Sony Group Corp. posted stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings and raised its full-year profit forecast after robust demand for PlayStation software and resilient music streaming revenue offset concerns about new U.S. tariffs on semiconductor components. Revenue for the three months ended 30 June climbed 2% year on year to ¥2.37 trillion, while operating profit jumped 36% to ¥340 billion, topping analyst estimates of roughly ¥290 billion. Net income rose 23% to about ¥237 billion. The Tokyo-based company now projects operating profit of ¥1.33 trillion for the fiscal year to March, up 4% from its prior view, even as it trimmed its revenue goal to ¥11.70 trillion. Sony cut its estimate of the hit from U.S. trade tariffs to ¥70 billion and kept its annual dividend target at ¥25 per share. The shares gained around 5% in Tokyo trading following the announcement. Gaming remained the main growth driver: operating profit in the Game & Network Services division more than doubled to ¥148 billion. Sony shipped 2.5 million PlayStation 5 consoles in the quarter, bringing lifetime shipments to 80.3 million, and said monthly active users on PlayStation Network increased to 123 million. Music revenue rose 5% on the back of higher streaming income, and the semiconductor unit, which supplies smartphone image sensors, also contributed to the profit increase. Sony cautioned that further changes in U.S. trade policy could still affect its image-sensor business, but said favourable exchange rates and sustained engagement on its gaming platforms should underpin earnings momentum in the coming quarters.