuarial loss	292,382	278,895
Ending balance	216,542	192,425
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service cost (credit)	(2,933)	(3,930)
Net actuarial loss	38,196	33,919
Obligation existing at transition	52	204
Ending balance	¥ 35,315	¥ 30,193

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Leased assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Leased Assets under Capital Leases

Leased assets under capital leases are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
Class of property	2011			2012
Machinery, equipment and others		9,288			58,751
Film costs		19,208			9,465
Accumulated amortization		(4,634	)		(20,514	)
		23,862			47,702

Future Minimum Lease Payments under Capital Leases with Present Value of Net Minimum Lease Payments

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, 2012:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		20,652
2014		20,098
2015		2,035
2016		1,469
2017		1,346
Later years		5,647
Total minimum lease payments		51,247
Less — Amount representing interest		1,493
Present value of net minimum lease payments		49,754
Less — Current obligations		20,494
Long-term capital lease obligations		29,260

Minimum Rental Payments Required under Operating Leases that have Initial or Remaining Noncancelable Lease Terms in Excess of One Year

The minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at March 31, 2012 are as follows:

Fiscal year ending March 31	Yen in millions
2013		42,789
2014		33,110
2015		24,087
2016		17,368
2017		13,653
Later years		49,174
Total minimum future rentals		180,181

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Projected Benefit Obligations, Accumulated Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Plan Assets for Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligations	¥ 781,983	¥ 729,691
Accumulated benefit obligations	779,604	725,504
Fair value of plan assets	549,017	530,300
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligations	170,314	176,755
Accumulated benefit obligations	163,002	167,609
Fair value of plan assets	¥ 111,667	¥ 121,338

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	¥ (398,425)	¥ (220,326)	¥ 12,954
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities -
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs	319,594	325,366	371,004
Amortization of film costs	188,836	250,192	277,665
Stock-based compensation expense	1,952	1,952	2,202
Accrual for pension and severance costs, less payments	36,647	(15,229)	(9,763)
Other operating (income) expense, net	(59,594)	(13,450)	42,988
(Gain) loss on sale or devaluation of securities investments, net	2,933	(6,656)	(7,007)
(Gain) loss on revaluation of marketable securities held in the financial services business for trading purposes, net	(21,080)	10,958	(49,837)
(Gain) loss on revaluation or impairment of securities investments held in the financial services business, net	2,819	5,080	(53,984)
Deferred income taxes	206,694	307,421	(65,162)
Equity in net (income) loss of affiliated companies, net of dividends	138,772	(11,479)	36,183
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in notes and accounts receivable, trade	4,427	104,515	(53,306)
(Increase) decrease in inventories	29,778	(112,089)	148,584
Increase in film costs	(186,783)	(244,063)	(296,819)
Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable, trade	(59,410)	(18,119)	262,032
Increase (decrease) in accrued income and other taxes	(44,635)	(8,020)	71,939
Increase in future insurance policy benefits and other	332,728	278,897	284,972
Increase in deferred insurance acquisition costs	(68,634)	(69,196)	(71,999)
Increase in marketable securities held in the financial services business for trading purposes	(39,161)	(30,102)	(8,335)
Increase in other current assets	(35,181)	(89,473)	(32,405)
Increase in other current liabilities	10,595	56,076	5,321
Other	156,667	113,990	45,680
Net cash provided by operating activities	519,539	616,245	912,907
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchases of fixed assets	(382,549)	(253,688)	(338,050)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	22,661	18,743	15,671
Proceeds from sales of businesses	8,430	99,335	22,084
Payment for Sony Ericsson acquisition, net of cash acquired	(71,843)
Other	28,955	(8,964)	(4,854)
Net cash used in investing activities	(882,886)	(714,439)	(746,004)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	216,887	1,499	510,128
Payments of long-term debt	(112,043)	(216,212)	(144,105)
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net	(26,158)	6,120	(250,252)
Increase in deposits from customers in the financial services business, net	211,597	229,327	276,454
Dividends paid	(25,078)	(25,098)	(25,085)
Other	(7,869)	(5,748)	(2,126)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	257,336	(10,112)	365,014
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(13,825)	(68,890)	(1,098)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(119,836)	(177,196)	530,819
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year	1,014,412	1,191,608	660,789
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year	894,576	1,014,412	1,191,608
Cash paid during the fiscal year for -
Income taxes	127,643	116,376	60,022
Interest	20,276	20,583	19,821
Non-cash investing and financing activities -
Obtaining assets by entering into capital leases	56,403	3,738	2,553
Collections of deferred proceeds from sales of receivables -	132,636	153,550
Financial Services
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities -
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs	56,322	62,077	56,531
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for investments and advances	(1,028,150)	(1,458,912)	(1,581,841)
Proceeds from sales or return of investments and collections of advances	474,466	874,031	1,128,500
Other than financial service business
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for investments and advances	(28,021)	(15,316)	(41,838)
Proceeds from sales or return of investments and collections of advances	¥ 93,165	¥ 30,332	¥ 54,324

