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 domicile.

(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 (“VIEs”) 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 interest in the partnership is carried at fair value. 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 ownership interest are recorded in earnings within the fiscal year in which the change in interest transactions occurs.

Gains or losses that result from a loss of a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary are recorded in earnings along with fair value remeasurement gains or losses on any retained investment in the entity, while a change in interest

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 and other intangible assets, fair values of 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 significantly differ from those estimates. The timing and extent to which the spread of COVID-19 may negatively impact Sony’s business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain. This uncertainty could result in greater variability in accounting estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those used in reviewing goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment and the valuation of deferred tax assets.

Translation of foreign currencies -

All asset and liability accounts of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated into Japanese yen at appropriate fiscal year end 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, are included in earnings.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at appropriate fiscal year end exchange rates and the resulting translation gains or losses are recognized into income.

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash -

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. Sony includes restricted cash within cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows.

Marketable debt and equity

securities

Debt securities designated as

available-for-sale

are carried at fair value with

unrealized

gains or losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Equity securities that have a readily determinable fair value, and debt 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

held-to-maturity

are reduced to fair value by a charge to income when an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized. 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 debt 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 issuer, 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 debt securities designated as

available-for-sale,

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 that the decline in the fair value is other-than-temporary.

When an other-than-temporary impairment of a

held-to-maturity

debt security has occurred, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in income depends on whether Sony intends to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt 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 impairment of the debt security that does not meet these two criteria, the net amount recognized in income is a credit loss, which equals 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 is recognized in income are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values -

Equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. If the value of equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values 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 from 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 Game & Network Services (“G&NS”), Music, Electronics Products & Solutions (“EP&S”) and Imaging & Sensing Solutions (“I&SS”) segments as well as

non-film

inventories for the Pictures segment are valued at cost, not in excess of the net realizable value – i.e., estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion and disposal, cost being determined on the “average cost” basis.

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 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 are recognized when the license period begins and the program is available for use, and consist of acquired programming to be aired on Sony’s worldwide channel network. 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. Broadcasting rights are amortized based on estimated usage or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate, although broadcasting rights licensed under multi-year live-event sports programming agreements are generally amortized based on the ratio of the current period’s actual advertising revenue and an allocation of subscription fee revenue to the estimated total remaining attributable revenues. Estimates used in calculating the fair value of film costs and the net realizable value of 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 is computed using the straight-line method. Useful lives for depreciation range from 2 to 50 years for buildings and from 2 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.

Leases -

When entering into a contract, Sony determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at its inception. An arrangement contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Operating leases are included in operating lease

right-of-use

assets, current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities, and long-term operating lease liabilities on Sony’s consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in finance lease

right-of-use

assets, current portion of long-term debt, and long-term debt on Sony’s consolidated balance sheets.

Right-of-use

assets represent Sony’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent Sony’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Right-of-use assets also include any lease payments or initial direct costs incurred on or before the commencement date and excludes lease incentives. In determining the present value of lease payments, Sony generally uses its incremental borrowing rate, as the implicit rate is not available for most of its leases. Sony determines its incremental borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing, taking into account the lease term and the economic environment of each country or region at commencement date. The lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that Sony will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases recorded on the balance sheet is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Sony accounts for the lease and

non-lease

components of all underlying asset classes as a single lease component. Sony has applied the short-term lease exception for leases with a term of one year or less, where right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are not recognized and the expense is recognized on a straight-line basis

As of April 1, 2019, Sony adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, which amends leasing guidance, on a modified retrospective basis with no restatement of comparative periods. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on April 1, 2019, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases were not recognized in Sony’s consolidated balance sheet. For the detailed effect of the adoption of the new standard on Sony’s results of operations and financial position, refer to Note 2 (2) Recently adopted accounting pronouncements.

Goodwill and other intangible assets -

Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets 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. Such an event or change in circumstances 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.

In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, Sony elected not to perform an optional qualitative assessment of goodwill and instead proceeded directly to a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. 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 not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value, and if the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

The fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite lived intangible asset 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, earnings multiples, the determination of appropriate comparable entities and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. Consideration is also 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.

The assumptions used for projected future cash flows and the timing of such cash flows are based on the forecast and

mid-range

plan (“MRP”) of each reporting unit and take into account such factors as historical experience, market and industry information, and current and forecasted economic conditions. Perpetual growth rates are utilized to determine a terminal cash flow value and are generally set after the three-year forecasted period for the MRP. Certain reporting units, such as those in the Pictures segment, utilize longer forecast periods and base the terminal value on an exit price using an earnings multiple applied to the final year of the forecasted earnings, which also takes into consideration a control premium. Discount rates are derived from the weighted average cost of capital of market participants in similar businesses.

