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Canon

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FY2014 Annual Report · Canon
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C A N O N   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 14

F i s c a l   Ye a r   E n d e d   D e c e m b e r   3 1 ,   2 0 14

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

Millions of yen
(except per share amounts)

Thousands of U.S. dollars
(except per share amounts)

2013

Change (%)

 Net sales

 Operating profit

 Income before income taxes

 Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

 Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
   stockholders per share:

  —Basic

  —Diluted

 Total assets

 Canon Inc. stockholders’ equity

2014

¥ 3,727,252

  363,489

  383,239

  254,797

¥ 3,731,380

337,277

347,604

  230,483

¥  229.03 

¥ 

200.78 

229.03 

¥ 4,460,618 

¥ 2,978,184 

200.78 

¥ 4,242,710 

¥ 2,910,262 

-0.1

7.8

10.3

10.5

14.1

14.1

5.1

2.3

2014

$ 30,803,736 

  3,004,041 

  3,167,264 

  2,105,760 

$ 

1.89 

1.89 

$ 36,864,612 

$ 24,613,091 

Notes: 
1.  Canon’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 
2.  U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of JPY121=U.S.$1, the approximate exchange rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market as of 

December 30, 2014, solely for the convenience of the reader. 

Net Sales
(Billions of yen)

Net Income Attributable to Canon Inc.
(Billions of yen)

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

300

200

100

0

300

200

100

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Net Income Attributable to Canon Inc. 
   Stockholders per Share
(Yen)

ROE/ROA
(%)

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Basic 

Diluted

ROE 

ROA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
01

CO RPORAT E P R OF ILE

TA B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

Canon develops, manufactures and markets a growing lineup of 

copying machines, printers, cameras and industrial and other 

equipment. Through these products, the Company meets grow-

ing customer needs that are becoming increasingly diversified and 

sophisticated. Today, the Canon brand is recognized and trusted 

throughout the world.

STRATEGY

02 TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

BUSINESS
SEGMENT

10 AT A GLANCE

12 OFFICE BUSINESS UNIT

In 1996, Canon launched its Excellent Global Corporation 

14 IMAGING SYSTEM BUSINESS UNIT

Plan with the aim of becoming a company worthy of admiration 

16 INDUSTRY AND OTHERS BUSINESS UNIT

and respect the world over. Currently, the Company is work-

ing to achieve the overwhelming No. 1 position in its existing 

core businesses and expand related and peripheral businesses by 

strengthening its advanced solutions business, centered on inno-

vative products, and through other measures. At the same time, 

Canon is nurturing its operations in the fields of medical equip-

ment and industrial equipment, to establish new core businesses. 

The Company is working to fulfill its responsibilities to inves-

tors and society, emphasizing sound corporate governance and 

stepping up the implementation of activities that contribute to 

environmental and social sustainability.

CO RPORAT E P HIL OSOP HY: KYOSEI

Canon’s corporate philosophy is kyosei.

It conveys our dedication to seeing all people, regardless of cul-

ture, customs, language or race, harmoniously living and working 

18 2014 TOPICS

CORPORATE 
STRUCTURE

20 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

24 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

FINANCIAL 
SECTION

26 PRODUCTION

28 SALES & MARKETING

30 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

34 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

48 TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

50 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

51 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 

INCOME

51 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

52 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 

together in happiness into the future. Unfortunately, current fac-

EQUITY

tors related to economies, resources and the environment make 

realizing kyosei difficult.

53 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CASH FLOWS

  Canon strives to eliminate these factors through corporate activ-

54 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 

ities rooted in kyosei. Truly global companies must foster good 

relations with customers and communities, as well as with govern-

ments, regions and the environment as part of their fulfillment of 

social responsibilities.

For this reason, Canon’s goal is to contribute to global prosper-

ity and the well-being of mankind as we continue our efforts to 

bring the world closer to achieving kyosei.

CO RPORAT E GOAL

Canon sees itself growing and prospering over the next 100, and 

even 200, years. Toward this end, the Company has been promot-

ing its Excellent Global Corporation Plan, launching Phase IV of 

the initiative in 2011. Building on the financial strengths that the 

Company has continuously reinforced through the implementa-

tion of the plan, Canon aims to join the ranks of the world’s top 

100 companies in terms of major management indicators.

STATEMENTS

84 SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND 

QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

85 MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL 
CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

86 REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED 

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

CORPORATE 
DATA

88 TRANSFER AND REGISTRAR’S OFFICE

88 STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION

89 MAJOR CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Cover Photo:
Tim Rayman, nature photographer Canon’s interchange-
able lens digital cameras and interchangeable lenses 
have served and will be serving professional photogra-
phers around the world who use the latest technologies 
to capture the best moments. 

 
 
 
02 T O   O U R   S T O C K H O L D E R S

Fujio Mitarai
Chairman & CEO
Canon Inc.

STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

03

Canon will bring Phase IV of its Excellent Global 
Corporation Plan to a close by building a solid 
foundation for a return to a path of growth.

Performance in 2014

Despite expectations of an overall turnaround in the 

in cost reductions.

global economy in 2014, particularly in the United 

  As a result, despite the various challenges we faced 

States and Japan, the operating environment we faced 

in 2014, including a decline in unit sales of digital 

remained very challenging due to unforeseen devel-

cameras, we realized an increase in unit sales of office 

opments, such as the conflict between Russia and 

color multifunction devices (MFDs), posting consoli-

Ukraine. On the other hand, we saw the yen depreci-

dated net sales of ¥3,727.3 billion, around the same 

ate further against both the U.S. dollar and the euro. 

level as the previous year. Furthermore, the gross profit 

In light of these circumstances, in accordance with our 

ratio improved 1.7 points to 49.9%, approaching the 

basic policy of emphasizing profit over sales, we made 

record level we reached in 2007. At the time, the yen 

a concerted Group-wide effort with various initiatives, 

was even weaker than it is now, which points to the 

including the creation of powerful hit products within 

fact that Canon’s manufacturing power, which had suf-

current businesses, the thorough reinforcement of our 

fered immediately after the Lehman crisis, is now back 

global sales capabilities, and pursuit of a new dimension 

on track and stronger than ever. Additionally, thanks 

Cash Dividend
(Yen)

150

100

50

0

to ongoing rigorous expense cutting, operating profit 

increased 7.8% to ¥363.5 billion while net income 

climbed 10.5% to ¥254.8 billion. These figures are the 

highest since the collapse of Lehman Brothers and 

mark our second consecutive year-on-year increases for 

both operating profit and net income.

  Free cash flow, as well, increased ¥57.2 billion year 

on year to ¥314.6 billion, exceeding net income for the 

second successive year. Taking advantage of this ample 

cash flow, we carried out three share buybacks in 2014, 

purchasing some ¥150 billion worth of Company stock. 

With a stockholders’ equity ratio of 66.8% at the end of 

2014, we were able to maintain our sound, essentially 

debt-free financial structure. Additionally, underscor-

ing our stable and proactive shareholder return pol-

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

icy, we declared an annual cash dividend of ¥150.00 per 

* The amount of annual cash dividend per share in 2006 has been adjusted to reflect 
  the three-for-two stock split made on July 1, 2006.

share, a ¥20.00 increase from 2013.

04 TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

Excellent Global Corporation Plan 

Canon launched the Excellent Global Corporation Plan 

while also enabling us to become an essentially debt-

in 1996 and, over the nearly 20 years since it was intro-

free company.

duced, we have reinforced our business foundation 

  During Phase III (2006–2010), we sought to expand 

through the Plan’s various phases.

Canon’s business scope, broadening our businesses 

  During Phase I (1996–2000), we focused on shifting 

in the printing and medical equipment fields while 

from nonconsolidated business management to consoli-

actively carrying out M&A activities.

dated business management while stressing the impor-

  And in 2011, under the slogan “Aiming for the 

tance of total optimization over partial optimization, 

Summit: Speed & Sound Growth,” we embarked on Phase 

and of profit over sales. By emphasizing the importance 

IV, spanning the five-year period through 2015. Focusing 

of cash-flow management and comprehensively elimi-

on the six key strategies explained below, Phase IV calls 

nating waste, we were able to reduce our debt by more 

for proactive, quick reforms ahead of the dramatically 

than half while also significantly increasing productiv-

changing times, along with the achievement of sound 

ity through the introduction of the cell production sys-

business growth through the further expansion of our 

tem and other measures.

corporate scale while maintaining high profitability.

In Phase II (2001–2005), we focused on reinforcing 

  2015 is the final year of Phase IV. During the year, we 

Canon’s product competitiveness. We fully digitalized 

will make a concerted effort to improve our financial 

our copying machine and camera offerings, laying 

performance and build a robust foundation toward fur-

the groundwork for the successes that we enjoy today 

ther growth in the future.

The Excellent Global Corporation Plan

Phase I
1996–2000

Phase II
2001–2005

Phase III
2006–2010

Strengthened our 

Recognized the need 

Strove to achieve “Sound 

financial structure by 

for digitalization and 

Growth,” seeking high 

thoroughly eliminating 

raised product competi-

growth levels by estab-

wastefulness, with pro-

tiveness by enhancing 

lishing new businesses 

duction reforms playing 

our development infra-

while raising the profit-

a major role, based on 

structure and reinforc-

ability of existing busi-

changing our mindset 

ing key components.

nesses. With the global 

with a focus on total 

optimization and profit-

ability.

economy plunging into 

the global recession, 

shifted direction towards 

“improving the quality of 

management.”

Set up

an even stronger 

financial 

structure

and increased

momentum

towards 

a dramatic

leap forward 

from now.

Phase IV 
2011–2015

Tackle again the chal-

lenge of achieving 

“Sound Growth” 

through timely change 

in advance of changes 

in the times.

Slogan: 

“Aiming for the Summit: 

Speed & Sound 

Growth”

 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

05

Strategy

1

Achieving the overwhelming No. 1 position in all core businesses and expanding 
related and peripheral businesses

In 2014, within the office MFD segment, we significantly 

  As for inkjet printers, having made our full-fledged 

boosted unit sales of color machines through the addition 

entry into the business inkjet printer market, we are 

of color A4-model MFDs and color imagePRESS-series mod-

focusing on expanding our share within this segment. We 

els to our product lineups. Moreover, Océ, which produces 

are also working to increase sales of large-format printers, 

such products as high-speed continuous feed commercial 

for which we posted record-high unit sales in 2014.

printers, recorded healthy sales growth. In the growing 

In the industrial equipment segment, we were able 

market for office solutions, we continued strengthening 

to boost our market share, buoyed by strong demand for 

our hardware offerings while improving our ability to pro-

our semiconductor lithography systems used in the fab-

vide an extensive range of high-quality “one-stop” services.

rication of memory devices and image sensors, and con-

In the digital camera segment, unit sales of both inter-

tinued healthy sales of flat-panel-display lithography 

changeable lens cameras and compact cameras declined 

systems for large-sized panels, along with the launch 

year on year. Nevertheless, we maintained the No. 1 posi-

of high-resolution machines used in the production of 

tion in the global market with a 44% share for inter-

small- and medium-sized panels. Moreover, through the 

changeable lens cameras and a 22% share for compact 

enhancement of our nanoimprint lithography technol-

cameras*. Within this segment, we worked to improve 

ogy, which makes possible the further miniaturization of 

profitability, boosting sales of interchangeable lens digi-

electronic features, we are targeting the mass production 

tal cameras with the new EOS 7D Mark II and other mod-

of next-generation semiconductor lithography systems.

els targeting advanced-amateur users, while reinforcing 

  As for the medical equipment sector, we have been 

our compact camera lineup through the introduction of 

increasing sales of new digital radiography systems, 

high-value-added models that deliver exceptional image 

including models featuring wireless static-image sensors 

quality and high zoom magnification.

and dynamic-image sensors.

*Based on a Canon survey

Achieving the Overwhelming No.1 Position

Expand Existing Businesses

Cloud

Network
Compatibility

Alliance

Smartphone
Convenience

Expand Related and Peripheral Businesses

Cinema EOS 
System

DreamLabo

Océ

The imageRUNNER ADVANCE series machines help make business 
processes more effi cient through the handling of a range of docu-
ment-management tasks from a single device.

 
 
06

TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

Strategy

2

Developing new business through globalized diversifi cation and establishing the Three 
Regional Headquarters management system

Seeking to realize innovation beyond the boundaries 

Molecular Imprints (now Canon Nanotechnologies), 

of Japan, Canon is looking to Europe and the United 

a company with expertise in nanoimprint technolo-

States to contribute to global growth through the cre-

gies that make possible high-resolution nanolithogra-

ation of new business in terms of both quality and 

phy processes. In addition, to secure our No. 1 position 

quantity within the framework of the Three Regional 

in the global network video surveillance market, we 

Headquarters management system. By maintaining a 

acquired Milestone Systems, a world-leading provider 

highly profitable structure, we aim to join the ranks of 

of open platform video management software. In 2015, 

the world’s top 100 companies in terms of all key mea-

we plan to acquire Axis AB, the global leader in network 

sures of business performance.

video solutions.

