The Nikkei Reported today that both Sony Corp. and Sharp Corp. have further reduced their original forecast for fiscal year 2012 flat-panel HDTV sales in the wake of a worldwide slowdown in demand. The move surprised analysts, as both companies had forecast weaker demand as part of their initial 2012 forecast. But, as we’ve been reporting for months, sales of flat-panel TVs in Japan’s domestic market have fallen off a cliff as previous government rebate programs meant to encourage consumers to switch to a new digital TV system, as well as to more energy-efficient TVs and appliances, came to an end. Now, manufacturers are experiencing slack demand around the world, including a slowdown in the market they had been counting on to provide substantial growth – China. [Read more…] about After Surprising Analysts with Initial Downgraded 2012 TV Sales Forecast, Sony & Sharp Stun Again with Deeper Cuts
Sony
CEA Line Show Overview
The 2012 CEA Line Show wrapped up today and as usual, it was a combination of mind-numbing “me-too” posers, mixed in with a handful of some real, creative, innovators. The problem is, it took a lot of patience to wade through all of the literally hundreds of booths, and thousands of people to dig through muck…and find the gems.
See our show overview… [Read more…] about CEA Line Show Overview
Latest Brand Preference Survey Spells Trouble for Key Tech Brands
In a new study by market researcher Strategy Analytics, more than six thousand consumers were surveyed about which technology brands they preferred – and the results highlight what is likely a radical market repositioning for certain tech brands that have lost market share in a challenging industry environment.
See if these results surprise you as much as some of them did me… [Read more…] about Latest Brand Preference Survey Spells Trouble for Key Tech Brands
Sony Slaps Senior Execs – Makes Them Give Back Pay
In a public move that will probably make more sense in Japan than it will here, Sony Corp. said on Tuesday that seven top executives will return their fiscal 2011 performance-linked bonuses. The executives affected by this decision include their former CEO Howard Stringer and current CEO Kazuo Harai.
Why this announcement now?…. [Read more…] about Sony Slaps Senior Execs – Makes Them Give Back Pay
New Symbol of Sony’s Suffering – Stock Drops to Lowest Level in 32 Years
In yet another sign of the decline of a once seemingly invincible technological powerhouse, shares in Sony Corp. in Tokyo closed Monday below ¥1,000 ($12.76) per share – setting a disturbing new record low. The last time the stock was this low was August 1, 1980 – 32 years ago. The press in Japan took notice and newspapers couldn’t help but point to the development as a symbol of an industry slump that is changing the world’s view of Japan’s technological prowess.
Why do analysts think this happened?…
[Read more…] about New Symbol of Sony’s Suffering – Stock Drops to Lowest Level in 32 Years
You Don’t Want Your Team in this ‘Sweet 16’ March Madness Bracket
Worst Company in America Contest
<March 21, 2012> It’s March Madness – the time of year that college basketball fans wait 12 months for – and the time of year when we hear talk around the water cooler of “How’s your bracket doing?” Brackets represent the team standings and fans can track the results as each of the games play out. And this year, popular consumer blog Consumerist is mimicking the event by using brackets to track their annual “Worst Company in America” survey. [Read more…] about You Don’t Want Your Team in this ‘Sweet 16’ March Madness Bracket
NPD Says Consumer Electronics Sales in 2011 at $144 Billion Are Down
<February 15, 2012> The NPD Group, a Port Washington, New York-based market research company said on Monday that total consumer electronics sales including both hardware and consumables, fell .5% to come in at a total of almost $144 billion. NPD’s data represents retail sales that the organization collects from retailers and totals. [Read more…] about NPD Says Consumer Electronics Sales in 2011 at $144 Billion Are Down
Samsung & LG Outline Aggressive TV Biz Growth Plans
<February 8, 2012> Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics, Inc. plan to launch aggressive expansion of their flat panel television divisions in 2012, according to a new report in the Nikkei. And these aggressive plans contrast sharply with those of Japanese television manufacturers, who are looking for ways to cut their overhead in a search for profitability. [Read more…] about Samsung & LG Outline Aggressive TV Biz Growth Plans
S&P Cuts Sony’s Credit Rating to Just Above Junk, Issues Negative Outlook
<February 8, 2012> Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s today cut the long-term debt rating on Sony Corporation to BBB+, just two notches above “junk” status, and further issued a negative outlook which suggests a potential further drop in the future. In a statement, S&P said that “the likelihood of a strong recovery in Sony’s earnings is low.” [Read more…] about S&P Cuts Sony’s Credit Rating to Just Above Junk, Issues Negative Outlook
Sony Says Only They Can Deliver ‘The New User Experience’
>> See our full slideshow of photos from the Sony Press Conference at CES <<
<February 1, 2012> In typical fashion, Sony Corporation at CES delivered a long and at times rambling press conference covering their large range of products. And while presenters tried to sound enthusiastic about their many innovations, much of this year’s presentation mimicked last year’s…and even those of its competitors. [Read more…] about Sony Says Only They Can Deliver ‘The New User Experience’
