Sony is Doubling-Down on Camera Tech; Investing Billions into Image Sensor Business

[dgstorm]

The well-informed fans in the mobile world probably already know that most of the best smartphone cameras in the world are probably using a Sony sensor. The latest news suggests Sony realizes this is a market where they reign supreme, and have decided to reinforce this position by pouring billions into taking their image sensor technology to the next level.

According to a report from the WSJ, Sony wants to raise around $3.6 billion by selling new shares of stock and convertible bonds. This will be the first time that Sony has issued new shares since 1989 (and it did cause a moderate 8.25% stock price drop on announcement). Here's a quote with more of the details,

In April, Sony Chief Financial Officer Kenichiro Yoshida stated that the company would be investing ¥210 billion in image sensors during the current fiscal year and ¥80 billion on camera modules. The company is also expected to more than quadruple its operating profit for the 2016 fiscal year, following a company-wide restructuring program and strong sales of digital sensors.

For Sony, this is part of a broader plan to focus on its strongest products – music, movies, gaming and device components. ~ AndroidAuthority

It's great to see Sony making the wise play by enhancing their strong qualities. Let's just hope it doesn't signal a future in which they leave the mobile smartphone business entirely.