Canon

Basic Information

Stock Code
7751
Industry
Electrical Equipment
Category Detail
Information & Communication Equipment
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
August 1937
Listing Year
May 1949
Official Website
https://global.canon/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
JT, Takeda, FUJIFILM, Konica Minolta, Riso Kagaku, Katsuragawa Electric, Brother Industries, Seiko Epson, Kyocera, Canon Electronics, Ricoh

Overview

Canon is a major electrical equipment company founded in 1937, boasting high technological prowess and brand strength in the global market with imaging equipment, office equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment as its mainstays.

Current Situation

Canon, in the fiscal year ended December 2023, achieved consolidated sales of 4.1809 trillion yen and operating profit of 375.3 billion yen, with an overseas sales ratio of approximately 79.2%. The main business is the printing division, accounting for about 56% of sales, followed by digital cameras and imaging equipment at 21%, and medical and industrial equipment combined at about 26%. In recent years, it has focused on semiconductor lithography equipment and LCD manufacturing equipment to strengthen technological competitiveness. It continues flexible management taking into account cost reductions and exchange rate fluctuations, and as a long-term growth strategy, promotes the utilization of IoT and AI technologies and initiatives for building a sustainable society. It is actively implementing subsidiary acquisitions and new product development to accelerate global market expansion. In fiscal 2023, it implemented a wage increase for the first time in 20 years in response to inflation, focusing on improving the internal work environment. Moving forward, it aims to maintain market share in high-quality camera products and strengthen competitiveness in the medical equipment field, while developing and promoting environmentally considerate products to achieve sustainable enhancement of corporate value.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Prototyped the domestically first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera 'KWANON' in 1933.
  • Commercialized Japan's first ten-key calculator and actively expanded into AI technology thereafter.
  • Successfully developed the world's highest 120-million-pixel CMOS sensor in APS-H size.
  • Pioneer of bubble jet inkjet printers.
  • Highly regarded as one of the largest interchangeable lens manufacturers in the photo industry.
  • Captured top market share in the mirrorless SLR camera market in fiscal 2021.
  • Also listed on the New York Stock Exchange, recognized in global financial markets.
  • Strengthened the medical imaging equipment field through acquisition of Toshiba Medical Systems.
  • Has never recorded an annual deficit since founding.
  • Implemented base-up wage increase for the first time in 20 years under its unique role-based pay system.
  • Supported by numerous optical technology specialists in high-precision camera manufacturing.
  • One of the world's top patent holders, topping Japanese companies in U.S. patents for 11 consecutive years.
  • Holds top share in the broadcast industry for professional imaging equipment.
  • Experienced a ransomware attack where all company data was held hostage temporarily.
  • Focusing on augmented reality and mixed reality technologies, also developing products.

Hidden Connections

  • Started small as Precision Optical Research Laboratory in its early days, initially imitating Leica.
  • Long-standing patent battles and technological competition with peers like Konica Minolta and Ricoh.
  • Underwent Fair Trade Commission investigation related to antitrust laws following Toshiba Medical Systems acquisition.
  • Founder Goro Yoshida ventured into camera business after sales experience at an Akihabara trading company.
  • The unique brand notation 'キヤノン' maintains historical kana usage conventions.
  • Long-term relationships with major Japanese companies are strong even in terms of capital.
  • Imaging equipment and optical technologies have applications in astronomical telescopes and scientific instruments.
  • Canon has approximately 170,000 employees, reflecting its large corporate scale.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Growth in mirrorless camera market and demand for higher image quality
  • High-functionality and energy-saving advancements in corporate multifunction devices and printers
  • Expansion in medical equipment field and promotion of AI diagnostic technology utilization
  • Advancements in semiconductor manufacturing equipment technology and new technology development
  • Video security market centered on network cameras
  • Environmentally considerate products and technologies under green energy policies
  • New demand for video solutions due to advancements in 5G and IoT technologies
  • Growth in software services using image processing and AI technologies
  • Increased product demand from digitalization promotion in emerging markets
  • Expansion of professional market for high-function inkjet printers
  • Increased demand for business efficiency solutions accompanying DX promotion
  • Social demands for sustainability management and strengthened response capabilities

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve over 85% overseas sales ratio in global sales
  • Expand deployment of smart products equipped with AI and IoT technologies
  • Capture over 20% market share in the medical field
  • Promote commercialization of nanoimprint technology for semiconductor lithography equipment
  • Achieve carbon neutrality at production sites
  • Maintain and expand world share in network camera market
  • Over 90% renewable energy utilization rate to reduce environmental impact
  • Achieve over 90% product recycling rate and strengthen resource circulation business
  • Enhance brand value through innovation in digital imaging technology
  • Further improve employee satisfaction and promote diversity