In the United States, Canon Virginia is preparing to 

  We have also been focusing our energies on strength-

commence mass production of a DNA diagnostic system 

ening our MR (mixed reality) system business, enhancing 

developed by Canon U.S. Life Sciences, while in Europe, 

these systems that merge the real and virtual worlds in 

Océ is in the process of establishing its function as our 

real time. Within the medical equipment segment, we 

headquarters for commercial printers.

are working to swiftly establish our remote image-diag-

In the meantime, we will make effective use of our 

nostic service business while accelerating our develop-

healthy cash flows to establish new businesses while pro-

ment efforts in such promising areas as photoacoustic 

moting measures to nurture and expand them. In 2014, 

tomography devices capable of the three-dimensional 

with the aim of expediting the development of next-gen-

display of blood vessels.

eration semiconductor lithography systems, we acquired 

Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc., Maryland, is carrying out research 
and development for a DNA diagnostic system, using applications 
of CMOS sensor and inkjet printer technologies.

The Network Cameras deliver high image quality, advanced function-
ality, and high performance, while being used in various places, such 
as urban areas, offi ces, and public institutions, to provide new values.

 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

07

Establishing a world-leading globally optimized production system

Strategy

3

Based on a comprehensive evaluation of such factors as 

to bring production back to Japan.

foreign exchange fluctuations, wages, taxation systems, 

  With respect to overseas production, in the Americas 

infrastructure and country risk, Canon is building a 

and Europe, we will make use of automated production 

globally optimized production system from the perspec-

systems, primarily for consumables, to manufacture 

tive of total optimization.

products locally. By shortening the distance from fac-

In the aftermath of the Lehman crisis, the yen’s 

tory to market, we will be able to deliver products in a 

appreciation gave rise to disparities in production costs 

timely manner while reducing transportation costs and 

between Japan and overseas countries. As manufactur-

inventory in transit. In Asia, in order to diffuse risk, we 

ing in Japan became increasingly challenging, we began 

are moving quickly to reassess the uneven distribution 

shifting production overseas. As a result, production 

of our production operations. Accordingly, we will read-

in Japan declined, accounting for 40% of total produc-

just production volumes between countries and regions 

tion in 2014, down from 60% in 2007. But with the value 

to achieve an optimal production distribution.

of the yen expected to remain low over the long term, 

In addition to expanding the domain covered by auto-

we are bringing back manufacturing to Japan, particu-

mated production, to further bolster our manufacturing 

larly for new products. Through the strong promotion 

capabilities, we will broaden the scope of in-house man-

of automated production lines, robots and in-house pro-

ufacturing to include not only key parts, but also mass 

duction, we are building a framework to realize a new 

production items such as molded components.

dimension of cost reductions as we step up our efforts 

Manufacturing Bases in the Globally Optimized Production Structure

Major Production Sites

 
 
08

TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

Strategy

4

Comprehensively reinforcing global 
sales capabilities

Strategy

5

Building the foundations of 
an environmentally advanced 
corporation

In developed countries, within the consumer segment, 

In addition to fulfilling our social responsibilities to the 

we will strengthen our response to diversifying sales 

natural environment, Canon aims to be a company that 

channels in line with the proliferation of online sales. 

actively achieves corporate growth while protecting the 

Additionally, to effectively satisfy the centralized pro-

environment. As we strive to raise the performance of our 

curement needs of global corporations for office prod-

products, we develop energy-saving technologies and mate-

ucts, we are moving to swiftly train highly skilled sales 

rials with low environmental burden to minimize our envi-

engineers capable of providing comprehensive con-

ronmental impact and cut carbon dioxide emissions.

sulting services, offering solutions not limited to hard-

  During 2014, we reduced the use of raw materials by 

ware, but including software as well. Moreover, for our 

making products that were smaller and lighter, and accel-

global clients, we provide the same high-quality prod-

erated the modal shift from air- to ocean-based transport. 

ucts, solutions and services worldwide.

As a result, we successfully achieved a year-on-year reduc-

  Among emerging countries, we are finding diver-

tion in life-cycle CO2 emissions per product that exceeded 

sity in terms of economic scale, levels of growth, mar-

our 3% target.

ket characteristics, cultures and customs. To respond 

In 2015, Canon celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 

to these differing circumstances in each country, we 

launch of our pioneering toner cartridge recycling pro-

are working to develop diverse sales channels in accor-

gram. We now offer toner cartridge collection services in 

dance with in-depth field investigations, including the 

24 countries and carry out the localized recycling of car-

strengthening of our distributor sales network.

tridges in Japan, the United States, China and France. We 

will also continue our efforts to be a leader in the areas of 

waste reduction and efficient resource use.

The Volume of Returned Toner Cartridges
(Accumulated)
(Unit 1,000s of tons)

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

We are opening more Canon Image Square retail stores mainly in 
Asian emerging countries. Visitors at the store can try our products 
by themselves to see features and performances. (a shop in Vietnam)

1990

1995

2000

2005

2014

(Year)

*Data aggregation method changed after 2009.

 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

09

Strategy

6

Imparting a corporate culture, and 
cultivating human resources befi tting 
a truly excellent global company

In Conclusion 

The global economic map is changing dramatically in 

Since the Lehman crisis, Canon has built a rock-solid 

line with rapid advances in globalization and network-

financial base in preparation for the next period of 

ing. To continue developing as a truly excellent global 

economic growth and has created many new busi-

company worthy of admiration and respect for 100, and 

nesses with promising futures. In short, we have ful-

even 200, years, Canon must secure victory on the global 

filled all the necessary conditions to make great 

playing field and, toward this objective, our workforce 

progress.

must continue to deliver innovation.

  The global economy is expected to gradually regain 

  At Canon sales companies around the world, we 

moment and head toward stable growth. We aim to 

already have many locally hired employees in upper 

ride this wave so that we will again be able to make 

management positions. Especially in Europe, our largest 

great strides during Phase V of our Excellent Global 

regional market, the presidents of all of our sales com-

Corporation Plan, which will begin in 2016. To this 

panies are from the region. Since 1980, moreover, we 

end, we will accelerate the development of new busi-

have held our Tokyo Seminar management training pro-

nesses to return to the growth track in 2015, bringing 

gram for managers of overseas Canon Group companies 

Phase IV to a successful close by further reinforcing 

to improve their managerial capabilities. We are work-

our business foundation.

ing to foster and impart Canon’s corporate culture, con-

  We look forward to your continued understanding 

tinuously embracing the challenge of innovation, while 

and support.

nurturing global human resources who can excel on the 

world stage.

Fujio Mitarai

Chairman & CEO
Canon Inc.

Managers from Group companies worldwide gather at the Canon 
Global Management Institute in Japan to study corporate strategies 
and engage in cross-cultural exchanges.

 
 
 
10 AT   A   G L A N C E

Business Units 

Main Products 

O FFI CE
B USI N ESS 
U NI T

Office Multifunction Devices (MFDs)

Digital Production Printing Systems

Laser Printers

High Speed Continuous Feed Printers

I MA GI N G
S YSTEM 
B USI N ESS 
U NI T

I ND U STRY  
A ND
O TH ERS 
B USI N ESS 
UNI T

Interchangeable Lens Digital Cameras

Digital Camcorders

Inkjet Printers

Multimedia Projectors

Semiconductor Lithography Equipment

Digital Radiography Systems

FPD (Flat Panel Display ) Lithography Equipment

Network Cameras

(cid:129)Office Multifunction Devices 

(MFDs) 

(cid:129)Laser Multifunction Printers 

(MFPs)

(cid:129)Laser Printers

(cid:129)Digital Production Printing 

Systems 

(cid:129)High Speed Continuous Feed 

Printers

(cid:129)Wide-Format Printers

(cid:129)Document Solutions

(cid:129)Interchangeable Lens Digital 

Cameras

(cid:129)Digital Compact Cameras 

(cid:129)Digital Camcorders

(cid:129)Digital Cinema Cameras

(cid:129)Interchangeable Lenses

(cid:129)Inkjet Printers

(cid:129)Large-Format Inkjet Printers

(cid:129)Commercial Photo Printers

(cid:129)Image Scanners

(cid:129)Multimedia Projectors

(cid:129)Broadcast Equipment

(cid:129)Calculators

(cid:129)Semiconductor Lithography 

Equipment

(cid:129)FPD (Flat Panel Display) 
Lithography Equipment

(cid:129)Digital Radiography Systems

(cid:129)Ophthalmic Equipment

(cid:129)Vacuum Thin-Film Deposition 

Equipment

(cid:129)Organic LED (OLED) Panel 
Manufacturing Equipment

(cid:129)Die Bonders

(cid:129)Micromotors

(cid:129)Network Cameras

(cid:129)Handy Terminals

(cid:129)Document Scanners 

STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

11

Outline 

Composition of Sales (%) 

Net Sales (Billions of yen) 

In this segment, Canon offers a comprehensive 
range of multifunction devices (MFDs), printers, 
and other equipment featuring high image qual-
ity, high resolution, and high speed. Leveraging 
these products, Canon works in close collabora-
tion with various Group companies and alliance 
partners to deliver optimal solutions tailored to 
match the customer’s business operations. These 
include various document solutions, such as 
office document management and the output of 
records. At the same time, the Company provides 
top-quality services and support in a swift and 
reliable manner. 

Canon’s offerings in this segment include digital 
cameras, digital camcorders, digital cinema cam-
eras, interchangeable lenses, inkjet printers, and 
calculators. Canon’s digital cameras, digital cam-
corders and digital cinema cameras, designed to 
deliver unparalleled image quality, have earned 
particularly high acclaim worldwide, thanks to 
in-house developed lenses, CMOS image sensors, 
and image processors. Also widely popular are 
Canon’s inkjet printers, which are easy to use 
and produce beautiful pictures at high speeds.

Applying optical technologies and image-
processing technologies amassed over many 
years, Canon provides high-value-added products 
to a wide range of industries. The Company is 
already prominent globally as a manufacturer of 
FPD (Flat panel display) lithography equipment 
and semiconductor lithography equipment. 
In addition, Canon is focusing on the medical 
equipment field—one of its next generation core 
businesses. The Company is aggressively pro-
moting sales of its cutting-edge digital radiogra-
phy systems and ophthalmic equipment, which 
employ Canon’s highly regarded medical imag-
ing technologies.

55.8%

36.0%

10.7%

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

1,500

1,000

500

0

500

400

300

200

100

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Note: The percentage figures for the three business units presented in the pie charts above do not add up to 100% because “Eliminations,” recorded 

in consolidation accounting, were not included in calculation considerations.

12 O F F I C E   B U S I N E S S   U N I T

Canon has expanded the functions of its offi ce multifunction devices, which realize enhanced coordination with IT systems and are compatible 
with various types of system application software, offering an optimal usage environment for all sorts of document-related tasks.

2014 Review
Amid healthy demand for office multifunction devices 

(MFDs) underpinned by improved corporate results, 

Canon launched the C350/C250-series models, the first 

color A4 models in its imageRUNNER ADVANCE series. 

The new models sold well, especially in Europe and 

North America. Accordingly, we now have a full lineup 

that can provide solutions for more precise office doc-

ument environments. The imageRUNNER ADVANCE 

C5200 series of A3 models also performed well. As a 

result, sales of office MFDs increased year on year. 

In digital production printing systems, we released 

the C800/C700 series, the first color models in the 

imagePRESS series targeting the light production mar-

ket. The new models received worldwide acclaim, which 

Net Sales (Billions of yen)

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2012

2013

2014

helped generate significant sales growth for color print-

ers. Overall sales for digital production printing sys-

tems, including monochrome models, surpassed the 

previous year.

 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

13

The imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350/C250, 
fi rst A4 color multifunction device in 
imageRUNNER ADVANCE series. It has the 
same functions and user convenience as the 
A3 multifunction device and contributes to 
higher work effi ciency through system linkage.

The imagePRESS C800/C700, color multifunc-
tion device that delivers high-quality printing 
through the use of new technology. Aimed at 
the light-production market, it offers consis-
tently vivid colors even in mass volume print-
ing, it supports various paper types, and it is 
well suited to a wide range of needs from com-
mercial printing to in-company printing.

The Océ ColorStream 3000 are high-speed, 
continuous-feed commercial printers for appli-
cations requiring high speed and high quality 
such as the printing of invoices, direct mail, etc. 
as demanded by the data print services (DPS) 
market.

  Canon’s laser multifunction printers (MFPs) and laser 

administrative processes using IT solutions such as 

printers for small and mid-sized businesses performed 

mobile technology, cloud computing, and social net-

well, driven by sales growth in Japan and the Americas. 

working services (SNSs). Against this backdrop, Canon 

In the area of OEM-brand laser MFPs and laser print-

will further strengthen its hardware product offerings 

ers, difficult economic conditions, especially in Europe, 

by measures such as releasing new products. Moreover, 

restricted unit sales to previous-year levels. Sales of high-

we will improve the framework for the one-stop deliv-

end models increased, however, resulting in an overall 

ery of comprehensive, high-quality services and solu-

sales increase. 

tions all over the world. 