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Long-Term Debt (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	¥ 1,072,709	¥ 921,849
Less - Portion due within one year	310,483	109,614
Total	762,226	812,235
Unsecured Loans Due Twenty Eleven to Twenty Eighteen Interest Rates Ranging from Zero Point Two Zero to Four Point Five Zero Percent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion		441,976
Due Twenty Twelve to Twenty Twenty Four, with interest rates ranging from Zero Point Two Three To Four Point Five Zero Percent per annum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	564,275
Unsecured One Point Five Two Percent Bonds Due Twenty Eleven
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion		50,000
Unsecured One Point One Six Percent Bonds Due Twenty Twelve
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	39,999	39,996
Unsecured One Point Five Two Percent Bonds Due Twenty Thirteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	35,000	34,999
Unsecured One Point Five Seven Percent Bonds Due Twenty Fifteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	29,993	29,991
Unsecured One Point Seven Five Percent Bonds Due Twenty Fifteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	24,997	24,996
Unsecured One Point One Seven Percent Bonds Due Twenty Eleven
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion		10,500
Unsecured Zero Point Nine Five Percent Bonds Due Twenty Twelve
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	60,000	60,000
Unsecured One Point Four Zero Percent Bonds Due Twenty Thirteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	10,700	10,700
Unsecured One Point Three Zero Percent Bonds Due Twenty Fourteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	110,000	110,000
Unsecured Zero Point Five Five Percent Bonds Due Twenty Sixteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	10,000
Unsecured Zero Point Six Six Percent bonds, due Twenty Seventeen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	45,000
Unsecured Two Point Zero Zero Percent Bonds Due Twenty Eighteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	16,300	16,300
Unsecured Two Point Zero Seven Percent Bonds Due Twenty Nineteen
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	50,000	50,000
Unsecured One Point Four One Percent Bonds, Due Twenty Twenty Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	10,000
Capital lease obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	49,754	24,673
Guarantee deposits received
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt including the current portion	¥ 16,691	¥ 17,718

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Film costs

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Film costs

4. Film costs

Film costs are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Motion picture productions:
Released		102,415			98,910
Completed and not released		14,260			10,800
In production and development		107,811			102,295
Television productions:
Released		40,581			44,461
In production and development		1,688			2,853
Broadcasting rights		24,544			27,830
Less: current portion of broadcasting rights included in inventories		(15,910	)		(17,101	)
Film costs		275,389			270,048

Sony estimates that approximately 90% of the unamortized costs of released films at March 31, 2012 will be amortized within the next three years. Approximately 84 billion yen of completed film costs are expected to be amortized during the next twelve months. Approximately 91 billion yen of accrued participation liabilities included in accounts payable, other and accrued expenses are expected to be paid during the next twelve months.

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Business segment information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Components of Sales and Operating Revenue

Sales and operating revenue:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Consumer Products & Services —
Customers		3,638,137			3,771,610			3,061,214
Intersegment		74,228			78,223			75,543
Total		3,712,365			3,849,833			3,136,757
Professional, Device & Solutions —
Customers		1,080,984			1,066,574			967,603
Intersegment		438,002			436,690			346,168
Total		1,518,986			1,503,264			1,313,771
Pictures —
Customers		705,237			599,654			656,097
Intersegment		—			312			1,624
Total		705,237			599,966			657,721
Music —
Customers		511,097			457,771			430,751
Intersegment		11,519			12,972			12,038
Total		522,616			470,743			442,789
Financial Services —
Customers		838,300			798,495			868,971
Intersegment		13,096			8,031			2,924
Total		851,396			806,526			871,895
Sony Mobile —
Customers		—			—			77,732
Intersegment		—			—			—
Total		—			—			77,732
All Other —
Customers		379,862			377,822			378,071
Intersegment		80,904			70,004			64,598
Total		460,766			447,826			442,669
Corporate and elimination		(557,368	)		(496,885	)		(450,122	)
Consolidated total		7,213,998			7,181,273			6,493,212

Components of Segment Profit or Loss

Segment profit or loss:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Operating income (loss):
Consumer Products & Services		(101,403	)		10,817			(229,807	)
Professional, Device & Solutions		(35,435	)		27,650			(20,194	)
Pictures		42,814			38,669			34,130
Music		36,513			38,927			36,887
Financial Services		162,492			118,818			131,421
Sony Mobile		(34,514	)		4,155			31,407
All Other		(4,976	)		7,116			(3,546	)
Total		65,491			246,152			(19,702	)
Corporate and elimination		(33,719	)		(46,331	)		(47,573	)
Consolidated operating income (loss)		31,772			199,821			(67,275	)
Other income		43,834			44,966			23,478
Other expenses		(48,694	)		(39,774	)		(39,389	)
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes		26,912			205,013			(83,186	)

