Aiphone

Basic Information

Stock Code
6718
Industry
Electric Machinery
Category Detail
Information & Communication Equipment
Prefecture
Aichi Prefecture
Establishment Year
June 1948
Listing Year
November 1990
Official Website
https://www.aiphone.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Nisshinbo Holdings, Soto, Dai Nippon Toryo, Sakusa, OKI, Nakayo, Sun Electronic, Yokowo, Icom, Allied Telesis Holdings, Nippon Antenna, Japan Avionics, Hagiwara Electric HD

Overview

Aiphone is an electrical equipment manufacturer founded in 1948, holding the top market share in the intercom sector both domestically and internationally, and boasting a strong brand and global sales network.

Current Situation

Aiphone recorded net sales of approximately 52.8 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 3.8 billion yen in fiscal 2022, maintaining high market shares at home and abroad. It has established a solid position in the markets for its mainstay residential video doorphones and care intercoms, and also engages in OEM supply. The company has local subsidiaries in the United States, France, Thailand, Vietnam, and elsewhere, selling products in more than 70 countries. It focuses on R&D, such as introducing iPhone-compatible video doorphones in 2015 to drive innovation. The company also promotes sustainability and excels in brand protection, including registration of its unique call sound as a three-dimensional trademark. Looking ahead, it plans to expand the care market and strengthen overseas business, with strategies centered on building a stable revenue base and pioneering new ventures. In 2021, it made Software Sapporo a subsidiary to bolster IT capabilities, aiming to balance digitalization with global competitiveness.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Company name 'Aiphone' registered in English notation in 1966 and recognized worldwide.
  • Earns approx. 100 million yen annually from rights related to Apple's iPhone trademark.
  • Its unique call sound is registered as a three-dimensional trademark in the US.
  • Global brand with products deployed in over 70 countries.
  • Began intercom manufacturing in 1951, a veteran of the industry.
  • Leads in video doorphone and smartphone integration markets.
  • In 2015, reorganized by separating development center and headquarters for efficiency.
  • Develops and supplies OEM products to major telephone manufacturers.
  • Famous radio CM catchphrase 'Ding-dong is Aiphone'.
  • Strong influence in nurse call markets in medical and nursing care fields.

Hidden Connections

  • Unique relationship sharing brand rights for Apple's iPhone trademark in Japan.
  • Close collaboration supplying OEM intercoms to Japanese telephone manufacturers.
  • Based in Nagoya, deeply rooted in local economy and social activities.
  • Achieves regionally embedded globalization with many overseas subsidiaries compared to foreign firms.
  • Differentiates brand through sound via proprietary call sound trademark registration.
  • Accelerating expansion into IT sector through subsidiary Software Sapporo.
  • Unique music and catchphrase in radio CMs have high local recognition.
  • Sustained long-term competitive advantage in Japan's domestic intercom industry.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increased demand for residential security due to rising home time
  • Expansion of care market amid aging society
  • Progress in smart homes and demand for IoT devices
  • Sales expansion in overseas markets, especially Asia
  • Product sophistication through digital technology and AI utilization
  • OEM supply expansion and response to diverse customer needs
  • Increased demand for energy-saving products due to stricter environmental regulations
  • Growing needs in medical and welfare sectors
  • Maintaining competitive edge through brand strength and patent strategy
  • Investment in new businesses and digital transformation

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve over 60% global sales ratio
  • Maintain and expand domestic top share in care market
  • Full reinforcement of smart home-related products
  • Achieve carbon neutrality in products
  • Establish next-generation product lines with AI and IoT
  • Digital services business ratio over 30%
  • Achieve over 20% female managers ratio
  • Strengthen and utilize intellectual property rights continuously
  • Expand CSR activities for coexistence with local communities
  • Create new business revenue over 10 billion yen

Business Segments

Residential Security Systems

Overview
Provides safe and comfortable security systems for residential use.
Competitiveness
Wide range of product configurations and high technological capabilities to meet diverse residential needs
Customers
  • Homebuilders
  • Local builders
  • Real estate companies
  • Construction companies
  • Remodeling contractors
Products
  • Video doorphones
  • Electric lock systems
  • Wireless intercoms
  • Security camera systems