  Sales of Océ ColorStream 3000 series were solid 

  Océ has already built a strong position in high-volume

among high speed, continuous feed printers manufac-

document printing, such as direct mail, transaction, 

tured by Océ. 

and computer-aided design (CAD) printing. In addi-

  As a result, consolidated sales for this business unit 

tion to that, Océ plans to enter profitable new print-

amounted to ¥2,078.7 billion, up 3.9% from the previ-

ing sectors, including printing of graphic arts as well 

ous year.

2015 Initiatives
The market for office MFDs is expected to expand for 

as printing for packages and home decoration materi-

als. To achieve this smoothly, Océ further collaborates 

with Canon.

In the OEM business, Canon will work for cost reduc-

the time being. At the same time, there is increasing 

tions while making more compact products and provid-

need to outsource specific operations and modernize

ing highly competitive offerings.

 
 
14 I M A G I N G   S Y S T E M   B U S I N E S S   U N I T

Canon’s interchangeable lens digital cameras, which use groundbreaking technology such as proprietary lenses, CMOS sensors, and image 
processors, lead the world with their high image quality and contribute to sales.

2014 Review
In the interchangeable lens digital camera category, unit 

sales declined year on year, impacted by a generally dif-

ficult market environment caused by weak economic 

trends, particularly in Europe and China. Canon worked 

actively to boost sales and further enhance our lineup 

with the release of six new interchangeable lenses and the 

launch of the EOS 7D Mark II, which boasts exceptional 

high-speed continuous-shooting capabilities. As a result, 

we maintained the No. 1*1 share of the world market. 

  As for digital compact cameras, Canon reported lower 

sales in both volume and value terms amid a shrinking 

market, but was successful in raising the sales ratio for 

high-value-added products. 

  Regarding digital cinema cameras, Canon responded 

Net Sales (Billions of yen)

1,500

1,000

500

0

2012

2013

2014

to changing market conditions, including the spread 

of 4K models and the trend toward lower prices, and 

posted healthy sales as a result. Broadcasting equipment 

also sold well thanks to solid demand from the sports 

sector and in emerging economies. During the year, we 

unveiled the CN7x17KAS S zoom lens, which achieved 

STRATEGY

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15

The EOS 7D Mark II is our fl agship model 
equipped with an APS-C-size CMOS sensor 
offering further enhancements in continuous 
shooting and AF functions. The interchangeable 
lens digital camera offers an excellent tracking 
capability to capture moving subjects for deci-
sive shots.

The EF cinema lens CN7x17 KAS S is a high-
magnifi cation zoom lens compatible with 
large-sensor cameras used for the production 
of broadcasting content and motion pictures. It 
is the fi rst EF cinema lens to be equipped with 
a drive unit.

The DreamLabo commercial photo printer com-
bines high image quality and high speed to 
provide excellent performance. It meets the 
demands of the retail photo industry, includ-
ing the production of high-quality commercial 
photo materials such as photobooks.

downsizing while maintaining 4K-resolution perfor-

make further refinements to its lenses, sensors, and 

mance throughout the entire 7x zoom range. It received 

image processors and also step up our responses to 

quite a well response from the market.

trends such as cloud computing and SNSs. In digital 

In inkjet printers, Canon launched new products that 

compact cameras, we will enhance features of cameras’ 

have improved connectivity with mobile equipment and 

core appeals, such as operability, image quality, and 

models targeting female customers*2 as well as a new 

image expression, to further distinguish our products 

office brand MAXIFY in response to diversified demand 

from smartphone cameras, while raising affinity with 

in the market. Unit sales of inkjet printers declined mod-

mobile devices. In this way, we aim to achieve coexis-

erately amid delayed global economic recovery, but sales 

tence and co-prosperity of these devices.

of consumables increased year on year. 

  With respect to the Cinema EOS System, we will fur-

  Sales of large-format inkjet printers rose steadily due 

ther expand sales in emerging countries as well as focus 

partly to new contracts with large corporate customers, 

on entering non-cinema-related sectors, such as news 

which resulted in an increase in the net sales of consumables.

reporting and broadcasting. 

  However, the decline in unit sales of digital compact 

In inkjet printers, we will step up rollouts targeting 

cameras had a major impact, causing a 7.3% year-on-year 

the office market, and in large-format inkjet printers we 

decrease in consolidated sales for this business unit, to 

will respond meticulously to industry needs in order to 

¥1,343.2 billion.

*1 Based on a Canon survey.
*2 These models are sold only in Japan.

2015 Initiatives
In interchangeable lens digital cameras, Canon will 

expand market share. 

In DreamLabo commercial photo printers, Canon will 

diversify sales methods including rental and leasing, 

while building highly profitable business models such 

as photobook services of editing and bookbinding.

 
 
 
16 I N D U S T R Y   A N D   O T H E R S   B U S I N E S S   U N I T

Canon, through its semiconductor lithography equipment, achieves ever higher levels of performance and functionality to meet the strict 
cutting-edge demands of the industry, while focusing on the development of future technologies. These technologies also serve as a driving 
force behind Canon’s optical and control technologies.

2014 Review
In the business of semiconductor lithography equipment, 

unit sales of the FPA-5550iZ and FPA-6300ES6a increased 

significantly year on year. This is because manufacturers 

of memory devices continued making proactive capital 

investments to address healthy demand for smartphones 

and other mobile devices. As for FPD (Flat panel display) 

lithography equipment, unit sales of the MPAsp-H800 

series increased year on year, benefiting from major 

growth in investment in equipment for manufacturing 

large-sized panels, such as high-resolution 4K displays. 

In medical equipment, Canon posted higher sales 

than the previous year on the back of increased sales of 

high-value-added products in its core digital radiography 

systems operation; for example, high-image-quality wire-

Net Sales (Billions of yen)

500

400

300

200

100

0

2012

2013

2014

less models featuring automatic X-ray detection mode.

  Furthermore, Canon augmented its lineup of net-

work cameras, adding new models suited to various 

indoor environments, such as offices and large retail 

stores, while working hard to boost sales. As a result, 

the sales of last year significantly increased. In June 

2014, Denmark-based Milestone Systems A/S, one of the 

 
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17

The FPA-5550iZ i-line stepper employs the 
FPA-5500 platform with proven high perfor-
mance and reliability, which enables high 
throughput through such means as short 
exposure times made possible by a high-
acceleration wafer stage.

The Network Camera lineup delivers high 
image quality, advanced functionality, and high 
performance, while reducing the bandwidth 
burden on networks. It meets various needs in 
many places such as urban areas, offi ces, pub-
lic institutions, factories, and shops.

The Wireless Digital Radiography System series 
enables wireless transmission of imaging data 
to computers and is suitable for various imag-
ing areas. Canon is focusing on this equipment.

world’s largest video management software companies, 

of both i-line steppers and KrF scanners while reducing 

became a member of the Canon Group, further strength-

costs in order to further expand market share in this 

ening Canon’s network camera business. 

field. Furthermore, aiming to adapt our next-generation 

  Sales of document scanners manufactured by Canon 

lithography equipment for the high-volume manufac-

Electronics Inc. increased, helped by brisk sales in the 

turing of leading edge devices, we will also strengthen 

Middle East, South America, India, and other emerg-

our nanoimprint lithography technologies, which we 

ing economies.

acquired through M&A in 2014. In FPD lithography 

  Both sales of semiconductor film deposition equipment 

equipment sector, where 4K and 8K displays are expected 

manufactured by Canon ANELVA Corporation and organic 

to gather momentum, we will take the lead in increasing 

LED (OLED) panel manufacturing equipment made by 

resolution also for large-sized panels. 

Canon Tokki Corporation declined as capital investments 

In medical equipment, Canon will solidify its business 

by corporate customers were postponed. However, sales of 

foundation in preparation for future growth by focusing 

factory automation (FA) systems and semiconductor man-

on high-value-added offerings such as dynamic imaging 

ufacturing equipment made by Canon Machinery Inc. 

technology in digital radiography systems and high-end 

increased steadily on the back of favorable demand.

products in ophthalmic equipment. Furthermore, we 

  As a result, sales for this business unit increased 6.4% 

will continue steadily preparing for the launch of DNA 

year on year, to ¥398.8 billion.

diagnostic systems on the U.S. market.

2015 Initiatives
In the optical product field, the semiconductor lithog-

Systems in 2014. Moreover, in 2015 we plan to acquire 

Axis AB, the global leader in network video solutions, to 

raphy equipment market is expected to grow steadily. In 

secure our No.1 position in the global network video sur-

response, Canon will bolster efforts to raise productivity

veillance market.

  As for network cameras, we acquired Milestone 

 
18 2 0 1 4   T O P I C S

OFFICE 
BUSINESS UNIT

IMAGING SYSTEM 
BUSINESS UNIT

imageRUNNER ADVANCE C7270 Offi ce MFD

EF lens-series lineup

Canon Signed Global Partnership 
with Volkswagen for Managed 
Print Services

Canon Achieved World First as EF 
Interchangeable Lens Production 
Surpasses 100 Million Mark*1 

Canon signed a comprehensive agreement with 

In April 2014, Canon became the first in the world to 

German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen 

reach the 100 million mark for production of inter-

AG, under which we are delivering Canon multi-

changeable EF lenses for EOS-series AF (autofocus) inter-

function office systems and laser printers to global 

changeable lens cameras; the production began in 1987. 

Volkswagen group offices and factories, while provid-

  Canon’s EF lenses have continued to evolve over the 

ing assorted solutions and services. The agreement 

years, leading the industry through the incorporation 

reflects Canon’s advanced technological capabilities 

of a wide range of innovative technologies, including 

and highly reliable equipment, which make possible 

the world’s first items*2, such as Image Stabilizer (IS), 

the same solutions in any region around the world, 

Ultrasonic Motor (USM) which enables fast auto focusing, 

as well as the new development of applications tai-

and built-in extender super-telephoto zoom lens. Canon 

lored to meet unique customer needs. Another 

has expanded the optical technologies incorporated in 

highly recognized point was Canon’s proactive initia-

its EF lenses into new fields, launching EF Cinema Lenses 

tives aimed at protecting the environment, including 

for digital cinematography in January 2012, and EF-M 

efforts to develop products that deliver high environ-

lenses for compact-system cameras in September 2012. 

mental performance.

  Furthermore, during the 12-year period from 2003 

  Since 2004, we have operated the Canon Global 

to 2014, Canon maintained the No. 1 unit share of the 

Services Division as a dedicated in-house organiza-

worldwide interchangeable lens digital camera mar-

tion tasked with responding to the business machine 

ket*3. The Company will continue striving to produce 

needs of customers with global business operations. 

exceptional, highly reliable cameras and lenses that 

The Division uses Canon’s sales channels and ser-

cater to the varying needs of photographers, from first-

vice networks across more than 220 countries and 

time users to advanced amateurs and professionals. 

regions to actively offer our globally unified, high-

quality services. 

*1. Among  interchangeable  lenses,  based  on  a  Canon  survey  (as  of 

April 22, 2014).

*2. Among interchangeable lenses for interchangeable lens cameras, 

based on a Canon survey.
*3. Based on a Canon survey.

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19

IMAGING SYSTEM 
BUSINESS UNIT

INDUSTRY AND OTHERS
BUSINESS UNIT

Business inkjet printer MAXIFY MB5300 series 

RV1100 3-D Machine Vision System 

Canon Launched MAXIFY
Inkjet Printers for
Business Use

Canon Entered Machine
Vision Market with
Launch of RV1100

Canon unveiled MAXIFY, a new series of inkjet all-

Canon launched the RV1100 3-D Machine Vision 

in-ones and printers for small- and medium-sized 

System. It uses a new three-dimensional rec-

businesses. The lineup comprises five models, while 

ognition technology that Canon has devel-

meeting business needs and offering high productiv-

oped based on its optical, image-recognition, 

ity, high image quality, and high economic efficiency. 

and information-processing technologies, 

  The MAXIFY series delivers significant increases 

which were cultivated through the Company’s 

in printing speed thanks to a newly developed 

research and development of cameras and busi-

print head and efficient paper feed system. The 

ness machines.

models contribute to enhanced office efficiency 

  The RV1100 makes possible high-speed, high-

through the large-capacity ink tanks and sheet cas-

precision, 3-D recognition of various objects 

settes, which require fewer tank replacements and 

arranged randomly in a pile on a production 

minimize the need for paper refills. Furthermore, 

line, including parts with curved features, parts 

their dedicated pigment ink system, newly devel-

without distinguishing characteristics, and 

oped by Canon, includes a high-density black ink 

parts with complex structures. Encompassing 

for improved legibility, which makes text clear and 

a 3-D machine vision head, which acts as the 

easy to read, and inks that do not smudge when 

sensor, and vision recognition software which 

overwritten by highlighter while hard to erase. 

works as the processor, the system transmits rec-

Moreover, the color arrangement has been designed 

ognition data to the controller of the robotic 

to suit varied business needs, enabling vivid color 

arm in the production line. Accordingly, the 

printing of graphs, text, photographs, and web 

RV1100 plays an important role in automating 

pages. Reflecting Canon’s deep commitment to busi-

and expediting the supply of parts to produc-

ness needs, the MAXIFY series keeps ink costs and 

tion lines, leading to improve productivity at 

power consumption under control to deliver high 

factories of each client manufacturer. 

economy and environmental performance.

