Kyocera

Basic Information

Stock Code
6971
Industry
Electrical Equipment
Category Detail
Information & Communication Equipment
Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture
Establishment Year
April 1959
Listing Year
October 1971
Official Website
https://www.kyocera.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
FUJIFILM Holdings, Konica Minolta, Riso Kagaku, Katsukawa Denki, Brother Industries, Seiko Epson, TDK, Murata Manufacturing, Canon Electronics, Canon, Ricoh, KDDI

Overview

Kyocera is a major electronic components and electrical equipment manufacturer founded in 1959, with strengths in fine ceramics and communication equipment, operating as a global company.

Current Situation

Kyocera recorded consolidated sales of approximately 2 trillion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2023, expanding its business diversely centered on electronic components. Fine ceramic products and semiconductor-related components lead the market with high technological capabilities, and it also engages in information and communication equipment to diversify its operations. In the communications business, corporate smartphones and high-durability models like 'TORQUE' are well-regarded in the market, and from 2025, it plans to withdraw from consumer mobile phones and focus on corporate customers. It is also advancing sustainability initiatives, aiming to expand its environmental business centered on the development and sales of solar power generation systems. Research and development is strengthened at multiple bases in Japan and overseas, including new material development and practical implementation of autonomous driving buses. Moving forward, as growth strategies, it will promote advanced electronic components, participation in advanced mobility, and expansion of environmental solutions. In recent years, it has expanded its business base through M&A, aiming for sustainable growth with brand power and technological strength amid intensifying competition.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founder Kazuo Inamori, proponent of Amoeba Management system.
  • One of the first companies in the world to launch camera-equipped mobile phones.
  • Mobile phone brand 'Kyopon' received high acclaim in the industry.
  • 'TORQUE' has become synonymous with rugged smartphones in North America.
  • Acquired naming rights for Kyocera Dome Osaka, contributing to sports.
  • Deploys fine ceramics technology across a wide range of industries.
  • Involved in the establishment of Daini Denden (now KDDI).
  • Withdrew from camera business in 2005 and shifted to diversification.
  • Entered jewelry field with synthetic gemstone technology.
  • Actively promotes business expansion through acquisitions.
  • Deploys innovation from numerous domestic and overseas R&D bases.
  • Strong position in corporate communication equipment.
  • Ceramic parts highly evaluated for durability and reliability.
  • Contributes to regional sports promotion and ongoing social contribution activities.
  • Holds high market share in manufacturing artificial joint materials for medical use.

Hidden Connections

  • Founder Kazuo Inamori was also involved in the reconstruction of Japan Airlines.
  • Closely related to Daini Denden (now KDDI).
  • Kyocera's synthetic gemstone technology fuses with Kyoto's traditional industries.
  • Kyocera Dome Osaka name symbolizes sports and regional collaboration.
  • Solar power generation business is a joint venture with Tokyo Century Leasing.
  • Strong collaboration with telecom carriers that are contract partners in mobile phone business.
  • Forms supply chain with Murata Manufacturing and TDK in electronic components.
  • Kyocera's Communication Systems subsidiary also offers information services.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand from high-performance electronic components
  • Expansion of information and communication equipment market due to DX promotion
  • Shift to corporate communication terminals and diversification of market needs
  • Growth in renewable energy market due to strengthened environmental regulations
  • Development of autonomous driving and advanced mobility-related technologies
  • Reorganization and optimization of global supply chains
  • Expansion of demand for high-function medical components
  • New market development through synthetic gemstone technology
  • Business diversification and risk dispersion through M&A and partnerships
  • Technology innovation promotion through domestic and overseas R&D bases
  • Growth in related products accompanying global IoT普及
  • Strengthened partnerships with regional communities

Strategic Goals

  • Expand electronic components business sales to 2.5 trillion yen
  • Achieve high market share in corporate communication terminal market
  • Improve revenue ratio of renewable energy-related business to 20%
  • Establish mobility business utilizing autonomous driving technology
  • Full introduction of manufacturing processes aiming to reduce environmental impact
  • Strengthened collaboration among global R&D bases
  • Expansion of application range and market penetration of synthetic gemstone technology
  • Business efficiency improvement and customer service enhancement through DX promotion
  • Continuation of CSR activities contributing to sustainable society
  • Significant improvement in brand recognition in overseas markets

Business Segments

Semiconductor-Related Components Supply

Overview
Provides essential component groups for improving reliability of semiconductor devices.
Competitiveness
High-precision processing technology and quality control
Customers
  • Semiconductor manufacturers
  • Electronic equipment manufacturers
  • Industrial machinery manufacturers
  • Automotive manufacturers
Products
  • Ceramic packages
  • Organic multilayer packages
  • Electronic passive components
  • Lead frames

Industrial and Automotive Parts

Overview
Supports automobiles and industrial equipment with highly durable ceramic parts.
Competitiveness
Versatile applicability of functional materials
Customers
  • Automotive manufacturers
  • Electrical equipment manufacturers
  • Industrial machinery manufacturers
Products
  • Ceramic heaters
  • Glow plugs
  • In-vehicle LCD displays

Information and Communication Infrastructure Equipment

Overview
Manufactures various high-performance equipment essential for communication infrastructure construction.
Competitiveness
Advanced design technology and reliability
Customers
  • Telecom operators
  • Broadcast stations
  • Network integrators
Products
  • Base station antennas
  • Mobile communication base station equipment
  • Broadcast antennas

