Sony Group is reportedly considering spinning off its Semiconductor division, which includes its high-profile camera sensor business, according to Bloomberg. The Japanese tech giant may distribute the majority of the chip business to shareholders while retaining a minority stake, though discussions remain ongoing amid unpredictable market conditions.
The move aligns with billionaire investor Dan Loeb’s long-standing push for Sony to unlock shareholder value by splitting its businesses. While Sony resisted for years, it showed signs of shifting strategy in 2020 when it exited some U.S. operations. Now, this potential spinoff could surface as soon as this year, marking a major strategic shake up.
Sony’s Semiconductor division is a core supplier for smartphone giants like Apple, Google, and Xiaomi, generating JPY 1.7 trillion ($12 billion) in sales last fiscal year. However, its growth rate has slowed from 25% to just over 10%, while Sony’s gaming and music sectors surged with 37% and 28% growth, respectively, in the recent December quarter.