Management believes that the assumptions used to estimate the fair value in the goodwill impairment tests are reasonable, including, but not limited to, the potential impacts arising from the spread of COVID-19. As the extent and duration of the impacts from COVID-19 remain unclear, Sony’s estimates and assumptions may evolve as conditions change. Actual results could differ from those estimates. As a result, changes in estimates resulting in lower than currently anticipated cash flows and fair values due to unforeseen changes in assumptions could negatively affect the valuations, which may result in Sony recognizing impairment charges for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets in the future.

When a business within a reporting unit is disposed of, goodwill is allocated to the disposed business using the relative fair value method.

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,

internal-use

software, music catalogs, artist contracts, and television carriage contracts (broadcasting agreements). Patent rights,

know-how,

license agreements, trademarks, software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed, and

internal-use

software are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 to 10 years. Customer relationships, music catalogs, artist contracts and television carriage contracts (broadcasting agreements) are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 44 years.

Capitalized software -

The costs related to establishing the technological feasibility of software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed 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 at an earlier stage. At each balance sheet date, Sony performs reviews to ensure that unamortized capitalized software costs remain recoverable from future profits of the related software products.

The costs incurred for

internal-use

software during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized, mainly to selling, general and administrative expenses, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Costs related to the preliminary project stage and post implementation activities are expensed as incurred.

Deferred insurance acquisition costs -

Costs that vary with and are directly related to the acquisition or renewal of 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 at a constant rate based on the present value of the estimated gross profit. Investment yields, mortality rates, lapse rates and discount rates are used as important assumptions for the present value of the estimated gross profit.

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.

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 as to future investment yield, morbidity, mortality, withdrawals and other factors. These assumptions are reviewed on a periodic basis. Liabilities for future policy benefits includes the liabilities for the minimum guarantee benefits of variable annuities and variable life insurance contracts. As discussed below in “Fair value measurement,” Sony elected the fair value option for certain of these liabilities for future insurance policy benefits.

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. Liabilities for policyholders’ account in the life insurance business includes the liabilities related to the variable annuities and variable life insurance contracts with minimum guarantee benefits. As discussed below in “Fair value measurement,” Sony elected the fair value option for certain of these liabilities for policyholders’ account in the life insurance business.

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 would be recognized during the period for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds 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.

Management believes that the estimates of future cash flows and fair values are reasonable, including, but not limited to, the potential impacts arising from the spread of COVID-19. As the extent and duration of the impacts from COVID-19 remain unclear, Sony’s estimates and assumptions may evolve as conditions change. Actual results could differ from those estimates. As a result, changes in estimates resulting in lower future cash flows and fair values due to unforeseen changes in Sony’s businesses or assumptions could negatively affect the valuations of long-lived assets.

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. Sony has elected the fair value option in the banking business for certain foreign securities. The election was made to mitigate accounting mismatches related to fluctuations of foreign exchange rates by allowing the gains and losses on the translation of these securities to be included in current earnings. Sony has also elected the fair value option for certain future insurance policy benefits and policyholders’ account in the life insurance business which are not normally measured at fair value. The election was made to mitigate accounting mismatches related to the changes in the fair value between liabilities for those future insurance policy benefits and policyholders’ account due to changes in the minimum guarantee risk of contracts of variable annuities with minimum guarantee benefits, and the underlying investment managed for policyholders and derivatives. Changes in fair value resulting from changes in instrument-specific credit risk were estimated by incorporating the certain subsidiary’s current credit spreads, and are recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

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 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 on a gross basis. 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 had hybrid financial instruments, disclosed in Note 7 as debt securities, that contain embedded derivatives where the entire instrument was carried at fair value.

In accordance with accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, 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 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 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. The time value component of the fair value of option contracts is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis over the life of the hedging instruments. Any difference between the change in fair value of the excluded component and

the

accumulated amount recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized immediately in 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.

Stock-based compensation -

Sony accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair value

based method and the expense is mainly included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Sony accounts for its stock acquisition rights plan using the fair value measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The stock acquisition rights plan is recognized, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period using the accelerated method of amortization for grants with graded vesting. 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 -

Sony recognizes revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration Sony expects in exchange for satisfying performance obligations to transfer the goods or services promised in contracts with customers. This is in accordance with the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.

Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.

Step 3: Determine the transaction price.

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.

Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) Sony satisfies a performance obligation.