Components of Other Significant Items

Other significant items:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies:
Consumer Products & Services		387			7,214			(64,078	)
Professional, Device & Solutions		(1,034	)		(130	)		(198	)
Pictures		4,347			2,483			(516	)
Music		(80	)		(265	)		(372	)
Financial Services		(1,345	)		(1,961	)		(1,252	)
Sony Mobile		(34,514	)		4,155			(57,680	)
All Other		2,004			2,566			2,399
Consolidated total		(30,235	)		14,062			(121,697	)
Depreciation and amortization:
Consumer Products & Services		100,710			68,579			69,717
Professional, Device & Solutions		142,411			122,057			124,956
Pictures		8,427			7,996			10,825
Music		13,427			12,166			10,789
Financial Services, including deferred insurance acquisition costs		56,531			62,077			56,322
Sony Mobile		—			—			869
All Other		22,452			20,805			16,656
Total		343,958			293,680			290,134
Corporate		27,046			31,686			29,460
Consolidated total		371,004			325,366			319,594

Sales and Operating Revenue to External Customers by Product Category in CPS and PDS Segments

The following table includes a breakdown of sales and operating revenue to external customers by product category in the CPS and PDS segments. The CPS and PDS segments are each managed as a single operating segment by Sony’s management.

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Consumer Products & Services
Televisions		1,005,773		1,200,491		840,359
Home Audio and Video		302,678		285,297		241,885
Digital Imaging		664,502		642,570		497,957
Personal and Mobile Products		809,369		828,375		722,301
Game		840,711		798,405		744,285
Other		15,104		16,472		14,427
Total		3,638,137		3,771,610		3,061,214
Professional, Device & Solutions
Professional Solutions		295,360		287,394		280,645
Semiconductors		299,715		358,396		375,891
Components		476,097		410,090		297,108
Other		9,812		10,694		13,959
Total		1,080,984		1,066,574		967,603
Pictures		705,237		599,654		656,097
Music		511,097		457,771		430,751
Financial Services		838,300		798,495		868,971
Sony Mobile		—		—		77,732
All Other		379,862		377,822		378,071
Corporate		60,381		109,347		52,773
Consolidated total		7,213,998		7,181,273		6,493,212

Sales and Operating Revenue Attributed to Countries Based on Location of Customers and Long-Lived Assets

Sales and operating revenue attributed to countries based on location of external customers for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and property, plant and equipment, net as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010		2011		2012
Sales and operating revenue:
Japan		2,099,297		2,152,552		2,104,669
United States		1,595,016		1,443,693		1,211,849
Europe		1,644,698		1,539,432		1,268,258
China		485,512		562,048		495,101
Asia-Pacific		708,061		726,364		636,489
Other Areas		681,414		757,184		776,846
Total		7,213,998		7,181,273		6,493,212

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011		2012
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Japan		684,031		699,647
United States		95,157		82,914
Europe		39,602		55,192
China		39,936		39,388
Asia-Pacific		46,894		37,060
Other Areas		19,248		16,797
Total		924,868		930,998

Major Areas in each Geographic Segment excluding Japan, United States and China

Major areas in each geographic segment excluding Japan, United States and China are as follows:

(1) Europe:	United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Spain and Sweden
(2) Asia-Pacific:	India, South Korea and Oceania
(3) Other Areas:	The Middle East/Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Canada

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Changes Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Parenthetical) (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairments	¥ 932	[1]
Goodwill	576,758		469,005	438,869
Assets Held-for-sale
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	29,182
All Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairments	932	[1]
Goodwill	¥ 31,279		¥ 27,833	¥ 29,094

[1] During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded impairment losses of 932 million yen in a reporting unit included in All Other. The impairment charge reflected the overall decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

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Accumulated Benefit Obligations for All Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligations	¥ 786,679	¥ 731,666
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligations	¥ 189,360	¥ 183,954

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Cost and Fair Value of Debt Securities Classified as Available-for-Sale Securities and Held-to-Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Available for Sale Securities, Cost
Due in one year or less	¥ 230,037
Due after one year through five years	505,497
Due after five year through ten years	210,411
Due after ten years	818,391
Total	1,764,336
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	223,870
Due after one year through five years	510,183
Due after five year through ten years	215,180
Due after ten years	870,219
Total	1,819,452
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost
Due in one year or less	23,552
Due after one year through five years	18,280
Due after five year through ten years	27,225
Due after ten years	3,425,424
Total	3,494,481
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	23,625
Due after one year through five years	18,559
Due after five year through ten years	28,219
Due after ten years	3,579,107
Total	¥ 3,649,510

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Income taxes

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income taxes

21. Income taxes

Domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes and the provision for current and deferred income taxes attributable to such income are summarized as follows:

	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		45,290			143,917			(106,496	)
Foreign subsidiaries		(18,378	)		61,096			23,310
		26,912			205,013			(83,186	)
Income taxes — Current:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		42,723			60,514			33,921
Foreign subsidiaries		36,397			57,404			74,624
		79,120			117,918			108,545
Income taxes — Deferred:
Sony Corporation and all subsidiaries in Japan		(25,589	)		365,665			2,794
Foreign subsidiaries		(39,573	)		(58,244	)		203,900
		(65,162	)		307,421			206,694
Total income tax expense		13,958			425,339			315,239

As discussed in Note 2, current income taxes and deferred income taxes in foreign subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 have been revised, with an increase in current income taxes by 30,422 million yen and a corresponding decrease to deferred income taxes. This revision had no impact on total income tax expense.

A reconciliation of the differences between the Japanese statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Statutory tax rate		41.0	%		41.0	%		(41.0	)%
Non-deductible expenses		10.3			1.3			4.2
Income tax credits		(18.0	)		(2.0	)		(3.6	)
Change in statutory tax rate		(4.6	)		0.9			(36.2	)
Change in valuation allowances		4.7			174.5			491.0
Change in deferred tax liabilities on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures		5.8			1.5			(21.2	)
Lower tax rate applied to life and non-life insurance business in Japan		(30.3	)		(2.8	)		(7.8	)
Foreign income tax differential		(17.6	)		(10.5	)		6.7
Adjustments to tax accruals and reserves		16.2			4.5			(15.9	)
Effect of equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies		46.0			(2.8	)		60.0
Sony Ericsson remeasurement gain		—			—			(50.6	)
Insurance recovery tax exemptions related to the Floods		—			—			(5.2	)
Other		(1.6	)		1.9			(1.4	)
Effective income tax rate		51.9	%		207.5	%		379.0	%

In November 2011, the Japanese legislature enacted tax law changes which included lowering the national tax rate, limiting the annual use of net operating loss carryforwards to 80% of taxable income and increasing the net operating loss carryforward period from seven to nine years for losses incurred in the tax years ending on or after April 1, 2008. As a result, the statutory tax rate during the fiscal years ending March 31, 2013 to March 31, 2015 will be approximately 38% and from the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016 will be approximately 36%. The limitation on the use of net operating loss carryforwards, however, may result in cash tax payments being due if there is taxable income in Japan even though Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan have significant net operating loss carryforwards available. These tax law changes take effect for Sony from April 1, 2012. Because accounting for income taxes requires the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates, the tax law changes resulted in a net deferred tax expense of 32,729 million yen.

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Deferred tax assets:
Operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes		387,982			533,912
Accrued pension and severance costs		103,674			87,871
Film costs		16,405			40,566
Warranty reserves and accrued expenses		94,065			82,842
Future insurance policy benefits		26,177			22,907
Inventory		35,989			37,431
Depreciation		35,128			39,473
Tax credit carryforwards		74,284			73,945
Reserve for doubtful accounts		8,404			5,580
Impairment of investments		33,743			34,387
Deferred revenue in the Pictures segment		19,254			21,980
Other		140,745			146,777
Gross deferred tax assets		975,850			1,127,671
Less: Valuation allowance		(473,713	)		(868,233	)
Total deferred tax assets		502,137			259,438
Deferred tax liabilities:
Insurance acquisition costs		(155,073	)		(140,190	)
Future insurance policy benefits		(62,933	)		(66,998	)
Unbilled accounts receivable in the Pictures segment		(40,469	)		(45,467	)
Unrealized gains on securities		(33,101	)		(43,831	)
Intangible assets acquired through stock exchange offerings		(32,136	)		(28,139	)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures		(46,261	)		(27,920	)
Other		(46,970	)		(73,399	)
Gross deferred tax liabilities		(416,943	)		(425,944	)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		85,194			(166,506	)

As discussed in Note 2, the presentation of deferred income taxes in other assets as of March 31, 2011 in the consolidated balance sheets have been revised to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2012 to reflect the results of an analysis of deferred tax assets in relation to certain unrecognized tax benefits that was completed during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. This revision increased total deferred tax assets by 61,115 million yen, which is composed of an increase of gross deferred tax assets and valuation allowance by 71,126 million yen and 10,011 million yen, respectively, as of March 31, 2011.

