Curious as to who owns Sony?
This article is for you.
Sony is one of the world’s most recognizable technology and entertainment companies, known for its PlayStation consoles, music division, and film production.
As a major player in the global electronics and media industries, many investors and consumers are curious about who owns Sony and how it is managed.
This article explores Sony’s ownership structure, major shareholders, leadership, financial performance, and competitive position.
History of Sony
Sony was founded in 1946 in Tokyo, Japan, as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation) by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita.
It changed its name to Sony in 1958 and has since expanded into various industries, including consumer electronics, gaming, music, and movies.
Sony is responsible for some of the most influential products in tech history, including the Walkman, PlayStation, and Bravia TVs.
Over the decades, it has grown into a global conglomerate with subsidiaries across multiple industries.
Who Owns Sony?
Sony Group Corporation is a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker SONY.
The company has a diverse shareholder base, with institutional investors, government entities, and retail investors holding its stock.
No single shareholder has a controlling stake, making Sony a widely held corporation.
List of Shareholders
1. The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account)
- Ownership Percentage: Approximately 11%
- Role: The Master Trust Bank of Japan manages assets for institutional investors, including pension funds and insurance companies. It is one of the largest custodians of corporate shares in Japan.
- Control: Limited direct control, but its substantial holdings give it voting power in shareholder decisions.
2. Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account)
- Ownership Percentage: Approximately 7%
- Role: Another major institutional investor managing funds on behalf of clients, including government and corporate pension funds.
- Control: Minimal direct control over Sony’s operations but influences governance through voting rights.
3. Citibank N.A. (ADR Holders)
- Ownership Percentage: Approximately 3%
- Role: Acts as the custodian for American depositary receipts (ADRs), representing U.S. investors holding Sony stock.
- Control: No operational influence but represents U.S. investors in corporate matters.
4. JP Morgan Chase Bank (ADR Holders)
- Ownership Percentage: Approximately 2%
- Role: JP Morgan Chase Bank manages Sony’s ADRs for institutional and retail investors in the United States.
- Control: Limited direct control but participates in shareholder voting.
5. Retail and Institutional Investors
- Ownership Percentage: The remaining shares are widely distributed among individual investors and various asset management firms globally.
- Role: These investors contribute to the company’s market stability and stock liquidity.
- Control: No individual retail investor has significant control over Sony’s strategic direction.
Who Controls Sony?
Sony is managed by its board of directors and executive leadership team. The company follows a corporate governance structure with independent directors overseeing key decisions.
The CEO and President of Sony Group Corporation is Kenichiro Yoshida, who plays a crucial role in steering Sony’s long-term strategy and business operations.
The company’s board includes representatives from different business units and independent directors who ensure transparency and adherence to corporate governance standards.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth
- Annual Revenue (2024): $89.843 billion
- Net Profit (2024): $7 billion
- Market Capitalization: Approximately $140 billion.
Sony’s revenue is primarily generated from gaming (PlayStation), entertainment (Sony Pictures, Sony Music), and consumer electronics (Bravia TVs, audio equipment). Its ability to diversify revenue sources and invest in innovation has helped maintain its strong financial position.
Market Share and Competitors
Sony operates in multiple industries, holding significant market share in gaming, entertainment, and consumer electronics.
In the gaming industry, PlayStation controls approximately 40% of the console gaming market, competing with Microsoft and Nintendo.
In the television sector, Sony holds around 7% of the global TV market, facing stiff competition from Samsung and LG. Sony Music Entertainment commands a strong presence in the recording industry, being one of the “Big Three” record labels.
Top Competitors
Microsoft (Xbox)
Microsoft’s Xbox division competes with Sony’s PlayStation in the gaming industry. The Xbox Series X and Game Pass subscription service challenge Sony’s dominance in console gaming and digital distribution. Microsoft’s gaming revenue exceeded $16 billion in 2023, making it a formidable competitor.
Nintendo
Nintendo is another major competitor in gaming, focusing on family-friendly entertainment and innovative consoles like the Nintendo Switch. With over 130 million units sold, the Switch is one of the best-selling consoles, providing strong competition for Sony’s PlayStation.
Samsung Electronics
Samsung competes with Sony in consumer electronics, particularly in televisions, home entertainment systems, and mobile technology. Samsung leads the global TV market with a 20% share, while Sony maintains around 7%, making Samsung a key competitor in display technology and home entertainment.
Walt Disney Company
Disney competes with Sony Pictures Entertainment in film and television production. Both companies produce blockbuster movies and operate streaming services, with Disney generating over $80 billion in annual revenue. Unlike Disney+, Sony does not own a dedicated streaming platform but partners with others for content distribution.
Universal Music Group & Warner Music Group
Sony Music Entertainment is one of the “Big Three” record labels, alongside Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. These companies compete for market share in music publishing, artist signings, and streaming revenue. Universal leads the market with a 30% share, while Sony Music holds around 20%, making it a key player in the industry. operates in various industries, making it a competitor in multiple sectors:
Brands Owned by Sony
PlayStation
Sony’s PlayStation brand is one of the most successful gaming platforms worldwide. It includes consoles like the PlayStation 5, PlayStation Network services, and exclusive game titles.
Sony Pictures Entertainment
A major film and television production studio responsible for blockbuster franchises such as Spider-Man, Jumanji, and Venom. Sony Pictures also operates Columbia Pictures and other subsidiaries.
Sony Music Entertainment
One of the largest record labels globally, managing artists like Adele, Beyoncé, and Travis Scott. It plays a crucial role in the music streaming industry.
Sony Electronics
This division includes Bravia TVs, cameras, audio products, and mobile technology. Sony’s premium electronics brand is known for high-quality displays and sound systems.
Sony Financial Group
Sony operates in financial services, including life insurance and banking, primarily in Japan. This business segment provides additional revenue diversification.
Final Words
Sony is a publicly traded company with no single dominant shareholder, ensuring a balanced corporate structure. The company is guided by its board of directors and executive leadership, with Kenichiro Yoshida at the helm. Sony’s diversified portfolio across gaming, entertainment, and electronics ensures its continued success in the global market.
FAQs
Is Sony a Japanese company?
Yes, Sony is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is one of the country’s most influential multinational corporations.
Who is the largest shareholder of Sony?
The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. is the largest shareholder, holding around 11% of Sony’s shares.
Does Sony own PlayStation?
Yes, PlayStation is a wholly owned brand under Sony Interactive Entertainment.
What are Sony’s biggest competitors?
Sony competes with Microsoft (Xbox), Samsung (electronics), Nintendo (gaming), Disney (entertainment), and Universal Music Group (music).