Sony owns a variety of intellectual property throughout segments and recognizes revenue through the licensing of such intellectual property. Sony has both functional and symbolic intellectual property. The licensing of functional intellectual property grants a customer a right to use Sony’s intellectual property as it exists at a point in time, and Sony satisfies its performance obligation at the point in time when the customer obtains control and is entitled to benefit from the license. The licensing of symbolic intellectual property grants a customer a right to access Sony’s intellectual property over time, and Sony satisfies its performance obligation over the license period as Sony maintains the intellectual property.

Incremental costs of obtaining a contract and costs to fulfill a contract are recognized as assets when Sony expects to recover these costs. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained. Costs to fulfill a contract are those costs that are directly related to a contract or to an anticipated contract and that generate or enhance resources for Sony to satisfy its performance obligations. Sony applies a practical expedient and recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that would have been recognized is one year or less.

Performance obligations in contracts for the EP&S and I&SS segments are primarily to deliver various kinds of electronic equipment, instruments and devices to customers. Revenues from these performance obligations are generally recognized when a promised good is delivered to a customer. However, if the sales contract contains a customer acceptance provision, then revenues are recognized when the customer accepts the promised good or when a deemed acceptance occurs by the lapse of time. Revenues are also recognized over time, primarily from the provision of internet broadband network services to subscribers over the subscription period. Revenues are recognized net of anticipated returns and sales incentives.

Within the G&NS segment, revenues from hardware, peripherals and software discs are recognized when performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control to the retailer/distributor, net of anticipated returns, sales incentives and cooperative advertising obligations. Revenues from platform licensing to publishers are recognized when physical software discs are delivered. Revenues from digital game content, which is licensed functional intellectual property, are recognized when the digital content is made available for use by the licensee via an online platform, net of anticipated sales incentives and credit card chargebacks. Revenues from digital game content involving multiple performance obligations, such as obligations to make content available on future dates, are allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling prices that are observable in the market or Sony’s best estimate. Revenues from subscription fees for digital subscription services are recognized over the subscription period.

Within the Music segment, Sony licenses intellectual property that transfer to a customer either a right to use Sony’s intellectual property as it exists at the point in time in which the license is granted, or a right to access Sony’s intellectual property as it exists throughout the license period. Revenues are recognized when the customer has the right to use or access the intellectual property and obtains control of the use or access of that license. Digital revenues include revenues from contracts with digital streaming services typically recognized as a single performance obligation, which is ongoing access to intellectual property in an evolving library of content over the contract term, predicated on: (1) the business practice and contractual ability to remove specific content without a requirement to replace the content and without impact to minimum royalty guarantees and (2) the contracts not containing a specific listing of content subject to the license. For these contracts, revenues are recognized on the basis of sales and usage royalties, except where there is an amount of a minimum royalty guarantee that is not expected to be recouped, or a fixed fee, which is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. Revenues from the sale of physical product such as CDs, net of anticipated returns and sales incentives, are recognized when delivery has occurred and the product is available for sale to the public.

Within the Pictures segment, 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 programming for pay and free television exhibition and other markets are recognized when the product is available for use by the licensee. Revenues for motion picture and television program licensing arrangements involving multiple performance obligations, for example a fee for multiple titles, territories or availability dates, are allocated based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation using Sony’s best estimate based on available information such as market conditions and internal pricing guidelines. Each individual motion picture or television programming product delivered generally represents a separate performance obligation. Licensing revenue associated with certain renewals or extensions of existing agreements for motion pictures and television programming is recognized when the licensee can use and benefit from the content under the renewal or extension. Licensing revenue associated with minimum guarantees for symbolic intellectual property is

recognized ratably over the license term. For home entertainment distribution, revenues from the sale of physical product such as DVDs and

Blu-ray

Disc

, net of anticipated returns and sales incentives, are recognized when delivery has occurred and the product is available for sale to the public. Revenues from electronic sell-through and

video-on-demand

are recognized when the product is made available for viewing via digital distribution platforms. Revenues from the sale of broadcast advertising are recognized when the advertisement is aired, and the performance obligation in these arrangements is the delivery of advertising spots and may include a guaranteed amount of impressions. When a guarantee for a number of impressions is not achieved, revenues are not recognized until additional advertising spots are delivered to provide the guaranteed impressions. Revenues from subscription fees received by television networks are recognized when the service is provided. The performance obligation under network subscription arrangements is a license of functional intellectual property that is satisfied as programming is provided over the term of the arrangement.

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, individual annuity 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.

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 productions.

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 expenses 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 motion pictures and television programming. 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. Shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the related good transfers are treated as separate performance obligations. 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.