Care Systems for Medical and Nursing Facilities

Overview
Supports business efficiency and safety in medical and nursing facilities.
Competitiveness
Advanced care equipment focused on user convenience and peace of mind
Customers
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing facilities
  • Elderly housing
  • Public welfare facilities
  • Home care providers
Products
  • Nurse call systems
  • Home care communication equipment
  • Emergency notification systems

Communication Equipment for Commercial and Public Facilities

Overview
Builds and manages communication infrastructure for commercial and public facilities.
Competitiveness
Supply of highly reliable communication network equipment
Customers
  • Commercial facility managers
  • Public facility operators
  • Office buildings
  • Schools
  • Hotels
Products
  • Facility information communication panels
  • Communication equipment for building management systems
  • Security surveillance cameras

OEM Product Supply

Overview
Develops and supplies high-quality OEM products for other companies' brands.
Competitiveness
Detailed customization and stable supply system
Customers
  • Telephone manufacturers
  • Security equipment manufacturers
  • Communication equipment distributors
Products
  • Optional intercoms
  • Dedicated security equipment

Products for Overseas Subsidiaries

Overview
Product rollout and support for global markets.
Competitiveness
Leveraging sales networks in over 70 countries
Customers
  • Local agents in each country
  • Overseas sales subsidiaries
  • International homebuilders
Products
  • Foreign-spec intercoms
  • Multi-language compatible products

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • High brand recognition in the intercom industry
  • Proprietary technological development capabilities and quality control systems
  • Extensive domestic and international sales networks with multilingual support
  • Product diversification and stable revenue through OEM supply
  • Advanced security technology and product lineup
  • Product customization to regional characteristics
  • Trusted relationships with customers built on years of industry experience
  • Protection of intellectual property through patents and trademarks
  • Product range addressing diverse market needs
  • Rapid market deployment utilizing local subsidiaries

Competitive Advantages

  • Top share and recognition in Japan's domestic intercom market
  • Strength of sales networks in over 70 overseas markets
  • Unique brand power from agreement with Apple on iPhone trademark rights
  • Advanced technology provision for high-performance video doorphones
  • Wide range of business and medical intercom products
  • Diverse sales channels utilizing OEM supply
  • Robust quality control and eco-friendly product development
  • Effective utilization of advanced video communication technology
  • Product design and support tailored to regional demands
  • Ongoing innovation through R&D centers

Threats

  • Declining demand due to Japan's shrinking population
  • Intensifying global competition on price
  • Risk of failing to keep up with rapid technological innovation
  • Potential for quality issues or recalls
  • Cost increases from stricter domestic and international regulations
  • Risks and threats to information security
  • Production disruptions from unstable parts supply
  • Demand decline due to deteriorating economic conditions
  • Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on earnings
  • Business continuity risks during disasters

Innovations

2024: Enhancement of Smart Video Doorphones

Overview
Launched next-generation video doorphones enriched with smartphone integration and IoT functions.
Impact
Improved user convenience contributes to acquiring new customers.

2023: High-Speed Wireless Communication Technology

Overview
Significantly reduced video latency with proprietary wireless communication technology.
Impact
Enhanced reliability of business products promotes sales expansion.

2022: AI-Equipped Safety Surveillance System Development

Overview
Developed security system with anomaly detection via video analysis.
Impact
Improved security performance expected to open new markets.

2021: Software Sapporo Subsidiary Acquisition

Overview
Acquired systems development company to strengthen IT development capabilities.
Impact
Accelerates digitalization and smartification of products.

2020: Practical Implementation of Facial Recognition Linked Products

Overview
Developed and launched facial recognition doorphones.
Impact
Successfully differentiated with advanced security products.

Sustainability

  • Reducing environmental impact through energy-efficient products
  • Expanding use of recyclable materials
  • ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems
  • Environmental beautification activities in collaboration with local communities
  • Promoting paperless operations and waste reduction internally
  • Implementing environmental education programs for employees
  • Strict enforcement of sustainable procurement rules
  • Improving manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact
  • Strengthening compliance with environmental standards at overseas sites
  • Setting and implementing internal targets for CO2 emissions reduction