20 C O R P O R AT E   G O V E R N A N C E

At a monthly meeting of all company executives, the CEO provides updates on earnings progress and important matters to implement in 
the future as a way to share crucial information.

Canon maintains sound corporate 
governance as part of efforts to 
maximize its stockholders’ value 
and become a truly excellent global 
corporation.

Basic Policy
In order to establish a sound corporate governance struc-

ment strategies and policies while managing the overall 

execution of the operations of the Company. The other 

Representative Director is the Chief Financial Officer 

(CFO), who controls financial matters. 

  Under the management of the CEO, each business 

segment takes responsibilities of its operational man-

agement on a consolidated basis in an integrated struc-

ture covering everything from product development 

to production and sales. In addition, the headquarters 

supports and controls finance and accounting, qual-

ture and continuously raise corporate value, Canon 

ity management, global environment, and global legal 

believes that it is essential to improve management 

administration, undertaking administrative functions.

transparency and strengthen functions to supervise and 

  The Board of Directors, consisting of 17 Directors as 

monitor management. In this respect, a sense of eth-

of March 27, 2015, makes decisions on items prescribed 

ics and mission held by each executive director and 

in the Companies Act, including policies for establish-

employee is very important for the Company.

ing an internal control system, and other important 

Representative Directors, Directors, 
and Board of Directors
At Canon, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is a 

matters on execution of the operations of the Company. 

Furthermore, the Board receives reports on execution of 

the Company operations controlled by the CEO on a reg-

ular basis, and otherwise as necessary, and oversees such 

Representative Director, decides the Company’s manage-

execution of the operations of the Company. 

STRATEGY

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21

Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members (as of March 27, 2015)

Chairman & CEO

Fujio Mitarai

Executive Vice President & CFO

Toshizo Tanaka
Group Executive of Finance & Accounting Headquarters
Group Executive of Facilities Management Headquarters
Group Executive of Human Resources Management & 
Organization Headquarters

Senior Managing Directors

Yoroku Adachi
Chairman & CEO of Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Shigeyuki Matsumoto
Group Executive of Device Technology Development 
Headquarters
Group Executive of Corporate R&D

Toshio Homma
Group Executive of Procurement Headquarters

Hideki Ozawa
President & CEO of Canon (China) Co., Ltd.

Masaya Maeda
Chief Executive of Image Communication Products 
Operations

Managing Director

Yasuhiro Tani
Group Executive of Digital System 
Technology Development Headquarters

Directors

Kenichi Nagasawa
Group Executive of Corporate Intellectual 
Property & Legal Headquarters

Naoji Otsuka
Chief Executive of Inkjet Products 
Operations 

Masanori Yamada
Group Executive of Network Visual Solution 
Business Promotion Headquarters

Aitake Wakiya
Deputy Group Executive of Finance & 
Accounting Headquarters

Akiyoshi Kimura
Chief Executive of Office Imaging Products 
Operations

Eiji Osanai
Group Executive of Production Engineering 
Headquarters

Masaaki Nakamura
Deputy Group Executive of Human 
Resources Management & Organization 
Headquarters

Kunitaro Saida (Outside)
Attorney

Haruhiko Kato (Outside)
President & CEO of Japan Securities 
Depository Center, Inc.

Audit & Supervisory Board Members

Makoto Araki

Kazuto Ono

Tadashi Ohe (Outside)

Osami Yoshida (Outside)

Kuniyoshi Kitamura (Outside)

Note: Although this annual report is on FY2014, the above list of Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members is as of March 27, 2015.

  The Company believes that well-developed knowl-

edge of conditions on the ground is the key to swift 

and effective decision-making and appropriate busi-

ness monitoring. For this reason, most Directors are 

Corporate Strategy Committee, 
Risk Management Committee, and 
Disclosure Committee
The Corporate Strategy Committee, consisting of 

involved in execution of the operations of the Company 

Representative Directors, Executive Directors, and some 

as Group Executives or Chief Executives in charge of the 

Executive Officers, functions as an advisory body to 

Company’s main operations. In addition to that, Canon 

the CEO. Among items to be decided by the CEO, the 

also has two Outside Directors as independent directors* 

Committee undertakes prior deliberations on important 

who bring impartial perspectives to management that 

matters pertaining to Canon Group strategies. Outside 

would differ from those of Canon career veterans.

directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board mem-

  To help directors focus more effectively on manage-

bers attend the Corporate Strategy Committee meetings 

ment and oversight, Canon has appointed Executive 

and proffer their opinions. 

Officers who separately undertake execution of the oper-

  Based on its policy on establishment of an internal con-

ations of the Company. As of April 1, 2015, there will be 

trol system, the Company set up the Risk Management 

22 Executive Officers, including one woman. 

Committee, which formulates policy and action proposals 

* Independent directors: Stock exchanges in Japan require listed compa-
nies  to  appoint  outside  directors  and/or  outside  Audit  &  Supervisory 
Board  members  and  to  report  their  name.  Outside  directors  and 
Audit & Supervisory Board members should have no possible conflict 
of  interests  with  regular  stockholders.  People  related  to  the  parent 
company  or  major  business  partners,  consultants  who  receive  large 
remunerations from the company, and their close relatives cannot be 
selected as independent directors.

for improvement of the risk management system in the 

Canon Group under decisions of the Board of Directors. 

The Risk Management Committee consists of three enti-

ties: the Financial Risk Management Subcommittee, 

which improves systems on the credibility of finan-

cial reporting; the Compliance Subcommittee, which 

22 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Governance Structure (as of January 1, 2015)

Elect/Dismiss

Board of Directors
19 Members
(Includes 2 Outside Members)

Elect/Dismiss
Approve/Supervise

Report

Representative Directors
CEO, COO, CFO, CTO

Consult

General Meeting of Shareholders

Audit

Audit

Elect/Dismiss

Elect/Dismiss

Audit & Supervisory Board
5 Members
(Includes 3 Outside Members)

Cooperation

Corporate Strategy Committee
Representative Directors, 
Executive Directors, and 
Executive Officers with 
direct control of an organizational division

Cooperation

Accounting Auditors
(Audit Firm)

Instruct/Order
Approve/Supervise

Report

Report

Report

Risk Management Committee

Financial Risk Management
Subcommittee
Compliance Subcommittee
Business Risk Management
Subcommittee

Report

Cooperation

Report

Disclosure Committee

Cooperation

Financial 
Audit

Corporate Audit Center

Internal Audit

Report

Executive Directors, Executive Officers, and each General Manager

Execution of the operations of the company

ensures thorough implementation of corporate eth-

Directors meetings, Corporate Strategy Committee meet-

ics and improves legal compliance systems; the Business 

ings, and other relevant meetings, while receiving ver-

Risk Management Subcommittee, which improves sys-

bal reports from directors, reviewing important approval 

tems prepared for overall business risks, including insuf-

documents, and examining the business and financial 

ficient product quality and information leakage. The Risk 

asset statuses of the Company and its subsidiaries. In 

Management Committee verifies the risk management 

these ways, the Audit & Supervisory Board meticulously 

system and reports the status to the CEO.

checks directors’ and others’ execution of the company 

In addition, the Disclosure Committee undertakes 

operations, including establishment and operation of the 

deliberations on information disclosure, including con-

internal control system, thus is fulfilling a management 

tent and timing, to ensure timely and accurate disclo-

oversight function. The Board also works in close alliance 

sure of important company information. 

with the Internal Audit Division and the accounting audi-

tors to improve the efficacy of monitoring. 

Audit & Supervisory Board
Canon is a “Company with an Audit & Supervisory Board.” 

The Board consists of five members, three of which are 

Internal Audit Division
The Corporate Audit Center, with about 70 members, is 

independent Outside Audit & Supervisory Board mem-

the Company’s internal auditing arm. It conducts audits 

bers. In accordance with auditing policies and plans 

and evaluations and provides guidance on all opera-

decided at Audit & Supervisory Board meetings, mem-

tions and sectors without exception, including those of 

bers of the Audit & Supervisory Board attend Board of 

Group companies, from various perspectives, such as 

 
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23

The San-Ji (“Three Selfs”) Spirit, passed down from the initiation of the company, is one of 
Canon’s guiding principles. The three are “take the initiative and be proactive in all things” 
(Self-motivation), “conduct oneself with responsibility and accountability” (Self-management), 
and “understand one’s situation and role in all situations” (Self-awareness). (calligraphy by 
Canon’s fi rst president, Takeshi Mitarai)

business efficacy and efficiency, compliance, and infor-

understanding one’s situation and role in it. In 2001, 

mation security. Audits results are reported to the CEO 

Canon established the Canon Group Code of Conduct, 

and Audit & Supervisory Board and complement audits 

inspired by the above Three Selfs. The Code has been 

conducted by members of that board.

translated into 14 languages from Japanese, and each 

Accounting Auditors
The Company has an auditing service contract with its 

independent auditor, Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC, to 

Group company makes efforts to enforce the Code.

Countering Antisocial Forces
Canon has a basic policy prohibiting relationships of any 

audit its financial statements. To check the validity of the 

kind with antisocial forces that represent a threat to social 

audits, the Company’s Audit & Supervisory Board members 

order and security. To uphold this basic policy, Canon has 

receive detailed explanations from the accounting auditors 

established a department dedicated to activities aimed at 

about the quality management system regarding audits.

countering such parties while reinforcing cooperative ties 

  With the aim of monitoring the independence of the 

with applicable public authorities. In addition, Canon’s 

accounting auditors, the Company introduced a prior 

Employment Regulations include a clause prohibiting 

approval system by the Audit & Supervisory Board for 

such relationships, and the Company continues to step up 

contents of auditing and other service contracts and rel-

efforts to ensure strict employee adherence.

evant fees. Based on “policies and procedures of the prior 

approval for both auditing and non-auditing services,” 

each contract is closely reviewed for prior approval.

Risk Management 
As Canon expands its business on a global scale, busi-

ness and other risks to which it may be exposed con-

Compliance
Shortly after its founding, Canon established the San-Ji 

tinue to diversify. In accordance with policies of its Risk 

Management Committee, Canon calculates and investi-

(“Three Selfs”) Spirit principles: “self-motivation,” or taking 

gates conceivable risks across the entire Group. Canon 

the initiative and being proactive in all things; “self-man-

also strives to prevent or minimize the emergence of risk 

agement,” or conducting oneself responsibly and being 

by formulating company regulations and other rules 

accountable for all one’s actions; and “self-awareness,” or 

and conducting employee education.

24 R E S E A R C H   &   D E V E L O P M E N T

Canon works to improve pathological diagnosis, which determines the presence and spread of cancer by observing shapes and interconnections 
of human cells. We are conducting R&D on an imaging mass spectrometer with high spatial resolution and high sensitivity that can detect a mass 
of molecules and reconstruct its spectrum to form an image, allowing users to identify the two-dimensional distribution of substances in tissues. 

Seeking to create a new Canon, the 
Company is reinforcing an R&D structure 
spanning Japan, the United States, 
and Europe under the Three Regional 
Headquarters management system. At 
the same time, we are continuing to 
tackle challenges to develop products for 
professionals in unexplored fi elds.

Strengthening Our Global R&D Structure 
Pursuing globalized diversification of its operations, Canon 

is moving away from its existing structure, in which com-

petitive, technologically advanced products have been 

made mostly in Japan. Today, we have established the foun-

dation of the Three Regional Headquarters management 

system that leads to new businesses emerging from each 

operation in Japan, the United States, and Europe. 

In the United States, Canon has set up research insti-

2014 Top Ten U.S. Patent Holders by Company 

tutes covering from basic research into unexplored fields 

7,534

including healthcare to applied research on cutting-

4,952

4,055

edge technologies. In Europe, we will make further use of 

existing R&D centers to advance R&D in new fields.

IBM*

Samsung
Electronics

CANON

Sony

Microsoft

Toshiba

QUALCOMM

Google

LG Electronics

Panasonic

3,224

2,829

2,608

2,590

2,566

2,122

2,095

*IBM is an abbreviation for International Business Machines Corporation.
Source: Preliminary data released by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, a U.S. 

research company specialized in patent information

R&D Expenses and Patents
Canon is bolstering R&D activities to enable the ongo-

ing development of innovative products and services. 

