Sony forecasts 13% profit rise to ¥1.16 trillion, announces ¥500 billion buyback

Sony Group Corp. expects net profit to increase 13% to ¥1.16 trillion for the fiscal year ending March 2026, driven by growth in its music and image sensor businesses. The Japanese entertainment and electronics conglomerate also announced a ¥500 billion share buyback program. The upbeat forecast comes despite a projected slump in PlayStation hardware sales, as the company's diversified portfolio offsets weakness in its gaming division. Sony's music segment benefits from streaming revenue and catalog acquisitions, while its image sensor division supplies camera components to major smartphone makers including Apple. The forecast signals confidence in non-gaming segments to sustain profitability.