The significant increase in the deferred tax asset for film costs is as a result of a change in the method of amortization for film costs for tax return purposes. For book purposes, film costs are amortized on an individual-film-forecast method based on the ratio of current period actual revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues. For tax purposes, there is a film by film election to amortize film costs on either the income forecast method or the straight line method. Sony elected straight line for all films released in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

The valuation allowance mainly relates to deferred tax assets of certain consolidated subsidiaries with operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards for tax purposes that are not more-likely-than-not to be realized. The net changes in the total valuation allowance were increases of 5,741 million yen, 347,460 million yen and 394,520 million yen for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The increase during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 was primarily due to the additional valuation allowance recorded on deferred tax assets at Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan. Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan were in a three year cumulative loss position in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. In Japan, Sony Corporation files a standalone tax filing for local tax purposes and a consolidated national tax filing with its wholly-owned Japanese subsidiaries for national tax purposes. As the national tax filing group only includes wholly-owned subsidiaries, certain Japanese subsidiaries are excluded, the most significant of which are Sony Financial Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. Due to the cumulative losses in recent years, and because the net operating losses in Japan have a relatively short carryforward period of seven to nine years, a limited number of years remain in the carryforward period. The first year of expiration of the remaining net operating losses in Japan would be 2014 for local taxes and 2016 for national taxes. Carrying amounts of deferred tax assets require a reduction by a valuation allowance if, based on the available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. While the cumulative loss position and the remaining limited years in the carryforward period were significant negative evidence, there was positive evidence in the form of a history of taxable income and a history of utilizing assets before expiration, as well as the availability of tax strategies regarding the utilization of the deferred tax assets. However, based on the near term forecast at the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, including the anticipated impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the lesser weight provided to longer range forecasts when an entity is in a cumulative loss, Sony did not believe that the objectively verifiable positive evidence was sufficient to overcome the significant negative evidence of the cumulative loss. As the weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objectively verifiable negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. Accordingly, Sony, based on the weight of the available positive and negative evidence, established a valuation allowance of 362,316 million yen as of March 31, 2011.

The increase during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was primarily due to the additional valuation allowances recorded on deferred tax assets in the U.S. and the U.K. and additional valuation allowances recorded in Japan for Sony Corporation and certain Japanese subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2012, Sony has concluded that with respect to Sony Americas Holding Inc. (“SAHI”) and its consolidated tax filing group in the U.S., and Sony Europe Limited (“SEU”), a subsidiary in the U.K., the cumulative loss position was significant negative evidence that was difficult to overcome. There was positive evidence in the form of tax planning actions and strategies, the long carryforward periods for utilization, as well as a history of taxable income and utilization of assets before expiration. The tax planning strategies included changes in film amortization methods in the U.S. as described above, the success of which depends on future forecasts of income. Notwithstanding this positive evidence, the weight given to evidence is commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. It is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objectively verifiable negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. Accordingly, Sony, based on the weight of the available positive and negative evidence, established a valuation allowance of 203,025 million yen for SAHI and its consolidated tax filing group in the U.S., and 20,694 million yen for SEU, as of March 31, 2012. Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan remain in a cumulative loss position as of March 31, 2012, as a result, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony recorded an additional valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets at Sony Corporation and its national tax filing group in Japan. In addition, several Japanese subsidiaries are also in a cumulative loss position as of March 31, 2012 and, therefore, recorded valuation allowances of 32,631 million yen against their separate deferred tax assets for local tax purposes.

Prior to its acquisition, Sony Ericsson, principally due to its cumulative loss position, had a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets mainly in Sweden in the amount of 78,393 million yen, for which Sony reported the impact of the valuation allowance through its 50% equity interest in Sony Ericsson.

Net deferred tax assets (net of valuation allowance) are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Current assets — Deferred income taxes		133,059			36,769
Other assets — Deferred income taxes		300,702			100,460
Current liabilities — Other		(42,340	)		(19,236	)
Long-term liabilities — Deferred income taxes		(306,227	)		(284,499	)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		85,194			(166,506	)

As discussed in Note 2, deferred income taxes in other assets and net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2011 have been revised, resulting in an increase of 61,115 million yen.

At March 31, 2012, deferred income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures not expected to be remitted in the foreseeable future totaling 1,043,693 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. (“SMEJ”) 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, 2012 for such temporary differences cannot be determined.

At March 31, 2012, Sony has operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes, the tax effect of which totaled 533,912 million yen, which will be available as an offset against future taxable income on tax returns to be filed in various tax jurisdictions. With the exception of 125,537 million yen with no expiration period, substantially all of the total operating loss carryforwards expire at various periods between the fiscal years ending March 31, 2013 and 2021 and the remaining amounts expire in periods up to 20 years depending on the jurisdiction.

