TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's factory output fell more than expected while retail sales declined for the first time in over three years in August, government data showed, heightening uncertainties about the economic outlook. Although Tokyo struck a trade deal with Washington, analysts said U.S. tariffs could still affect Japan's production and the global economy, which is keeping the Bank of Japan on edge in terms of when to next raise rates. Industrial output fell 1.2% in August from a month earlier, data ...

Core Viewpoint - The company, founded by industry titan Martin Sorrell, has lowered its like-for-like net revenue projection for the second time in three months, citing volatility partly triggered by U.S. tariffs [1] Group 1 - The company has experienced significant volatility in its operations [1] - The reduction in revenue projections indicates challenges in the current market environment [1] - U.S. tariffs are identified as a contributing factor to the company's financial adjustments [1]

Core Insights - Jeremy Szafron has joined Kitco News as an anchor and producer, bringing a wealth of experience in journalism, particularly in finance and commodities [1][5] Background and Career Development - Jeremy began his journalism career in 2006 at CTV, initially focusing on entertainment before transitioning to business reporting, particularly in mining and small-cap companies [2] - He gained recognition for his macro-financial and market trends analysis, becoming a sought-after commentator on CTV Morning Live and CTV News Network [2] - A significant highlight of his career was covering the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, which led to the development of an online video news program for PressReader, a digital newsstand with 8,000 editions in 60 languages [3] Digital Media and Industry Focus - In 2012, Jeremy launched The Green Scene Podcast, which quickly attracted over 400,000 subscribers, establishing him as a prominent voice in the cannabis industry [4] - Following this success, he created Investor Scene and Initiate Research, platforms that provide exclusive market insights and deal-flow opportunities in mining and Canadian small-cap sectors [4] Professional Expertise - Jeremy has experience as a market strategist and investor relations consultant for various publicly traded companies across mining, energy, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and technology industries [5] - He holds a BA in Journalism from Concordia University, which has supported his diverse career trajectory [5]

Group 1 - The article discusses the experience and background of Ernest Hoffman, a Crypto and Market Reporter for Kitco News, highlighting his 15 years in media and market news [3] - Hoffman established the broadcast division of CEP News in Montreal, creating a fast web-based audio news service and producing economic news videos [3] Group 2 - The article includes a disclaimer stating that the views expressed may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. and emphasizes the importance of accuracy in the information provided [4]

Financial Performance - Q1 FY2025 Results (Continuing Operations) - Sales increased by 563 billion yen (+2%) year-on-year to 26216 billion yen, with an approximately 8% increase on a constant currency basis[6, 8] - Operating income increased by 908 billion yen (+36%) year-on-year to 3400 billion yen, with operating income margin at 130%, a 33 percentage point increase[6] - Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation's stockholders increased by 489 billion yen (+23%) to 2590 billion yen[6] Segment Performance - Q1 FY2025 - Game & Network Services (G&NS) sales increased by 716 billion yen (+8%) to 9365 billion yen, and operating income increased by 827 billion yen (+127%) to 1480 billion yen[9, 22] - Music sales increased by 233 billion yen (+5%) to 4653 billion yen, and operating income increased by 69 billion yen (+8%) to 928 billion yen[9, 26] - Pictures sales decreased by 102 billion yen (-3%) to 3271 billion yen, but operating income increased by 74 billion yen (+65%) [9, 30] - Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) sales decreased by 667 billion yen (-11%) to 5343 billion yen, and operating income decreased by 209 billion yen (-33%) to 431 billion yen[9, 39] - Imaging & Sensing Solutions (I&SS) sales increased by 547 billion yen (+15%) to 4082 billion yen, and operating income increased by 176 billion yen (+48%) to 543 billion yen[9, 44, 47] FY2025 Forecast (Continuing Operations) - Sales forecast remains unchanged at 117 trillion yen[10, 16] - Operating income forecast increased by 50 billion yen (+4%) to 133 trillion yen after considering a 70 billion yen estimated tariff impact[10, 11, 16] - Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation's stockholders forecast increased by 40 billion yen (+4%) to 970 billion yen[10, 15] Spin-off of Financial Services Business - Sony plans to execute a partial spin-off of Sony Financial Group Inc (SFGI) in October 2025, classifying the Financial Services business as a discontinued operation from Q1 FY25[3, 4] - A considerable one-time loss will be recorded in the consolidated statements of income at the time of the execution of the Spin-off, but there will be no impact on operating income and net income from continuing operations[52]

Financial Performance - The company's net consolidated business profit increased by JPY 75.5 billion in 1Q FY3/2026 compared to 1Q FY3/2025, reaching JPY 544.3 billion[3] - Bottom-line profit increased by JPY 5.5 billion YoY, reaching JPY 376.9 billion[6, 11] - Consolidated gross profit increased by JPY 57.9 billion YoY, reaching JPY 1,087.8 billion, driven by increased income on loans and deposits, strong performance in payment business and consumer finance, and increased fee income in domestic wholesale business[11] - The progress rates for both consolidated business profit and bottom-line profit are 29%[9] Business Unit Performance - Retail Business Unit's gross profit increased by JPY 27 billion YoY, reaching JPY 354.9 billion, driven by higher income on deposit from rising interest rates and strong performance in payment business and consumer finance[68, 69] - Wholesale Business Unit's net business profit increased by JPY 55.8 billion YoY, reaching JPY 219.3 billion, due to loan growth and improved spreads, with fee income also rising from increased corporate actions[3, 68, 69] - Global Business Unit's net business profit increased by JPY 57.6 billion YoY, reaching JPY 184.7 billion, driven by increased income on loans and deposits and loan-related fees, as well as equity in gains of affiliates due to receipt of insurance claims on aircraft leasing[3, 71, 74] - Global Markets Business Unit's net business profit decreased by JPY 11.9 billion YoY, reaching JPY 114.9 billion, facing challenges in trading during the market turmoil in April[3, 71, 74] Balance Sheet and Loans - Domestic loans increased by JPY 1.6 trillion to JPY 68.7 trillion[59] - Domestic deposits decreased by JPY 1.5 trillion to JPY 131 trillion[59] - The impact of rising interest rates may reach to JPY 200 billion (+JPY 110 billion YoY, o/w JPY 40 billion in 1Q)[17]