In the year under review, R&D expenses amounted to 

¥309.0 billion, up 0.9%, or ¥2.7 billion, from the pre-

vious year. The ratio of R&D expenses to net sales was 

8.3%. This focus on R&D activities has cemented Canon’s 

 
 
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25

Canon’s 120-megapixel ultrahigh-resolution CMOS sensor for video recording can output full HD video in real time from any approximately 
one-sixtieth-sized section of its total surface area. Accordingly, images captured with the sensor maintain high levels of defi nition and clar-
ity even when cropped or digitally magnifi ed.

high status in the field of intellectual property. In 

2014, Canon was granted 4,055 patents in the United 

Initiatives to Establish New Businesses
In the medical equipment field toward the establish-

States, ranking it third in the world and the top ranked 

ment of new pillars of growth, we are conducting 

Japanese company for a tenth consecutive year.

research in Japan into photoacoustic tomography (PAT) 

Reinforcing Core Technologies 
Canon is concentrating efforts on pre-competitive 

technique for displaying blood vessels in three-dimen-

sional images, using laser radiation and ultrasonic detec-

tors. Canon in Japan is also conducting research into 

fields areas, involving research that can take more 

adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AO-SLO), 

than ten years. At the same time, the Company is con-

which enables examination of the retina at the cellular 

tinually bolstering activities centered on key parts and 

level. In the United States, we are complementing our 

key devices in order to enhance the competitiveness of 

work in DNA diagnostic systems with research in the 

its products.

fields of biomedical optical imaging and medical robot-

  For instance, we seek to boost the sensitivity, image 

ics technologies, with the aim of developing new medi-

quality, and noise reduction of CMOS sensors for inter-

cal devices and commercializing them.

changeable lens digital cameras to realize new types 

In the industrial equipment field, Canon applies 

of visual expression for cameras. By raising the per-

its optical, capturing and imaging technologies to 

formance levels of these devices to the full extent, we 

advanced 3D measurement and recognition technolo-

are developing sensors applicable to functions used in 

gies. The technologies are part of our ongoing research 

such areas as medical research and surveillance and 

on Super Machine Vision, which will serve as the eyes of 

security. We are now promoting businesses of CMOS 

intelligent robots.

sensor components.

 
26 P R O D U C T I O N

Canon works to maintain and expand production, actively introducing our automation technologies and extending them in high-value-added 
products such as assembly of EF lens units. (the Utsunomiya Plant, Japan)

In addition to establishing a globally 
optimized production system, Canon 
seeks improved quality and productivity 
by putting a priority on conducting 
production operations itself to ensure the 
progress of its manufacturing expertise.

Belief in “Internal Production”

In-House
Production

Automation

Man-Machine
Cell

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:79)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:50)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)
(cid:0) (cid:36)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:52)(cid:69)(cid:67)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:89)
(cid:0) (cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)
(cid:0) (cid:38)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:89)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:44)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:52)(cid:73)(cid:77)(cid:69)
(cid:0) (cid:50)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:49)(cid:85)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:89)
(cid:0) (cid:41)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)
(cid:0) (cid:37)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:73)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:89)
(cid:0) (cid:41)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:44)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:90)(cid:69)(cid:68)
(cid:0) (cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)
(cid:0) (cid:37)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:73)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:89)
(cid:0) (cid:41)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:79)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:50)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)
(cid:0) (cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:0)(cid:36)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:71)(cid:78)
(cid:0) (cid:48)(cid:72)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:69)

(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:44)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:52)(cid:73)(cid:77)(cid:69)
(cid:0) (cid:50)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)
(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:38)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:82)
(cid:0) (cid:33)(cid:85)(cid:84)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)

Internal Production

Establishing a Globally Optimized 
Production System
Canon aims to establish a globally optimized produc-

tion system that identifies the most suitable locations 

for the production of individual products based on a 

comprehensive assessment of various considerations. 

These factors include cost, taxation, logistics, the ease 

of parts procurement, and the workforce in each coun-

try and region. An optimized system will lead to addi-

tional improvements in productivity for the entire 

Canon Group.

Improving Productivity
Canon continues to expedite production in optimal loca-

tions. At the same time, by putting a priority on con-

ducting production operations in-house, we proceed 

to raise quality and reduce costs through progress in 

manufacturing by making full use of the expertise and 

insights of individual workers engaged in production. 

To this end, the Company has adopted a cell production 

system—an approach that fully utilizes the creativity of 

STRATEGY

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27

Canon is participating in a next-generation ultra-large-telescope 
project aimed at fostering unparalleled and new astronomical 
research never seen before. Engaged in the project, Canon is press-
ing ahead with technological innovations in optical technologies 
and systems for high-precision measurement and processing. 

Committed to offer customers products that are safe while also 
providing trust and satisfaction, Canon adheres stringent quality 
control measures at every process, refl ecting its basic concept of 
quality: “no claims, no trouble.” (the Tamagawa Offi ce, Japan)

individual workers. Canon continues to improve produc-

assembly of EF lens focus units and then basic process-

tivity by making efforts to increase production efficien-

ing of camera bodies.

cies in cell production while rolling out “man-machine 

cell” production systems that integrate manual and 

automated processes.

In the Americas and Europe, Canon accelerates local-

Environmental Friendly Manufacturing; 
Enhanced Product Quality
Canon actively seeks to prioritize purchases of environ-

ized production of consumables such as toner cartridges 

mentally conscious parts and materials as well as shift to 

by using automated production lines. Our aim is to 

transportation modes that have minimal environmental 

deliver products timely while reducing transportation 

impact. We also focus on manufacturing initiatives that 

costs and inventory in transit.

are friendly to the global environment. 

  As for efforts to improve productivity in each region, 

  Creating top-quality products is a relentless chal-

Canon in Japan has introduced prototype-less pro-

lenge at Canon. Grinding and processing of lenses is 

duction adopting simulation technology on super-

one of those that require advanced technologies. We 

computer systems and has used 3D printers to make 

have been entrusted with the responsibility of process-

prototypes. With these technologies, we are pursuing 

ing the 30-meter-diameter multi-segment primary mir-

ideal product designs and significantly shorter develop-

ror to be incorporated in the Thirty Meter Telescope 

ment times. Furthermore, with the aim of further cost 

(TMT), currently under construction near the summit 

reductions, we have expanded our in-house produc-

of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, and scheduled for completion 

tion range from key parts including image sensors to 

in 2021. 

large-quantity-procured items including molded parts. 

We have also deployed automated production lines for 

 
28 S A L E S   &   M A R K E T I N G

Canon (China) Co., Ltd. actively joins camera shows including the China International Photograph & Electrical Imaging Machinery and 
Technology Fair to promote our comprehensive capability as the leading imaging company.

Canon reinforces its sales and 
marketing capabilities by providing 
innovative products and advanced 
solutions tailored to meet the 
characteristics of each region.

Japan
In the year under review, sales in Japan amounted to 

¥724.3 billion, equivalent to 19.4% of consolidated 

net sales.

  Due to the prolonged impact of the consumption tax 

hike, the market for consumer products became more 

challenging than in the previous year. Nevertheless, 

Canon secured the top market shares of its main prod-

Composition of Sales by Region

ucts interchangeable lens digital cameras, compact digital 

Asia and Oceania 23.5%
¥876.0 billion

 The Americas 27.8%
¥1,036.5 billion

Net Sales
¥3,727.3
billion

Japan 19.4%
¥724.3 billion

Europe 29.3%
¥1,090.5 billion

cameras, and inkjet printers; our proactive sales promo-

tion efforts including user-oriented campaigns contrib-

uted to this achievement. In the B2B field, we advanced a 

new business of 3D Solutions for manufacturers, which 

combines 3D printers with computer graphics (CG) tech-

nologies. We also used our data centers to broaden our 

cloud services. In one highlight, we provided infrastruc-

ture enabling observation of patients’ medical examina-

tion images from remote locations.

The Americas
Sales in the Americas came to ¥1,036.5 billion, or 27.8% 

STRATEGY

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New Come and See brand identity unveiled at Photokina in 
Cologne, Germany, September 2014 to inspire and engage the 
180,000 visitors and hundreds of journalists.

Canon U.S.A. opened the Canon Experience Center in Costa Mesa, 
California, as a new customer service operation center covering the 
area of the West Coast.

of consolidated net sales.

in driving growth in network visual solutions. To appeal 

  Canon Americas has been making steady progress 

to new consumers, a new brand identity was launched—

toward creating a regional headquarters that will han-

Come and See. A new cloud-based image management 

dle product development, manufacturing, and sales 

service, irista, was also launched in 2014. Canon strength-

functions. In 2014, we focused on enhancing customer 

ened its sales and marketing in the Middle East through 

services by opening new support service operations: 

the formation of a new Canon sales company in Qatar.

the Canon Experience Center, in Southern California, 

and our second U.S. call center, in New Mexico. We 

also launched our new marketing slogan, Canon See 

Asia and Oceania
In Asia and Oceania sales amounted to ¥876.0 billion 

Impossible, and devised a brand strategy aimed at 

(23.5% of consolidated net sales).

addressing changing markets and conveying new levels 

  Canon has started Asia Traveler Protection Program 

of added value created by Canon. 

(ATPP), seeking to offer added values to increasing inter-

national tourists in China and Southeast Asia. When our 

Europe (Europe, Middle East, Africa)
In Europe sales amounted to ¥1,090.5 billion (29.3% of 

customers buy Canon’s products such as cameras and 

lenses in mainland China and visit overseas countries, 

consolidated net sales). 

they can use the repair service for free in eleven coun-

In 2014, Canon Europe increased market share in key 

tries and regions in Asia.

segments, while also focusing on developing new oppor-

In Australia, Canon acquired a majority stake in 

tunities for diversification and future growth. Canon’s 

Harbour IT Pty. Ltd., one of the largest managed services 

acquisition of Milestone Systems A/S, a world leader in 

and cloud solutions providers, to enhance our business 

video management software, was a major strategic step 

services offering.

 
 
30 C O R P O R AT E   S O C I A L   R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

Canon India Pvt. Ltd. rolls out continuously various community welfare programs in the three areas of eye care, education and environment 
in villages without adequate educational and healthcare facilities. For example, we improve school facilities by setting up resource centers for 
children and installing solar panels. We also help villagers by providing eye check-ups with Canon’s retinal cameras. (Ferozepur Namak Village)

Guided by its kyosei (“living and 
working together for the common 
good”) philosophy, Canon is promoting 
CSR activities with the aim of becoming 
a truly excellent corporation that is 
admired and respected the world over.

Canon’s Basic Approach to CSR
Canon recognizes that its corporate activities are sup-
ported by the development of society as a whole, and 
contributes to the realization of a better society as a 
good corporate citizen, effectively leveraging its ad-
vanced technological strengths, global business deploy-
ment, and diverse, specialized human resources.

Environmental Activities
Canon Selected by CDP as Leading Company in 
Climate Change Information Disclosure 
In 2014, CDP, an international nonprofit organization 
(NPO) that conducts environmental assessments, selected 
Canon for the first time as a leading company in climate 
change information disclosure under its environmental 
ratings. Canon was recognized for its initiatives such as 
the effort to ensure transparency by obtaining third par-
ty verification of its greenhouse gas emissions data.

LEED Certification
In February 2014, Canon Americas Headquarters re-
ceived the Gold certification of the international stan-
dard LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental 
Design) as a highly resource-efficient, green building. In 

Canon U.S.A. has made various efforts to reduce the environ-
mental impact of its headquarters building including incorporat-
ing natural light and installing a rainwater capture and storage 
system that uses greenery.

STRATEGY

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31

The “Eyes on Yellowstone”, an education and research program 
in partnership with Yellowstone National Park, releases videos of 
wildlife in their natural environment online. These videos are used 
to educate children around the world.

Under the Tsuzuri Project, in 2014 Canon made high-resolution 
reproductions of all 16 fusuma (sliding door) paintings of “Scene of 
Rice Cultivation.” This work, believed to have been painted by Kano 
Sanraku, are now in the possession of the Minneapolis Institute of 
Art. Canon donated the reproductions to the Daikakuji Temple at 
the former Saga Imperial Palace in Kyoto, Japan.

September 2014, the Canon U.S.A. distribution center in 
Atlanta was the first facility to receive LEED certification 
in the new “Building Design and Construction – Ware-
houses and Distribution Centers” category.

of Industrial Infrastructure grant and Pursuit of Ideals 
grant. In 2014, 17 projects were selected for the fifth re-
search grant program.

Conservation Activities at National Parks in the 
United States
Canon U.S.A. continues to provide support for environ-
mental protection activities in U.S. national parks. The 
company began supporting Yellowstone National Park in 
1995 and Acadia National Park in 2013. Canon imaging 
equipment is used to observe wildlife, create video librar-
ies and support communication activities.

Social Contribution Activities
Canon conducts wide-ranging social contribution ac-
tivities in various parts of the world to help create a 
better society.

Canon Foundation Announces Fifth Grant 
Program Recipients
The Canon Foundation aims to contribute to the ongo-
ing prosperity and well-being of mankind. It has offered 
two research grant programs, known as the Creation 

The Tsuzuri Project
Canon and the non-profit organization Kyoto Culture 
Association jointly promote a project called the “Tsu-
zuri Project” (Official title: Cultural Heritage Inheritance 
Project). The aim of the project is to preserve original 
cultural assets while maximizing the effective use of 
high-resolution facsimiles of cultural assets. These fac-
similes are created by blending Canon’s latest digital 
technology and traditional Japanese crafts, such as gold 
leaf craftwork. As a result of the project, original cultur-
al assets can be kept in the more favorable environment 
of museums while facsimiles can be used for education-
al purposes and public exhibits. Since the program be-
gan in 2007, the cumulative total of reproduced and 
donated items has reached 31 (as of March 2015).