Tax credit carryforwards for tax purposes at March 31, 2012 amounted to 73,945 million yen. With the exception of 14,021 million yen with no expiration period, total available tax credit carryforwards expire at various dates primarily up to 10 years.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2010			2011			2012
Balance at beginning of the fiscal year		276,627			229,228			225,120
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(38,450	)		(39,005	)		(25,302	)
Additions for tax positions of prior years		4,816			19,947			59,159
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		10,873			41,201			44,307
Settlements		(5,921	)		(1,478	)		(4,046	)
Lapse in statute of limitations		(1,506	)		(7,770	)		(3,807	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(17,211	)		(17,003	)		(7,120	)
Balance at end of the fiscal year		229,228			225,120			288,311
Total net amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate		76,125			87,497			77,925

The major changes in the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefit balances relate to the Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (“APAs”) filed for certain subsidiaries in the Consumer Products & Services, Professional, Device & Solutions and All Other segments with respect to their intercompany cross-border transactions. These APAs include agreements between Sony and two taxing authorities under the authority of the mutual agreement procedure specified in income tax treaties. Sony reviews its estimated tax expense based on the progress made in these procedures and makes adjustments to its estimates as necessary. Because these are government to government negotiations, it is possible that the final outcomes of the agreements may differ from Sony’s current assessment of the more-likely-than-not outcomes of such agreements.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, Sony recorded 4,707 million yen of interest expense and 1,565 million yen of penalties.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, Sony recorded 3,612 million yen of interest expense and reversed 261 million yen of penalties. At March 31, 2011, Sony had recorded liabilities of 14,523 million yen and 4,407 million yen for the payments of interest and penalties, respectively.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, Sony reversed 1,336 million yen of interest expense and 333 million yen of penalties. At March 31, 2012, Sony had recorded liabilities of 13,187 million yen and 4,074 million yen for the payments of interest and penalties, respectively.

Sony operates in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world, and its tax returns are periodically audited by Japanese and foreign taxing authorities. As a result of audit settlements, the conclusion of current examinations, the expiration of the statute of limitations in several jurisdictions and other reevaluations of Sony’s tax positions, it is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next twelve months. Accordingly, Sony believes it is reasonably possible that its existing unrecognized tax benefits may be reduced by an amount up to 122,227 million yen within the next twelve months.

Sony remains subject to examinations by Japanese taxing authorities for tax years from 2005 through 2011, and by the U.S. and other foreign taxing authorities for tax years from 1998 through 2011.

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	¥ 1,952	¥ 1,952	¥ 2,202
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense	287	322	271
Total cash received from exercise of stock-based compensation plans	4	198	114
Stock Acquisition Rights Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation plan, vesting period	3 years
Weighted-average fair value per share of stock acquisition rights granted	¥ 345	¥ 1,036	¥ 813
Total intrinsic value of shares exercised under stock acquisition rights plan	0.2	26.0	20.0
Total unrecognized compensation expense	¥ 1,425
Total unrecognized compensation expense, weighted-average period to be recognized	2.01
Stock Acquisition Rights Plan | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation plan, exercisable period	10 years
Convertible Bonds Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation plan, vesting period	3 years
Number of shares to be issued on conversion of each Bond	100
Convertible Bonds Plan | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation plan, exercisable period	10 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation plan, vesting period	3 years
Number of stock rights outstanding	23,200
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding	¥ 4,298
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation plan, exercisable period	10 years

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Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes	¥ 533,912	¥ 387,982
Accrued pension and severance costs	87,871	103,674
Film costs	40,566	16,405
Warranty reserves and accrued expenses	82,842	94,065
Future insurance policy benefits	22,907	26,177
Inventory	37,431	35,989
Depreciation	39,473	35,128
Tax credit carryforwards	73,945	74,284
Reserve for doubtful accounts	5,580	8,404
Impairment of investments	34,387	33,743
Other	146,777	140,745
Gross deferred tax assets	1,127,671	975,850
Less: Valuation allowance	(868,233)	(473,713)
Total deferred tax assets	259,438	502,137
Deferred tax liabilities:
Insurance acquisition costs	(140,190)	(155,073)
Future insurance policy benefits	(66,998)	(62,933)
Unrealized gains on securities	(43,831)	(33,101)
Intangible assets acquired through stock exchange offerings	(28,139)	(32,136)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures	(27,920)	(46,261)
Other	(73,399)	(46,970)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(425,944)	(416,943)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(166,506)	85,194
Pictures
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue in the Pictures segment	21,980	19,254
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unbilled accounts receivable in the Pictures segment	¥ (45,467)	¥ (40,469)

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Supplemental Consolidated Statements of Income Information - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Components of Other Income (Expense) [Line Items]
Research and development costs	¥ 433,477	¥ 426,814	¥ 432,001
Advertising costs included in selling general and administrative expenses	357,106	396,425	383,540
Shipping and handling costs	¥ 76,644	¥ 91,926	¥ 83,622

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Future Minimum Lease Payments under Capital Leases with Present Value of Net Minimum Lease Payments (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]
2013	¥ 20,652
2014	20,098
2015	2,035
2016	1,469
2017	1,346
Later years	5,647
Total minimum lease payments	51,247
Less - Amount representing interest	1,493
Present value of net minimum lease payments	49,754
Less - Current obligations	20,494
Long-term capital lease obligations	¥ 29,260

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Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Mar. 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	¥ 90,531		¥ 104,475		¥ 110,383
Additions	33,441		50,345		59,987
Deductions	(49,509)	[1]	(55,106)	[1]	(61,577)	[1]
Other	(3,454)	[2]	(9,183)	[2]	(4,318)	[2]
Balance at end of period	71,009		90,531		104,475
Valuation allowance - Deferred tax assets
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	473,713	[3]	126,253	[3]	120,512	[3]
Additions	469,788	[4]	381,837	[4]	48,372	[4]
Deductions	(22,904)		(28,736)		(40,210)
Other	(52,364)	[5]	(5,641)	[5]	(2,421)	[5]
Balance at end of period	¥ 868,233	[3]	¥ 473,713	[3]	¥ 126,253	[3]

[1] Reversal including amounts written off.