Connectors and Switches for Electronic Equipment

Overview
Ensures stable performance with electronic circuit connection components.
Competitiveness
Product lineup adaptable to diverse needs
Customers
  • Electronic equipment manufacturers
  • Automotive parts manufacturers
Products
  • FPC/FFC connectors
  • Switches
  • Relays

Solar Power Generation System Business

Overview
Promotes environmental contributions in the renewable energy field.
Competitiveness
High-efficiency solar cell technology integrated with services
Customers
  • Residential builders
  • Power generation operators
  • Public facilities
Products
  • Solar cell modules
  • Power generation systems
  • Power services

Printer and Multifunction Device Solutions

Overview
Provides office equipment and information management services to a wide range of industries.
Competitiveness
Reliable products and customer support capabilities
Customers
  • Office operators
  • Educational institutions
  • Local governments
  • Corporations
Products
  • Printers
  • Multifunction devices
  • Document solutions

Medical Materials and Products

Overview
Contributes to the medical field with high-performance biocompatible materials.
Competitiveness
Advanced materials technology and quality control
Customers
  • Medical institutions
  • Medical equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Ceramics for artificial joints
  • Dental implants
  • Antibacterial surface treatment technology

Electronic Components Manufacturing Equipment

Overview
Provides equipment supporting efficient and high-precision manufacturing lines.
Competitiveness
Advanced technology-based automation systems
Customers
  • Semiconductor manufacturers
  • Electronic components manufacturers
Products
  • Electronic component inspection equipment
  • Manufacturing automation equipment

IoT Devices and Solutions

Overview
Promotes business efficiency through provision of industrial IoT solutions.
Competitiveness
Powerful communication technology and customization capabilities
Customers
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Logistics industry
  • Public institutions
Products
  • IoT communication modules
  • Network management systems

Equipment for Commercial Facilities

Overview
Supports improvement in comfort and efficiency of commercial spaces.
Competitiveness
High-quality design and environmentally friendly products
Customers
  • Commercial facility operators
  • Building management companies
Products
  • Lighting equipment
  • Guidance display systems

Support for Sports and Cultural Events

Overview
Enhances brand value through support for regional and cultural activities.
Competitiveness
Diverse regional collaborations and publicity effects
Customers
  • Sports clubs
  • Cultural facilities
Products
  • Facility naming rights
  • Event sponsorships

Jewelry and Accessories Wholesale

Overview
Manufactures and sells high-quality jewelry leveraging industrial technology.
Competitiveness
Uniqueness of synthetic gemstone technology
Customers
  • Jewelers
  • Department stores
Products
  • Synthetic gems
  • Jewelry processed products

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Advanced fine ceramics technology
  • Broad manufacturing capabilities for communication equipment and components
  • Stable global sales network
  • Diversified product portfolio
  • Strong brand image
  • Abundant R&D bases
  • Long history of management expertise
  • Superior position in corporate mobile phone market
  • Active expansion in environmental products
  • Reliable semiconductor components
  • High-durability smartphone technology
  • Aggressive M&A strategy
  • Strengthened collaboration with group companies
  • Proprietary surface treatment technology
  • Track record in communication infrastructure equipment

Competitive Advantages

  • Accumulated ceramics technology since founding
  • Expertise in corporate and industrial communication terminals
  • Recognition of the highly durable 'TORQUE' brand
  • Product lineup corresponding to diverse industries
  • Technological innovation through domestic and overseas R&D bases
  • Position contributing to environment via solar power generation systems
  • Financial strength and stability with consolidated sales of 2 trillion yen
  • Broad partnerships within the industry
  • Market coverage as a global company
  • Ability to swiftly review business portfolio
  • Supply reliability of high-quality electronic components
  • Strategy to shift to corporate market in communication equipment
  • Customization capabilities from extensive product experience
  • Social brand enhancement through active sports and cultural support
  • Expansion and collaboration across diverse technology fields

Threats

  • Intensifying competition from major players in smartphone market
  • Manufacturing risks due to global semiconductor shortages
  • Impact of international trade regulations
  • Cost increases from raw material price fluctuations
  • Business adaptation costs from strengthened environmental regulations
  • Risk of market decline from delays in technological innovation
  • Declining IT investment trends among corporate customers
  • Uncertainty in global economy
  • Price competition from new entrants
  • Litigation risks regarding patents and intellectual property
  • Profit pressure from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions

Innovations

2023: Development and Demonstration of Autonomous Driving Bus 'trota'

Overview
Developed autonomous driving bus technology connecting factories in Shiga Prefecture and successfully conducted demonstration runs.
Impact
Building foundation for business expansion in advanced mobility field

2022: Production Capacity Enhancement through New Factory Construction

Overview
Built state-of-the-art factory in Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture, to expand production efficiency and scale.
Impact
Improved manufacturing capacity and contribution to local economy

2021: Global Expansion of High-Durability Smartphone 'TORQUE'

Overview
Strengthened sales of high-durability models mainly in North America to expand market share.
Impact
Contributes to brand recognition improvement and revenue growth

2020: Strengthened Printer Products in Collaboration with Kyocera Document Solutions

Overview
Enhanced technological innovation and solution provision for business multifunction devices and printers.
Impact
Contributes to corporate customer satisfaction and sales promotion

2024: Development of Environmentally Friendly Solar Power Generation Systems

Overview
Next-generation solar cell modules with superior efficiency and sustainability scheduled for launch.
Impact
Strengthens competitiveness in environmental business

Sustainability

  • Regionally focused deployment of solar power generation business
  • Promotion of environmentally friendly product development
  • Contributions to clean energy promotion domestically and internationally
  • Energy-saving initiatives in manufacturing processes
  • Regional community support through CSR activities