Research

SONY

Description

All eyes are on Sony -- or, more likely, on its high-profit PlayStation home video game systems. Playstation 2 dominates the game console market with about 70% of global sales (Nintendo's GameCube and Microsoft's Xbox control about 15% each). Sony, the world's #1 consumer electronics firm (ahead of Matsushita), also makes a host of other products, including PCs, digital cameras, Walkman stereos, and semiconductors. The company's TVs, stereos, and other consumer electronics account for more than 60% of sales. Sony's entertainment assets include recorded music and video (Epic and Columbia), motion pictures, DVDs, and TV programming (Columbia TriStar).

In addition Sony sells mobile phones via a joint venture with Ericsson. Along with Time Warner, Sony also owns a 15% stake in music club Columbia House.

Though the PlayStation still dominates the game machine scene, sales of other electronics (DVD recorders, TVs, and computers) and music have seen a drop. Weak consumer demand and price wars, along with charges incurred while streamlining operations, have significantly hurt Sony's market value.

 

 

Titleist Golf Co.

Description

The Timberland Company is best known for making and marketing men's, women's, and kids' footwear. The firm's footwear includes its popular yellow hiking boots, boat shoes, dress and outdoor casual footwear, and sandals. Its merchandise also includes apparel (outerwear, shirts, pants) and accessories, such as sunglasses, watches, and belts. Timberland has more than 200 company-owned and franchised stores in Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the US, and it sells worldwide in department and athletic stores. The founding Swartz family, including CEO Jeffrey Swartz, controls 98% of Timberland's voting shares.

Footwear accounts for more than 75% of Timberland's sales. About 60% of the company's revenue comes from the US, however it is pushing into global markets such as Canada. Timberland has been expanding its product offerings, including optical glasses, travel gear, and kids' shoes.