[2] Translation adjustment.

[3] As discussed in Note 21 of the consolidated financial statements, the presentation of deferred income taxes in the consolidated balance sheets have been revised to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2012, which impacted the presentation of the valuation allowance for the previous fiscal years.

[4] Including a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets which Sony Ericsson had prior to its acquisition during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. Refer to Note 21 of the consolidated financial statements.

[5] Translation adjustment and the effect of changes in statutory tax rate.

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Film costs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Film Costs

Film costs are comprised of the following:

	Yen in millions
	March 31
	2011			2012
Motion picture productions:
Released		102,415			98,910
Completed and not released		14,260			10,800
In production and development		107,811			102,295
Television productions:
Released		40,581			44,461
In production and development		1,688			2,853
Broadcasting rights		24,544			27,830
Less: current portion of broadcasting rights included in inventories		(15,910	)		(17,101	)
Film costs		275,389			270,048

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Derivative instruments and hedging activities

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

14. Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Sony has certain financial instruments including financial assets and liabilities acquired in the normal course of business. Such financial instruments are exposed to market risk arising from the changes of foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. In applying a consistent risk management strategy for the purpose of reducing such risk, Sony uses derivative financial instruments, which include foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, and interest rate swap agreements (including interest rate and currency swap agreements). Certain other derivative financial instruments are entered into in the Financial Services segment for asset-liability management (ALM) purposes. 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. These derivatives generally mature or expire within six months after the balance sheet date. Other than derivatives utilized in the Financial Services segment for ALM, Sony does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. These derivative transactions utilized for ALM in the Financial Services segment are executed within a certain limit in accordance with an internal risk management policy.

Derivative financial instruments held by Sony are classified and accounted for as described below.

Fair value hedges

Both the derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the hedged items are reflected at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives designated as fair value hedges as well as offsetting changes in the carrying value of the underlying hedged items are recognized in income. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, these fair value hedges were fully effective. In addition, there were no amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness of fair value hedges.

Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are initially recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship is not significant. In addition, there were no amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for cash flow hedges.

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in income.

A description of the purpose and classification of the derivative financial instruments held by Sony is as follows:

Foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts

Foreign exchange forward contracts and purchased and written foreign currency option contracts are utilized primarily to limit the exposure affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash flows generated by anticipated intercompany transactions and intercompany accounts receivable and payable denominated in foreign currencies. The majority of written foreign currency option contracts are a part of range forward contract arrangements and expire in the same month with the corresponding purchased foreign currency option contracts.

Sony also enters into foreign exchange forward contracts, which effectively fix the cash flows from foreign currency denominated debt. Accordingly, these derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges.

Foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts that do not qualify as hedges are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in other income and expenses.

Foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts and currency swap agreements held by certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in financial service revenue.

Interest rate swap agreements (including interest rate and currency swap agreements)

Interest rate swap agreements are utilized primarily to lower funding costs, to diversify sources of funding and to limit Sony’s exposure associated with underlying debt instruments and available-for-sale debt securities resulting from adverse fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in fair values. Interest rate swap agreements entered into in the Financial Services segment are used for reducing the risk arising from the changes in the fair value of fixed rate available-for-sale debt securities. These derivatives are considered to be a hedge against changes in the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities in the Financial Services segment. Accordingly, these derivatives have been designated as fair value hedges.

Sony also enters into certain interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of reducing the risk arising from the changes in anticipated cash flows of variable rate debt and foreign currency denominated debt. These interest rate swap agreements, which effectively swap foreign currency denominated variable rate debt for functional currency denominated fixed rate debt, are considered to be a hedge against changes in the anticipated cash flows of Sony’s foreign denominated variable rate obligations. Accordingly, these derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges.

Certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have interest rate swap agreements as part of their ALM, which are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in financial service revenue.

Any other interest rate swap agreements that do not qualify as hedges, which are used for reducing the risk arising from changes of variable rate debt, are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in other income and expenses.

Other agreements

Certain subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have credit default swap agreements, equity future contracts, other currency contracts and hybrid financial instruments as part of their ALM, which are marked-to-market with changes in value recognized in financial services revenue. The hybrid financial instruments, disclosed in Note 7 as debt securities, contain embedded derivatives that are not required to be bifurcated because the entire instruments are carried at fair value.

