Earnings: Sony Makes First Profit in 5 Years

"Skyfall" and "The Amazing Spider-Man" help offset declines in electronics and gaming

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Sony clawed its way back to profitability for the first time in nearly five years.

The sale of several buildings combined with a favorable exchange rate helped the struggling electronics and media company post a profit of 43 billion yen ($458 million) for the financial year. Sony hasn't been in the black since 2008.

Revenues at the company rose nearly 5 percent to 6.8 trillion yen ($72.3 billion).

The company projects it will remain profitable going forward, estimating that it will post profits of 50 billion yen ($505 million) through March 2014.

Sony's gaming, electronics and home entertainment businesses continued to slide, posting double-digit declines.

However, its film division was a source of strength thanks to global blockbusters such as "Skyfall" and "The Amazing Spider-Man." The company acknowledged that its remake of "Total Recall," which cost $125 million to make and grossed less than $200 million, was a sore spot.

Overall, the studio saw profits rise 40 percent for the year to 47.8 million yen ($509 million).