Sony 2015 Annual Report Download - page 105

and indirect purchaser lawsuits, including class actions, have been filed in certain jurisdictions, including the
United States, in which the plaintiffs allege that Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries violated antitrust
laws and seek recovery of damages and other remedies. Although certain of these lawsuits have reached a
settlement, including the class actions brought by the direct purchasers and the indirect purchasers in the United
States, the proposed settlements of which are pending court approvals, other lawsuits continue. Based on the
stage of these proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of losses or range of possible losses, if any,
that might result from adverse judgments, settlements or other resolution of all of these matters.
A Sony subsidiary outside Japan is subject to a non-Japanese customs investigation in connection with the
import and export of certain HE&S products. Sony is cooperating with the relevant government authorities.
Based on the stage of this investigation and information currently available, it is not possible to estimate the
amount of losses or range of possible losses, if any, that might ultimately result from adverse judgments,
settlements or other resolution of this investigation.
In addition, Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants or otherwise involved in other
pending legal and regulatory proceedings. However, based upon the information currently available, Sony
believes that the outcome from such legal and regulatory proceedings would not have a material impact on
Sony’s results of operations and financial position.
Dividend Policy
Sony believes that continuously increasing corporate value and providing dividends are essential to
rewarding shareholders. It is Sony’s policy to utilize retained earnings, after ensuring the perpetuation of stable
dividends, to carry out various investments that contribute to an increase in corporate value such as those that
ensure future growth and strengthen competitiveness. Going forward, Sony will determine the amount of
dividends based on an overall consideration of our consolidated operating results, financial condition and future
business expectations.
A fiscal year-end dividend of 10 yen per share of Common Stock of Sony Corporation was approved at the
Board of Directors meeting held on April 28, 2016 and the payment of such dividend started on May 31, 2016.
Sony Corporation has already paid an interim dividend for Common Stock of 10 yen per share to each
shareholder; accordingly, the total annual dividend per share of Common Stock for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2016 is 20 yen.
B. Significant Changes
No significant change has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this annual
report.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
A. Offer and Listing Details
Trading Markets
The principal trading markets for Sony Corporation’s ordinary shares are the Tokyo Stock Exchange (the
“TSE”) in the form of Common Stock and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) in the form of American
Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Each ADS represents one
share of Common Stock.
Sony Corporation’s Common Stock, with no par value per share, has been listed on the TSE since 1958.
Sony Corporation’s ADRs have been traded in the U.S. since 1961 and have been listed on the NYSE since
1970 under the symbol “SNE.” Sony Corporation’s ADRs are issued and exchanged by Citibank, N.A., as the
Depositary.
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