The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “U.S. Tax Reform Act”) subjects a U.S. entity to tax on Global Intangible Low Tax Income (“GILTI”) earned by its foreign subsidiaries. Sony has elected to account for GILTI as a current period expense when incurred.

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. All potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation in a situation where there is a net loss attributable to Sony Corporation’s stockholders.

Leases -

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU

2016-02,

which amends the accounting guidance for leases. The ASU requires substantially all leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. Sony has adopted this ASU effective April 1, 2019, on a modified retrospective basis with no restatement of comparative periods. Sony has elected the package of practical expedients for leases that expired or existed prior to the adoption date. As a result, Sony did not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, or whether initial direct costs for any existing leases qualify for capitalization. In addition, Sony has applied the short-term lease exception.

As a result of the adoption of this ASU, Sony recognized 316,923 million yen of operating lease

right-of-use

assets and 341,251 million yen of lease liabilities for operating leases on the consolidated balance sheets at April 1, 2019. This impact is mainly due to operating leases of real estate. The difference of 24,328 million yen between

right-of-use

assets and lease liabilities represents deferred rent for leases that existed as of the date of adoption, which was offset against the opening balance of operating lease

right-of-use

assets. Finance lease

right-of-use

assets which are included in property, plant and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, are now presented as finance lease

right-of-use

assets from April 1, 2019 onward.

Premium amortization on purchased callable debt securities

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, which requires certain premiums on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amortization period for callable debt securities purchased at a discount will not be affected. This ASU was effective for Sony as of April 1, 2019. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities -

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU

2017-12,

which made targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities. The amendments in this update simplify certain aspects of hedge accounting for both

non-financial

and financial risks and better align the recognition and measurement of hedge results with an entity’s risk management activities. This ASU also amends certain presentation and disclosure requirements for hedging activities and changes how an entity assesses hedge effectiveness. This ASU was effective for Sony as of April 1, 2019. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

(3)	Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

Measurement of credit losses on financial instruments -

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU

2016-13,

which amends the accounting guidance for credit losses on financial instruments. The ASU requires the consideration of all available relevant information when estimating expected credit losses, including past events, current conditions and forecasts and their implications for expected credit losses. This ASU is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials -

In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU

2019-02,

which updates the guidance for the capitalization of film costs associated with episodic television series, requires the use of fair value rather than net realizable value when determining potential impairments of broadcasting rights, and modifies the presentation and disclosure requirements for films and broadcasting rights. In addition, upon capitalization of film costs entities are required to determine qualitatively whether the predominant monetization strategy is on a

title-by-title

basis or together with other films and/or broadcast rights as part of a film group, such as in the case of a release of a film as part of a library of content on a streaming service. In the case of a film group, impairments are evaluated at the overall film group level rather than the individual title level. This ASU is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2020 and is applied on a prospective basis. Upon adoption, Sony will reclassify

approximately

24.1

illion yen of broadcasting rights in the Pictures segment and

proximately

7.4

illion yen of animation film production costs in the Music segment included in inventor

ies

to film costs.

Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts -

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU

2018-12,

which revises the accounting for certain long-duration insurance contracts, and in November 2019, the FASB issued ASU

2019-09

to defer the effective date of ASU

2018-12

to January 1, 2022. The ASU prescribes comprehensive changes to recognition and measurement of certain long-duration insurance contracts and assumptions and introduces certain financial statement presentation requirements, as well as significant additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. This ASU will be effective for Sony as of April 1, 2022. The impact of this ASU on Sony’s results of operations and financial position is being evaluated.

Disclosures for Fair Value Measurement -

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU

2018-13,

which amends disclosure requirements related to fair value measurement. This ASU is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2020. Since this ASU only impacts disclosures, the adoption will have no impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Disclosures for Defined Benefit Plans -

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU

2018-14,

which amends disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. This ASU is effective for Sony as of April 1, 2020 and will be applied on a retrospective basis. Since this ASU only impacts disclosures, the adoption will have no impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Income Taxes -

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, which simplifies the accounting requirements for income taxes. This ASU will be effective for Sony as of April 1, 2021 and amendments within this ASU are required to be applied on a prospective basis, except certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The impact of this ASU on Sony’s results of operations and financial position is being evaluated.

Reference Rate Reform -

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, which provides optional relief for certain contracts impacted by reference rate reform. The relief provided by the amendments is permitted to be adopted any time through December 31, 2022. Sony is still evaluating the impact of reference rate reform and whether to apply the optional relief.

(4)	Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of the financial statements and accompanying footnotes for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018 and 2019 have been made to conform to the presentation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.