Business Segments

Office Copiers and Printers

Overview
Provides copier and printer systems for corporations and handles document management.
Competitiveness
Fusion of high reliability and advanced functions
Customers
  • Large corporations
  • Small and medium enterprises
  • Government offices
  • Educational institutions
  • Printing companies
  • Service industries
  • Medical institutions
  • Distribution industry
  • Financial institutions
  • Manufacturing industry
Products
  • imageRUNNER multifunction devices
  • Satera laser printers
  • imagePRESS production printers
  • Document management software
  • Print management solutions

Medical Equipment

Overview
Provides high-quality medical imaging diagnostic equipment and related devices.
Competitiveness
Technological strength leveraging integration with Toshiba Medical Systems
Customers
  • Hospitals
  • Medical institutions
  • Testing centers
  • Medical equipment distributors
  • Research institutions
Products
  • CT scanners
  • MRI equipment
  • X-ray imaging devices
  • Ultrasound diagnostic devices
  • Ophthalmic imaging devices

Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

Overview
Designs and manufactures advanced semiconductor and display manufacturing equipment.
Competitiveness
Fusion of high-precision lithography technology and vacuum technology
Customers
  • Semiconductor manufacturers
  • Display manufacturers
  • Manufacturing equipment distributors
Products
  • Semiconductor lithography equipment
  • Mask aligners
  • Nanoimprint equipment
  • Vacuum equipment
  • Die bonders

Network Cameras and Video Systems

Overview
Provides surveillance and video management solutions for corporations.
Competitiveness
Technological prowess of the world-leading Axis brand
Customers
  • Public transportation operators
  • Surveillance system companies
  • Retail industry
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Construction companies
Products
  • IP network cameras
  • Video management software
  • Surveillance monitors
  • Cloud video services

Information Equipment and Parts Manufacturing

Overview
Handles design and manufacturing of electronic and optical components.
Competitiveness
In-house integrated production system and high-quality control
Customers
  • Camera assembly factories
  • Printer manufacturers
  • Semiconductor manufacturing equipment manufacturers
  • Medical equipment manufacturing
  • Electronic equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Magnetic heads
  • Contact image sensors
  • Ultrasonic motors
  • Optical components
  • Toner cartridges

IT Services and Software

Overview
Supports customer business efficiency through IT services and software.
Competitiveness
Utilization of extensive Canon Group know-how
Customers
  • Large corporate IT departments
  • Small and medium enterprises
  • Government agencies
  • Educational institutions
  • Medical institutions
Products
  • System integration
  • Cloud services
  • Business process outsourcing
  • Software development
  • IT consulting

Industrial Manufacturing Equipment

Overview
Designs and manufactures high-value-added industrial machinery.
Competitiveness
Fusion of precision processing and automation technology
Customers
  • Semiconductor-related companies
  • Electronic component manufacturing
  • Aerospace industry
  • Automotive-related
  • Precision equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Vacuum equipment
  • Metal processing equipment
  • Automatic assembly equipment
  • Thin-film coating equipment
  • Electronic component inspection equipment

Scanners and Imaging Equipment

Overview
Manufactures high-resolution scanning equipment for offices and specialized uses.
Competitiveness
Application of high-precision optical technology
Customers
  • Office equipment retailers
  • Large corporations
  • Digital archive companies
  • Design offices
  • Printing companies
Products
  • Document scanners
  • Film scanners
  • High-speed network scanners

Projection Equipment

Overview
Deploys high-resolution, high-brightness video projection devices.
Competitiveness
High-quality video through 4K and laser technology
Customers
  • Educational institutions
  • Corporations
  • Event operators
  • Medical institutions
  • Digital signage providers
Products
  • 4K business projectors
  • High-brightness laser projectors
  • Compact portable units

LCD Panel Inspection Equipment

Overview
Provides essential inspection and lithography equipment for large LCD panel manufacturing.
Competitiveness
Industry-leading position in batch lithography technology
Customers
  • Display manufacturers
  • Electronic component companies
Products
  • FPD lithography equipment
  • LCD panel inspection equipment

Interchangeable Lens Parts Supply

Overview
Stably supplies high-precision optical components.
Competitiveness
Proprietary optical design and manufacturing technology
Customers
  • Camera manufacturing factories
  • Imaging equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Optical glass
  • Precision molded lenses
  • Lens modules

Fax Business (Selective)

Overview
Withdrawn from consumer market, specializes in business fax products.
Competitiveness
High-reliability communication technology
Customers
  • Specific corporations
  • Medical-related
Products
  • Business fax machines
  • Communication solutions

