INSTANT VIEW: Sony posts surprise loss, sees good year ahead

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) reported a surprise quarterly loss as a weak stock market ate into the value of securities held by its life insurance division, but it forecast a bigger-than-expected profit this year as it boosts sales of digital cameras and flat TVs.

Following are some initial reactions from analysts and investors:

KAZUHARU MIURA, DAIWA INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH

"My first impression, prior to company checks, was that things are going smoothly at Sony.

"While Sony missed its targets, the main factors that hit its numbers were financial -- such as charges on convertible bond appraisal losses -- and other factors unrelated to its core operations. And in electronics and games, Sony looks to have been pretty much on target.

"Considering that Sony was operating under adverse economic conditions, including a strong yen, both the results and outlook seem to show that Sony's stamina has grown stronger and it is in better position now to fight a declining business climate.

TSUYOSHI SEGAWA, EQUITY STRATEGIST, SHINKO SECURITIES "There is little surprise -- positive or negative -- in the earnings results, and it is unclear how its stock will react."

"As its 2008/09 group forecasts beat analyst projections, it is not bad in terms of content. But the (proprietary trading system) showed some negative views soon after the announcement, so we expect sentiment to be split."

MITSUSHIGE AKINO, CHIEF FUND MANAGER AT ICHIYOSHI INVESTMENT