Report: Sony May Return To Profitability In Q1

When Sony reports its first quarter results this week, good news is expected: the company is widely anticipated to report its first profit in two quarters, following on a 41 billion-yen ($440.33 million) loss for its most recent fiscal year, and a 25.7 billion-yen loss in its first quarter last year. The company's fiscal first quarter ends June 30. In particular, the company's game segment is expected to show profitability at last, according to a Nikkei report via AFP. Sony has said its reductions in manufacturing cost for the PlayStation 3 have helped reduce losses, and the uptick in the console's user base since the unveiling of the slimlined $299 console have likely improved the company's game business' balance sheet considerably. In addition to cost reductions and better performance in the game industry, Sony reportedly saw new demand for its digital cameras, video cameras and personal computers, as well as better performance for its LCD TVs and its mobile phone business, the latter of which is also expected to see profitability again after a period of loss. Sony reportedly cited the launch of its Move control interface add-on for PS3 this September as a growth driver for its sales. The company is also betting big on demand for 3D; its 3D TVs just launched in Japan and will see a global rollout in the coming months, while the PS3 is already ready for 3D gaming via a system software update. According to the report, investors appear also to be expecting a positive result from Sony this week, as shares rose 1.19 percent on the news.