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • High optical technology capabilities
  • Global sales network
  • Diversified business portfolio
  • Strong brand image
  • Advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment technology
  • Expansion in medical equipment field
  • Long-term stable financial foundation
  • Advanced production automation technology
  • Strong patent portfolio
  • Customer-oriented service system
  • Advanced IT solution provision capabilities
  • Active sustainability initiatives
  • World-leading network camera technology
  • Diverse sales channels
  • Robust R&D organization

Competitive Advantages

  • High-quality products through accumulation and application of long years of optical and image processing technology
  • Broad market coverage with comprehensive consumer and corporate product lines
  • Global deployment and production capacity with overseas sales ratio of about 79%
  • Business expansion through acquisition of Toshiba Medical
  • High market share and diverse product lineup in business and home printer markets
  • Global leadership of Axis brand in network camera business
  • Achieves high profitability through company-wide cost efficiency and manufacturing automation
  • Maintains technological superiority through large-scale patent acquisitions
  • Substantial development investment based on advanced semiconductor lithography technology
  • Continuous innovation in digital imaging field
  • Improved customer satisfaction through high-quality sales, maintenance, and service network
  • Flexible sales strategy combining diverse channels and direct sales
  • Enhances corporate value through development of environmentally considerate products and promotion of renewable energy use
  • Strong internal organization and experienced management team
  • Brand strengthening through technology provision to global events

Threats

  • Shrinking digital camera market
  • Competition from European, American, and Dutch companies in semiconductor manufacturing equipment
  • Risk of profit deterioration due to exchange rate fluctuations
  • Erosion of market share by technological innovations from emerging companies
  • Risk of international antitrust investigations and sanctions
  • Risk of information leaks from cyber attacks
  • Increased manufacturing costs due to stricter environmental regulations
  • Political instability in global markets
  • Disruptions in parts supply chains and logistics
  • Expiration of technology patents and increase in counterfeits
  • Delays in rapid response to new market needs
  • Brand image decline due to labor environment issues

Innovations

2023: Launch of High-Resolution 120-Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor

Overview
Commercialized a high-resolution monochrome CMOS sensor specialized for FPD inspection.
Impact
Contributes to improved inspection accuracy and enhanced market competitiveness.

2022: Practical Implementation of 7-Color Ink Business Photo Printer Technology

Overview
Equipped on DreamLabo 5000, fusing the strengths of silver halide photography and inkjet.
Impact
Promotes expansion in the business photo market through improved photo quality.

2024: Development of AI-Equipped Network Cameras

Overview
New products with enhanced security performance through advanced video analysis.
Impact
Strengthens competitive edge in corporate video solutions.

2021: Advancement of Nanoimprint Semiconductor Lithography Equipment Development

Overview
Development of next-generation semiconductor lithography equipment using nanoimprint technology.
Impact
Aims for comeback in the advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment market.

2023: Launch of 4K Business Projector '4K500ST'

Overview
High-brightness, high-resolution 4K video projection equipment for markets like simulators.
Impact
Contributes to enhancing presence in the imaging equipment market.

2024: Development of VR-Compatible Head-Mounted Display Products

Overview
Focus on practical product development for augmented reality and mixed reality technologies.
Impact
Contributes to expansion into new business areas.

2020: Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Printer Development

Overview
Introduced new-generation printers with significantly improved energy-saving performance.
Impact
Achieves reduction in environmental impact and response to market needs.

2021: Launch of 5G-Compatible Network Cameras

Overview
Provides real-time video analysis systems leveraging high-speed communications.
Impact
Strengthens product competitiveness in the security industry.

2022: Enhancement of AI Diagnostic Support Functions in Medical Imaging Equipment

Overview
Integrated AI analysis functions into CT and MRI devices to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Impact
Strengthens differentiation in the medical field.

2023: Development of Next-Generation High-Efficiency Toner Fixing Technology

Overview
Introduces new technology that enhances energy-saving effects and improves print quality.
Impact
Contributes to CO2 emission reductions.

Sustainability

  • Promotion of energy-saving technologies and CO2 reductions across the entire product lifecycle
  • Improved renewable energy utilization rate (achieved approx. 83% in Europe)
  • Expansion of toner cartridge recycling technology
  • Adoption of biomass plastics to reduce environmental impact
  • Introduction of alternative technologies to reduce VOC emissions
  • Continuous improvement of safe and reliable product quality
  • Thorough implementation of sustainable procurement policies
  • Efficiency improvements and environmental impact reductions through in-house production automation and labor-saving
  • Promotion of collaborative environmental protection activities with local communities
  • Strengthened environmental consideration guidelines in next-generation product development
  • Employee environmental awareness education programs
  • Practical application of research results from the Ecology Research Institute