Partnership with the Red Cross EU Office
Canon Europe entered into a partnership agreement 
with the Red Cross in 2006 after having been a longtime 
supporter and endorser of the organization’s activities. 

32

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Canon Europe supports the German Red Cross’s activities, such as 
emergency response training for children, in preparation for natu-
ral disasters. ©Red Cross

With the aim of promoting innovation by incorporating the opinions 
of our diverse human resources at all levels of decision-making, 
Canon recognizes the individual aptitudes and skills of employees, 
positively expanding the scope of activities of female staff. 

The Company works with 16 Red Cross National Societ-
ies across Europe, giving support in a variety of ways, 
from donating equipment to providing funding for edu-
cation and engagement projects for young people. 

Canon Image Bridge
“Canon Image Bridge” is an initiative in which Canon 
China and other members of the Canon Asia Marketing 
Group serve as a bridge linking elementary and middle 
school children in Asia by delivering their photo cards. 
To date, around 5,600 children from 179 schools have tak-
en part in the photo card exchange project. Children take 
photos and other children in foreign countries write mes-
sages on the pictures while exchanging photo cards. Canon 
helps them make photo cards and send them abroad to 
foster cross-cultural communication among children.

Addressing the Issue of Confl ict Minerals
Seeking to ensure that customers can use Canon prod-
ucts with peace of mind, the Canon Group works to-
gether with its business partners as well as industry 
organizations to address the issue of conflict minerals.
In accordance with the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street 
Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Canon filed a re-
port at the end of May 2014 regarding the Company’s sta-
tus on this issue with the U.S. Securities and Exchange 

Commission. This report is also made available on 
Canon’s website.
  Based on data gathered through February 2015 re-
garding products manufactured, or contracted to man-
ufacture, by the Canon Group, no specific parts or 
materials have been found to have contributed to fund-
ing armed groups in conflict regions as defined by U.S. 
legislation. Due, however, to the complex nature of the 
supply chain, inquiries may not have reached a number 
of smelters or refiners located upstream. In response, 
Canon will enhance its collaboration efforts across var-
ious industries and support activities aimed at encour-
aging smelters to avoid using conflict minerals that 
finance armed groups.

Cultivating Diverse Human Resources
Canon is committed to diversity of human resources. We 
welcome people of all types—irrespective of race, gen-
der, age, customs, and value perceptions—and deploy 
such differences to foster our growth as an organization. 
Since 2012, we have engaged in in-house projects with 
top priority on helping maximize the potential of wom-
en in the workplace. Initiatives in 2014 included internal 
educational activities and leadership training for select-
ed female employees. We also held seminars for employ-
ees returning from childcare leave and their superiors. 

 
F I N A N C I A L   S E C T I O N

33

T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

34

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

48

TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

50 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

51 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

51 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

52 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

53 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

54 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

84

SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

85 MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER 

FINANCIAL REPORTING

86 REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC 

ACCOUNTING FIRM

34 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

GENERAL
The following discussion and analysis provides information 
that management believes to be relevant to understanding 
Canon’s consolidated financial condition and results of oper-
ations. References in this discussion to the “Company” are to 
Canon Inc. and, unless otherwise indicated, references to the 
financial condition or operating results of “Canon” refer to 
Canon Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

OVERVIEW
Canon is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of plain 
paper copying machines, office multifunction devices 
(“MFDs”), laser printers, cameras, inkjet printers, semicon-
ductor lithography equipment and FPD (Flat panel display)  
lithography equipment. Canon earns revenues primarily 
from the manufacture and sale of these products domesti-
cally and internationally. Canon’s basic management policy 
is to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the world 
while endeavoring to become a truly excellent global corpo-
rate group targeting continued growth and development. 
  Canon divides its businesses into three segments: the 
Office Business Unit, the Imaging System Business Unit, and 
the Industry and Others Business Unit.

Economic environment
Looking back at the global economy in 2014, although the 
United States and other developed countries were initial-
ly expected to bring about a return to a path of full-fledged 
growth, such expectations came up short due to the ongo-
ing occurrence of such unforeseen circumstances as the con-
flict between Russia and Ukraine. In the U.S., despite the 
negative impact of the major cold wave that struck at the 
beginning of the year, the economy showed steady signs of 
recovery, buoyed by the improvement in employment condi-
tions and healthy growth in consumer spending. In Europe, 
the economy remained sluggish due to such factors as the 
negative impact of Russia’s deteriorating economy on neigh-
boring euro area countries. The pace of economic expan-
sion in China was modest while other emerging countries in 
Southeast Asia and South America faced slowdowns in mar-
ket growth due to economic stagnation. In Japan, with the 
economy yet to recover from the decline following the rush 
in demand leading up to the hike in the country’s consump-
tion tax, growth fell short of the rate recorded in the previ-
ous year.

Market environment
Looking at the markets in which Canon operates amid 
these conditions, demand for MFDs and laser printers main-
tained steady growth. Demand for interchangeable-lens 
digital cameras continued to face harsh conditions due to 
the economic slowdown. Demand for digital compact cam-
eras continued to shrink in both developed countries and 
emerging markets. Demand for inkjet printers, decreased 
due to the sluggish economies of Asia and Europe. In the 

industry and others sector, a rebound in capital investment 
for both memory devices and image sensors led to a pick-
up in demand for semiconductor lithography equipment. 
Additionally, demand for lithography equipment used in 
the production of FPDs increased for large-size panels. 
  The average value of the yen during the year was ¥106.18 
against the U.S. dollar, a year-on-year depreciation of approxi-
mately ¥8, and ¥140.62 against the euro, a year-on-year depre-
ciation of approximately ¥11.

Summary of operations
MFDs and laser printers enjoyed solid demand during the 
year and industrial equipment sales increased significantly. 
Within the shrinking market for interchangeable-lens digi-
tal cameras and digital compact cameras, less-than-expected 
demand during the year-end shopping season led to a decline 
in net sales. As a result, despite the positive effects of favor-
able currency exchange rates, net sales for the year decreased 
by 0.1% year on year to ¥3,727.3 billion. The gross profit ratio, 
however, rose 1.7 points year on year to 49.9% thanks to the 
effects of ongoing cost-cutting efforts along with the depre-
ciation of the yen. Despite an increase in foreign-currency-
denominated operating expenses due to the depreciation 
of the yen, Group-wide efforts to reduce spending contrib-
uted to limiting operating expenses to ¥1,498.0 billion, an 
increase of just 2.5% year on year. As a result, operating prof-
it increased by 7.8% year on year to ¥363.5 billion. Other 
income increased by ¥9.4 billion due to foreign currency 
exchange gains while income before income taxes increased 
by 10.3% to ¥383.2 billion. Net income attributable to Canon 
Inc. increased by 10.5% to ¥254.8 billion. Accordingly, despite 
the slight decline in net sales, Canon achieved profit growth.

Key performance indicators
The following are the key performance indicators (“KPIs”) 
that Canon uses in managing its business. The changes from 
year to year in these KPIs are set forth in the table shown on 
page 35.

Revenues
As Canon pursues the goal to become a truly excellent glob-
al company, one indicator upon which Canon’s manage-
ment places strong emphasis is revenue. The following are 
some of the KPIs related to revenue that management con-
siders to be important.
  Net sales is one such KPI. Canon derives net sales primari-
ly from the sale of products and, to a lesser extent, provision 
of services associated with its products. Sales vary depend-
ing on such factors as product demand, the number and 
size of transactions within the reporting period, market 
acceptance for new products, and changes in sales prices. 
Other factors involved are market share and market envi-
ronment. In addition, management considers the evalua-
tion of net sales by segment to be important for the purpose 
of assessing Canon’s sales performance in various segments, 

STRATEGY

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35

taking into account recent market trends.
  Gross profit ratio (ratio of gross profit to net sales) is 
another KPI for Canon. Through its reforms of product devel-
opment, Canon has been striving to shorten product develop-
ment lead times in order to launch new, competitively priced 
products at a faster pace. Furthermore, Canon has further 
achieved cost reductions through enhancement of efficien-
cy in its production. Canon believes that these achievements 
have contributed to improving Canon’s gross profit ratio, and 
will continue pursuing the curtailment of product develop-
ment lead times and reductions of production costs.
  Operating profit ratio (ratio of operating profit to net sales) 
and R&D expense to net sales ratio are considered to be KPIs 
by Canon. Canon is focusing on two areas for improvement. 
Canon is striving to control and reduce its selling, general 
and administrative expenses as its first key point. Secondly, 
Canon’s R&D policy is designed to maintain adequate spend-
ing in core technology to sustain Canon’s leading position in 
its current business areas and to exploit opportunities in oth-
er markets. Canon believes such investments will create the 
basis for future success in its business and operations.

Cash flow management
Canon also places significant emphasis on cash flow manage-
ment. The following are the KPIs relating to cash flow man-
agement that Canon’s management believes to be important. 
Inventory turnover measured in days is a KPI because 
it measures the efficiency of supply chain management. 
Inventories have inherent risks of becoming obsolete, physi-
cally damaged or otherwise decreasing significantly in val-
ue, which may adversely affect Canon’s operating results. To 
mitigate these risks, management believes that it is crucial to 

continue reducing work-in-process inventories by decreasing 
production lead times in order to promptly recover related 
product expenses, while balancing risks of supply chain dis-
ruptions by optimizing finished goods inventories in order to 
avoid losing potential sales opportunities.
  Canon’s management seeks to meet its liquidity and capi-
tal requirements primarily with cash flow from operations. 
Management also seeks debt-free operations. For a manu-
facturing company like Canon, it generally takes consider-
able time to realize profit from a business due to lead times 
required for R&D, manufacturing and sales has to be fol-
lowed for success. Therefore, management believes that it is 
important to have sufficient financial strength so that the 
Company does not have to rely on external funds. Canon 
has continued to reduce its dependency on external funds 
for capital investments in favor of generating the necessary 
funds from its own operations.
  Canon Inc. stockholders’ equity to total assets ratio is 
another KPI for Canon. Canon believes that its stockholders’ 
equity to total assets ratio measures its long-term sustainabil-
ity. Canon also believes that achieving a high or rising stock-
holders’ equity ratio indicates that Canon has maintained a 
strong financial position or further improved its ability to 
fund debt obligations and other unexpected expenses. In the 
long-term, Canon’s management believes a high stockhold-
ers’ equity ratio will enable the company to maintain a high 
level of stable investments for its future operations and devel-
opment. As Canon puts strong emphasis on its R&D activities, 
management believes that it is important to maintain a sta-
ble financial base and, accordingly, a high level of its stock-
holders’ equity to total assets ratio. 

KEY  PERFORMANCE  INDICATORS

Net sales (Millions of yen)
Gross profit to net sales ratio
R&D expense to net sales ratio
Operating profit to net sales ratio
Inventory turnover measured in days
Debt to total assets ratio
Canon Inc. stockholders’ equity to total assets ratio

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

¥3,727,252  ¥3,731,380 
48.2%
8.2%
9.0%
52 days
0.1%
68.6%

49.9%
8.3%
9.8%
50 days
0.0%
66.8%

¥3,479,788 
47.4%
8.5%
9.3%
57 days
0.1%
65.7%

¥3,557,433 
48.8%
8.7%
10.6%
46 days
0.3%
64.9%

¥3,706,901 
48.1%
8.5%
10.5%
35 days
0.3%
66.4%

Note: Inventory turnover measured in days is determined by: Inventory divided by net sales for the previous six months, multiplied by 182.5.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND 
ESTIMATES
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accor-
dance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 
(“GAAP”) and based on the selection and application of sig-
nificant accounting policies which require management to 
make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates 
and assumptions include future market conditions, net sales 

growth rate, gross margin and discount rate. Though Canon 
believes that the estimates and assumptions are reasonable, 
actual future results may differ from these estimates and 
assumptions. Canon believes that the following are the more 
critical judgment areas in the application of its account-
ing policies that currently affect its financial condition and 
results of operations. 