The estimated fair values of Sony’s outstanding derivative instruments are summarized as follows:

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Yen in millions
	Balance sheet location	Fair value				Balance sheet location	Fair value
		March 31					March 31
	Asset derivatives	2011		2012		Liability derivatives	2011		2012
Interest rate contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		416		151	Current liabilities other		9,026		14,017
Interest rate contracts			—		—	Liabilities other		1,663		1,184
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—		7,558	Current liabilities other		67		15
			416		7,709			10,756		15,216
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Yen in millions
	Balance sheet location	Fair value				Balance sheet location	Fair value
		March 31					March 31
	Asset derivatives	2011		2012		Liability derivatives	2011		2012
Interest rate contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		314		5	Current liabilities other		3,630		4,390
Interest rate contracts			—		—	Liabilities other		—		—
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,353		10,798	Current liabilities other		19,361		21,612
Foreign exchange contracts	Assets other		9		5			—		—
Credit contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		18		1	Current liabilities other		12		—
			14,694		10,809			23,003		26,002
Total derivatives			15,110		18,518			33,759		41,218

Presented below are the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (yen in millions).

Derivatives under fair value hedging relationships	Location of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative
		Fiscal year ended March 31
		2010			2011			2012
Interest rate contracts	Financial services revenue		(3,475	)		588			(2,998	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Foreign exchange gain or (loss), net		97			(18	)		(49	)
Total			(3,378	)		570			(3,047	)

Derivatives under cash flow hedging relationships	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011
	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative			Gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)			Gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
	Amount			Location	Amount		Location	Amount
Interest rate contracts		(108	)	Interest expense		329	Interest expense		—
Total		(108	)	Total		329	Total		—
Derivatives under cash flow hedging relationships	Yen in millions
	Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative			Gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)			Gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
	Amount			Location	Amount		Location	Amount
Interest rate contracts		171		Interest expense		308	Interest expense		—
Total		171		Total		308	Total		—

At March 31, 2012, amounts related to derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges amounted to a net reduction of equity of 1,050 million yen.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Location of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on derivative (Yen in millions)
		Fiscal year ended March 31
		2010			2011			2012
Interest rate contracts	Financial services revenue		(884	)		(3,332	)		(3,303	)
Interest rate contracts	Financial services expenses		32			32			—
Foreign exchange contracts	Financial services revenue		1,468			(1,294	)		(79	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Foreign exchange gain or (loss), net		(8,779	)		8,311			4,324
Equity contracts	Financial services revenue		83			—			—
Bond contracts	Financial services revenue		68			44			—
Credit contracts	Financial services revenue		(518	)		(101	)		(25	)
Total			(8,530	)		3,660			917

The following table summarizes additional information, including notional amounts, for each type of derivative:

	Yen in millions
	March 31, 2011					March 31, 2012
	Notional amount		Fair value			Notional amount		Fair value
Foreign exchange contracts:
Foreign exchange forward contracts		1,364,147		(8,825	)		1,227,889		(7,305	)
Currency option contracts purchased		5,822		19			9,878		91
Currency option contracts written		423		(9	)		152		(1	)
Currency swap agreements		117,028		2,015			519,041		2,206
Other currency contracts		46,201		1,734			48,347		1,743
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements		448,353		(13,589	)		451,416		(19,435	)
Credit contracts:
Credit default swap agreements		4,841		6			1,367		1

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Pension and Severance Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (JPY ¥)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the indemnities under existing regulations to employees covered by defined benefits	65.00%
Expected amortization of net actuarial loss from accumulated other comprehensive income in next fiscal year	¥ 11,262,000,000
Expected amortization of prior service cost from accumulated other comprehensive income in next fiscal year	10,671,000,000
Expected amortization of transition obligation (asset) from accumulated other comprehensive income in next fiscal year	59,000,000
Contribution in defined benefit pension plans	16,000,000,000
Japanese plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of investments in equity securities for the pension plans	28.00%
Percentage of investments in fixed income securities for the pension plans	58.00%
Percentage of investments in other investments for the pension plans	14.00%
Expected contribution in defined benefit pension plans	18,000,000,000	35,000,000,000
Contribution in defined benefit pension plans	15,745,000,000	34,892,000,000
Foreign plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected amortization of transition obligation (asset) from accumulated other comprehensive income in next fiscal year	139,000,000	20,000,000	67,000,000
Percentage of investments in equity securities for the pension plans	46.00%
Percentage of investments in fixed income securities for the pension plans	39.00%
Percentage of investments in other investments for the pension plans	15.00%
Expected contribution in defined benefit pension plans	9,000,000,000
Contribution in defined benefit pension plans	¥ 9,033,000,000	¥ 13,029,000,000