 
36

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Revenue recognition
Canon generates revenue principally through the sale of 
office and imaging system products, equipment, supplies, 
and related services under separate contractual arrange-
ments. Canon recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence 
of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and title and 
risk of loss have been transferred to the customer or services 
have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, 
and collectibility is probable.
  Revenue from sales of office products, such as office MFDs 
and laser printers, and imaging system products, such as digi-
tal cameras and inkjet printers, is recognized upon shipment 
or delivery, depending upon when title and risk of loss trans-
fer to the customer.
  Revenue from sales of optical equipment, such as semi-
conductor lithography equipment and FPD lithography 
equipment that are sold with customer acceptance provi-
sions related to their functionality, is recognized when the 
equipment is installed at the customer site and the specific 
criteria of the equipment functionality are successfully test-
ed and demonstrated by Canon. Service revenue is derived 
primarily from separately priced product maintenance con-
tracts on equipment sold to customers and is measured at 
the stated amount of the contract and recognized as servic-
es are provided.
  Canon also offers separately priced product maintenance 
contracts for most office products, for which the custom-
er typically pays a stated base service fee plus a variable 
amount based on usage. Revenue from these service main-
tenance contracts is measured at the stated amount of the 
contract and recognized as services are provided and vari-
able amounts are earned.
  Revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leas-
es is recognized at the inception of the lease. Income on sales-
type leases and direct-financing leases is recognized over the 
life of each respective lease using the interest method. Leases 
not qualifying as sales-type leases or direct-financing leases 
are accounted for as operating leases and the related revenue 
is recognized ratably over the lease term. When equipment 
leases are bundled with product maintenance contracts, rev-
enue is first allocated considering the relative fair value of 
the lease and non-lease deliverables based upon the estimated 
relative fair values of each element. Lease deliverables gener-
ally include equipment, financing and executory costs, while 
non-lease deliverables generally consist of product mainte-
nance contracts and supplies. 

For all other arrangements with multiple elements, Canon 

allocates revenue to each element based on its relative sell-
ing price if such element meets the criteria for treatment as 
a separate unit of accounting. Otherwise, revenue is deferred 
until the undelivered elements are fulfilled and accounted 
for as a single unit of accounting.
  Canon records estimated reductions to sales at the time of 
sale for sales incentive programs including product discounts, 
customer promotions and volume-based rebates. Estimated 
reductions to sales are based upon historical trends and other 

known factors at the time of sale. In addition, Canon provides 
price protection to certain resellers of its products, and records 
reductions to sales for the estimated impact of price protec-
tion obligations when announced. In 2011, the sales incentive 
program accruals were quite difficult to estimate compared to 
prior years because of the significant fluctuation in consumer 
product supplies from our manufacturing facilities, due to the 
earthquake in Japan and the flooding in Thailand. Although 
Canon utilized available data to produce its best estimate of 
promotion payments to be claimed in 2012, actual claims in 
2012 were not as high as Canon had estimated. Moreover, in 
recent years, as a result of the market conditions and custom-
er preferences, usage of incentive programs has shifted from 
mail-in rebates to instant rebates. Accordingly, the historical 
data relating to mail-in-rebates could not be used to determine 
instant rebates. Given the limited experience with instant 
rebates, this led Canon to maintain its estimated accruals for 
a longer period of time. As 2012 progressed and new informa-
tion became available, Canon reviewed the 2011 accrual bal-
ance in order to determine whether the accrual needed to be 
revised during 2012. By using new additional statistical infor-
mation and gathering sales and inventory data from custom-
ers, Canon was able to revise its estimates.
  Estimated product warranty costs are recorded at the time 
revenue is recognized and are included in selling, general and 
administrative expenses. Estimates for accrued product war-
ranty costs are based on historical experience, and are affected 
by ongoing product failure rates, specific product class fail-
ures outside of the baseline experience, material usage and 
service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure.

Allowance for doubtful receivables 
Allowance for doubtful receivables is determined using a 
combination of factors to ensure that Canon’s trade and 
financing receivables are not overstated due to uncollectibil-
ity. These factors include the length of time receivables are 
past due, the credit quality of customers, macroeconomic 
conditions and historical experience. Also, Canon records spe-
cific reserves for individual accounts when Canon becomes 
aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obliga-
tions to Canon, due for example to bankruptcy filings or dete-
rioration in the customer’s operating results or financial 
position. If circumstances related to customers change, esti-
mates of the recoverability of receivables are further adjusted.

Valuation of inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. 
Cost is determined by the average method for domestic inven-
tories and principally the first-in, first-out method for over-
seas inventories. Market value is the estimated selling price 
in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of 
completion and the estimated costs necessary to make a sale. 
Canon routinely reviews its inventories for their salability 
and for indications of obsolescence to determine if inven-
tories should be written-down to market value. Judgments 
and estimates must be made and used in connection with 

 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

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CORPORATE DATA

37

establishing such allowances in any accounting period. In 
estimating the market value of its inventories, Canon consid-
ers the age of the inventories and the likelihood of spoilage 
or changes in market demand for its inventories.

Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and 
acquired intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed 
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstanc-
es indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not 
be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds 
its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impair-
ment charge is recognized in the amount by which the car-
rying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. 
Determining the fair value of the asset involves the use of 
estimates and assumptions.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation 
is calculated principally by the declining-balance method, 
except for certain assets which are depreciated by the straight-
line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. 

Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite use-
ful lives are not amortized, but are instead tested for impair-
ment annually in the fourth quarter of each year, or more 
frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Canon 
performs its impairment test of goodwill using the two-step 
approach at the reporting unit level, which is one level below 
the operating segment level. All goodwill is assigned to the 
reporting unit or units that benefit from the synergies aris-
ing from each business combination. If the carrying amount 
assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the 
reporting unit, Canon performs the second step to measure 
an impairment charge in the amount by which the carrying 
amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair 
value. Fair value of a reporting unit is determined primari-
ly based on the discounted cash flow analysis which involves 
estimates of projected future cash flows and discount rates. 
Estimates of projected future cash flows are primarily based 
on Canon’s forecast of future growth rates. Estimates of dis-
count rates are determined based on the weighted average 
cost of capital, which considers primarily market and indus-
try data as well as specific risk factors. Intangible assets with 
finite useful lives consist primarily of software, license fees, 
patented technologies and customer relationships. Software 
and license fees are amortized using the straight-line method 
over the estimated useful lives, which range primarily from 3 
years to 5 years for software and 5 years to 10 years for license 
fees. Patented technologies are amortized using the straight-
line method principally over the estimated useful lives, 
which range from 8 years to 16 years. Customer relationships 
are amortized principally using the declining-balance meth-
od over the estimated useful life of 5 years.

Income tax uncertainties
Canon considers many factors when evaluating and estimat-
ing income tax uncertainties. These factors include an evalua-
tion of the technical merits of the tax positions as well as the 
amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be real-
ized upon settlement. The actual resolutions of those uncer-
tainties will inevitably differ from those estimates, and such 
differences may be material to the financial statements.

Valuation of deferred tax assets
Canon currently has significant deferred tax assets, 
which are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. 
Realization of Canon’s deferred tax assets is principally 
dependent upon its achievement of projected future tax-
able income. Canon’s judgments regarding future profitabil-
ity may change due to future market conditions, its ability 
to continue to successfully execute its operating restructur-
ing activities and other factors. Any changes in these factors 
may require possible recognition of significant valuation 
allowances to reduce the net carrying value of these deferred 
tax asset balances. When Canon determines that certain 
deferred tax assets may not be recoverable, the amounts, 
which may not be realized, are charged to income tax 
expense and will adversely affect net income.

Employee retirement and severance benefit plans
Canon has significant employee retirement and severance 
benefit obligations that are recognized based on actuari-
al valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assump-
tions, including discount rates and expected return on plan 
assets. Management must consider current market condi-
tions, including changes in interest rates, in selecting these 
assumptions. Other assumptions include assumed rate of 
increase in compensation levels, mortality rate, and withdraw-
al rate. Changes in assumptions inherent in the valuation 
are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Actual 
results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and 
amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect 
future pension expenses. While management believes that the 
assumptions used are appropriate, the differences may affect 
employee retirement and severance benefit costs in the future.
In preparing its financial statements for 2014, Canon esti-

mated a weighted-average discount rate used to determine 
benefit obligations of 1.1% for Japanese plans and 2.9% for 
foreign plans and a weighted-average expected long-term 
rate of return on plan assets of 3.1% for Japanese plans and 
4.9% for foreign plans. In estimating the discount rate, 
Canon uses available information about rates of return on 
high-quality fixed-income government and corporate bonds 
currently available and expected to be available during 
the period to the maturity of the pension benefits. Canon 
establishes the expected long-term rate of return on plan 
assets based on management’s expectations of the long-
term return of the various plan asset categories in which it 
invests. Management develops expectations with respect to 
each plan asset category based on actual historical returns 

 
38

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

and its current expectations for future returns.
  Decreases in discount rates lead to increases in actuarial 
pension benefit obligations which, in turn, could lead to an 
increase in service cost and amortization cost through amor-
tization of actuarial gain or loss, a decrease in interest cost, 
and vice versa. For 2014, a decrease of 50 basis points in the 
discount rate increases the projected benefit obligation by 
approximately ¥91,609 million. The net effect of changes in 
the discount rate, as well as the net effect of other changes in 
actuarial assumptions and experience, is deferred until subse-
quent periods. 
  Decreases in expected returns on plan assets may increase 
net periodic benefit cost by decreasing the expected return 
amounts, while differences between expected value and actu-
al fair value of those assets could affect pension expense in 

the following years, and vice versa. For 2014, a change of 50 
basis points in the expected long-term rate of return on plan 
assets would cause a change of approximately ¥4,218 mil-
lion in net periodic benefit cost. Canon multiplies manage-
ment’s expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by 
the value of its plan assets to arrive at the expected return on 
plan assets that is included in pension expense. Canon defers 
recognition of the difference between this expected return 
on plan assets and the actual return on plan assets. The net 
deferral affects future pension expense.
  Canon recognizes the funded status (i.e., the difference 
between the fair value of plan assets and the projected bene-
fit obligations) of its pension plans in its consolidated balance 
sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated oth-
er comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SUMMARY  OF  OPERATIONS

Net sales
Operating profit
Income before income taxes
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

Sales
The shrinking market for interchangeable-lens digital cameras 
and digital compact cameras, and less-than-expected demand 
during the year-end shopping season led to a major decline in 
net sales in Imaging System Business Unit. However, due to 
the stable demand for MFDs and laser printers, and indus-
trial equipment sales along with the positive effects of favor-
able currency exchange rates, Canon’s consolidated net 
sales in 2014 totaled ¥3,727,252 million, a slight decrease of 
0.1% from the previous year.
  Overseas operations are significant to Canon’s operating 
results and generated 80.6% of total net sales in 2014. Such 
sales are denominated in the applicable local currency and 
are subject to fluctuations in the value of the yen relative to 
those currencies. Despite efforts to reduce the impact of cur-
rency fluctuations on operating results, including localiza-
tion of manufacturing in some regions along with procuring 
parts and materials from overseas suppliers, Canon believes 
such fluctuations have had and will continue to have a signif-
icant effect on its results of operations.
  The average value of the yen during the year was ¥106.18 
against the U.S. dollar, a year-on-year depreciation of approx-
imately ¥8, and ¥140.62 against the euro, a year-on-year 
depreciation of approximately ¥11. The effects of foreign 
exchange rate fluctuations positively affected net sales by 

Millions of yen

2014
¥3,727,252 
363,489 
383,239 
254,797 

change
-0.1%
+7.8%
+10.3%
+10.5%

2013

change

2012

¥3,731,380 
337,277 
347,604 
230,483 

+7.2%
+4.1%
+1.5%
+2.6%

¥3,479,788 
323,856 
342,557 
224,564 

approximately ¥186,000 million in 2014. This favorable 
impact consisted of approximately ¥98,200 million for the 
U.S. dollar denominated sales, ¥66,800 million for the euro 
denominated sales and ¥21,000 million for other foreign 
currency denominated sales.

Cost of sales
Cost of sales principally reflects the cost of raw materials, 
parts and labor used by Canon in the manufacture of its 
products. A portion of the raw materials used by Canon is 

Return on Sales
(%)

9

6

3

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

39

imported or includes imported materials. Many of these raw 
materials are subject to fluctuations in world market prices 
accompanied by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates that 
may affect Canon’s cost of sales. Other components of cost 
of sales include depreciation expenses, maintenance expens-
es, light and fuel expenses, and rent expenses. The ratio of 
cost of sales to net sales for 2014 and 2013 was 50.1% and 
51.8%, respectively.

Gross profit 
Canon’s gross profit in 2014 increased by 3.5% to ¥1,861,472 
million from 2013. The gross profit ratio also increased by 1.7 
points year on year to 49.9%. The increase in the gross profit 
ratio reflects ongoing cost-cutting efforts along with the posi-
tive effects of the depreciation of the yen.

Operating expenses
The major components of operating expenses are payroll, 
R&D, advertising expenses and other marketing expens-
es. Despite the negative effect of depreciation of the yen, 
group-wide efforts to thoroughly reduce spending contrib-
uted to limit the increase year on year to 2.5% to a total of 
¥1,497,983 million.

Operating profit
Operating profit in 2014 increased 7.8% from 2013 to a total 
of ¥363,489 million. The ratio of operating profit to net sales 
increased 0.8% to 9.8% from 2013.

Other income (deductions)
Other income (deductions) for 2014 increased ¥9,423 mil-
lion to ¥19,750 million, mainly due to foreign currency 
exchange gain.

Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes in 2014 was ¥383,239 million, 
an increase of 10.3% from 2013, and constituted 10.3% of 
net sales.

Income taxes
Provision for income taxes in 2014 increased by ¥9,912 mil-
lion from 2013. The effective tax rate during 2014 remained 
consistent with 2013. The effective tax rate for 2014 was 
30.8%, which was lower than the statutory tax rate in Japan. 
This was mainly due to the tax credit for R&D expenses.

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
As a result, net income attributable to Canon Inc. in 2014 
increased by 10.5% to ¥254,797 million, which represents 
6.8% of net sales. 

Segment information
Canon divides its businesses into three segments: the Office 
Business Unit, the Imaging System Business Unit and the 
Industry and Others Business Unit.
(cid:129)The Office Business Unit mainly includes Office multifunc-
tion devices (“MFDs”) / Laser multifunction printers (“MFPs”) /
Laser printers / Digital production printing systems / High 
speed continuous feed printers / Wide-format printers / 
Document solutions
(cid:129)The Imaging System Business Unit mainly includes 
Interchangeable lens digital cameras / Digital compact 
cameras / Digital camcorders / Digital cinema cameras / 
Interchangeable lenses / Inkjet printers / Large-format ink-
jet printers / Commercial photo printers / Image scanners / 
Multimedia projectors / Broadcast equipment / Calculators
(cid:129)The Industry and Others Business Unit mainly includes 
Semiconductor lithography equipment / FPD (Flat panel dis-
play) lithography equipment / Digital radiography systems / 
Ophthalmic equipment / Vacuum thin-film deposition equip-
ment / Organic LED (“OLED”) panel manufacturing equip-
ment / Die bonders / Micromotors / Network cameras / Handy 
terminals / Document scanners

Sales by Segment
(Billions of yen)

Sales by Geographic Area
(Billions of yen)

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

Office Business Unit
Imaging System
Business Unit
Industry and Others
Business Unit
Eliminations

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania

40

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Sales by segment  
Please refer to the table of sales by segment in Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
  Canon’s sales by segment are summarized as follows:

SALES  BY  SEGMENT

Office
Imaging System
Industry and Others
Eliminations
  Total

Millions of yen

2014
¥2,078,732 
1,343,194 
398,765 
(93,439)
¥3,727,252 

change
+3.9%
-7.3%
+6.4%
—
-0.1%

2013

change

2012

¥2,000,073 
1,448,938 
374,870 
(92,501)
¥3,731,380 

+13.8%
+3.1%
-8.1%
—
+7.2%

¥1,757,575 
1,405,971 
407,840 
(91,598)
¥3,479,788 

Within the Office Business Unit, office MFDs sales increased 
steadily from the year-ago period, led by healthy demand 
for new imageRUNNER ADVANCE C350/C250-series models, 
Canon’s first color A4 (letter and legal-sized)-model
imageRUNNER ADVANCE machines, and the imagePRESS 
C800/C700, Canon’s first color models targeting the light 
production market, along with the A3 (12” x 18”)-model 
imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5200 series, which continues to 
be well accepted in the market. The Océ ColorStream 3000 
series of high-speed continuous-feed printers continued 
to enjoy solid sales growth from the previous year. Among 
laser printers, although color models and multifunction 
models recorded sales growth, total sales volume decreased 
slightly from the year-ago period owing to the decrease in 
demand for monochrome models in European and other 
markets that have suffered prolonged economic stagnation. 
As a result, coupled with the positive effects of favorable 
currency exchange rates, sales for the business unit totaled 
¥2,078.7 billion, a year-on-year increase of 3.9%, while oper-
ating profit totaled ¥292.1 billion, an increase of 9.4%.

Within the Imaging System Business Unit, although sales 
volume of interchangeable-lens digital cameras declined 
owing to the shrinking market—in Japan as a result of the 
reaction following the rush in demand prior to the con-
sumption tax increase, and in Europe and other markets 
due to worsening economic conditions—the advanced-
amateur-model EOS 7D Mark II achieved healthy growth, 
enabling Canon to maintain the market’s top share. Despite 
a decline in total sales volume for digital compact cameras, 
sales of high-added-value models featuring high image qual-
ity and high-magnification zoom capabilities, such as the 
PowerShot G7 X and PowerShot SX60 HS/SX700 HS, record-
ed solid growth, contributing to an improvement in prof-
itability. Inkjet printer hardware sales increased for the 
fourth quarter from the year-ago period thanks to the intro-
duction of new products for the year-end shopping season 
and marketing tailored to geographical characteristics, but 
sales volume for the year decreased due to economic slug-
gishness in Asia and Europe. Sales of consumable supplies 
increased from the previous year owing to the steady accu-
mulation of printer units currently operating in the market. 

As a result, including the positive effect of favorable cur-
rency change rates, sales for the business unit decreased by 
7.3% to ¥1,343.2 billion year on year, while operating profit 
declined 4.5% to ¥194.6 billion.

In the Industry and Others Business Unit, ongoing invest-
ment following the recovery in the second half of the previ-
ous year by memory device manufacturers led to increased 
unit sales of semiconductor lithography equipment for 
memory devices and image sensors. Amid increasing mar-
ket demand for higher definition tools, lithography systems 
for the creation of high-definition mid- and small-size pan-
els, in addition to a model introduced in the second half of 
the previous year for large panels, recorded healthy growth, 
contributing to the boosting of both sales volume and mar-
ket share. In medical equipment, sales volume of new dig-
ital radiography systems, including wireless static-image 
models and models capable of capturing dynamic imag-
es, grew steadily, fueling sales growth. Consequently, sales 
for the business unit totaled ¥398.8 billion, an increase of 
6.4% year on year, while operating profit, although showing 
an improvement from the previous year, recorded a loss of 
¥21.8 billion owing to investment, including R&D expenses, 
into next-generation technologies.

Intersegment sales of ¥93,439 million, representing 2.5% of 
total sales, are eliminated from total sales for the three seg-
ments, and are described as “Eliminations.”

Sales by geographic area
Please refer to the table of sales by geographic area in Note 21 
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
  A geographical analysis indicates that net sales in 2014 
are summarized as follows.

In Japan, although sales volume of digital compact cam-
eras declined, net sales increased by 1.2% from the previous 
year due to solid growth in office MFDs. 

In the Americas, despite the favorable effect from depreci-
ation of the yen against U.S. dollar and solid demand for ink-
jet printers, net sales decreased by 2.2% from the previous 
year owing to the decline of compact digital camera market. 
  Despite the favorable effect from depreciation of the 

 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

41

yen against euros and solid demand for office MFDs in 
sluggish economic condition, net sales decreased by 3.1% 
from the previous year due to the price reduction of inter-
changeable-lens digital cameras and shrinking of digital 
compact camera market in Europe. 

In Asia and Oceania, although sales volume of 
interchangeable-lens digital cameras and digital compact 
cameras declined, net sales increased by 5.4% from the previ-
ous year due to solid demand for office MFDs coupled with 
the positive effects of depreciation of the yen.

  A summary of net sales by geographic area is provided below.

SALES  BY  REGION

Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania
  Total

2014
¥ 724,317 
1,036,500 
1,090,484 
875,951 
¥ 3,727,252 

change
+1.2%
-2.2%
-3.1%
+5.4%
-0.1%

Millions of yen

2013

¥ 715,863 
1,059,501 
1,124,929 
831,087 
¥3,731,380 

change

-0.6%
+12.7%
+10.9%
+3.2%
+7.2%

2012

¥ 720,286 
939,873 
1,014,038 
805,591 
¥3,479,788 

Note: This summary of net sales by geographic area is determined by the location where the product is shipped to the customers.

Operating profit by segment
Please refer to the table of segment information in Note 21 of 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Company and its domestic subsidiaries. Please refer to the 
table of geographic information in Note 21 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Operating profit for the Office Business Unit in 2014 
increased by 9.4% to ¥292,057 million, resulting from the 
sales increase including the positive effects of favorable cur-
rency exchange rates.

Despite operating profit for the Imaging System Business Unit in 
2014 decreased by 4.5% to ¥194,601 million, in response to 
the sales decline, operating profit ratio increased from previ-
ous year, owing to the improvement in profitability from the 
sales shift to high-added-value models in camera, along with 
the positive effects of favorable currency exchange rates.

Operating profit for the Industry and Others Business Unit in 
2014, despite an improvement from the previous year result-
ed from sales increase, recorded a loss of ¥21,801 million 
owing to investment, including R&D expenses, into next-
generation technologies.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND FOREIGN 
CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Canon’s marketing activities are performed by subsidiaries in 
various regions in local currencies, while the cost of sales is 
generally in yen. Given Canon’s current operating structure, 
appreciation of the yen has a negative impact on net sales 
and the gross profit ratio. To reduce the financial risks from 
changes in foreign exchange rates, Canon utilizes derivative 
financial instruments, which consist principally of forward 
currency exchange contracts.
  The operating profit on foreign operation sales is usual-
ly lower than that from domestic operations because for-
eign operations consist mainly of marketing activities. 
Marketing activities are generally less profitable than pro-
duction activities, which are mainly conducted by the 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 
Cash and cash equivalents increased by ¥55,671 million to 
¥844,580 million in fiscal 2014 compared to the previous 
year. Canon’s cash and cash equivalents are typically denomi-
nated in Japanese yen and in U.S. dollars, with the remainder 
denominated in other currencies. 
  Net cash provided by operating activities increased by 
¥76,285 million to ¥583,927 million in fiscal 2014 compared 
to the previous year. The major component of Canon’s cash 
inflow is cash received from customers, and the major com-
ponents of Canon’s cash outflow are payments for parts and 
materials, selling, general and administrative expenses, R&D 
expenses and income taxes.

For fiscal 2014, cash inflow from operating activities 
increased, due to the increasing profit as well as an improve-
ment in working capital. There were no significant chang-
es in Canon’s collection rates. Cash outflow for payments for 
parts and materials decreased, as a result of decreased inven-
tory level. Cash outflow for income taxes increased due to an 
increase in taxable income.
  Net cash used in investing activities increased by ¥19,086 
million to ¥269,298 million in fiscal 2014. This reflects 
the acquisition of Milestone Systems, to enhance Canon’s 
network camera business, and several other companies. 
Purchases of fixed assets were focused on items relevant to 
new products.
  Canon defines “free cash flow” as cash flows from 
operating activities less cash flows from investing activi-
ties. For fiscal 2014, free cash flow totaled ¥314,629 mil-
lion as compared with ¥257,430 million for fiscal 2013. 
Canon’s management recognizes that constant and inten-
sive investment in facilities and R&D is required to main-
tain and strengthen the competitiveness of its products. 

 
 
42

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Canon has also commenced a public tender offer for all 
of the issued shares of Axis AB on March 3, 2015, in order 
to further ensure its goal of becoming the world lead-
er in network surveillance camera systems for consider-
ation of a maximum amount of approximately 23.6 billion 
Swedish krona (approximately ¥333.7 billion with transla-
tion at the rate of ¥14.13 = 1 Swedish krona).  Canon’s man-
agement seeks to meet its capital requirements, including 
the acquisition of Axis AB, with generating cash flow prin-
cipally from its operating activities. Therefore, its capital 
resources are primarily sourced from internally generat-
ed funds. Accordingly, Canon includes information with 
regard to free cash flow as management frequently mon-
itors this indicator, and believes that such indicator is 
beneficial to an investor’s understanding. Furthermore, 
Canon’s management believes that this indicator is signif-
icant in understanding Canon’s current liquidity and the 
alternatives of use in financing activities because it takes 
into consideration its operating and investing activities. 
Canon refers to this indicator together with relevant U.S. 
GAAP financial measures shown in its consolidated state-
ments of cash flows and consolidated balance sheets for 
cash availability analysis.
  Net cash used in financing activities totaled ¥300,886 mil-
lion in fiscal 2014, mainly resulting from repurchase of trea-
sury stock of ¥149,813 million, and dividends of ¥145,790 
million. The Company paid dividends in fiscal 2014 of 
¥130.00 per share.
  To the extent Canon relies on external funding for its 
liquidity and capital requirements, it generally has access 
to various funding sources, including the issuance of addi-
tional share capital, long-term debt or short-term loans. 
While Canon has been able to obtain funding from its tradi-
tional financing sources and from the capital markets, and 
believes it will continue to be able to do so in the future, 
there can be no assurance that adverse economic or other

conditions will not affect Canon’s liquidity or long-term 
funding in the future.
  Short-term loans (including the current portion of long-
term debt) amounted to ¥1,018 million at December 31, 2014 
compared with ¥1,299 million at December 31, 2013. Long-
term debt (excluding the current portion) amounted to 
¥1,148 million at December 31, 2014 compared with ¥1,448 
million at December 31, 2013. 
  Canon’s long-term debt mainly consists of lease obligations. 

In order to facilitate access to global capital markets, 
Canon obtains credit ratings from two rating agencies: 
Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard 
and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”). In addition, Canon main-
tains a rating from Rating and Investment Information, Inc. 
(“R&I”), a rating agency in Japan, for access to the Japanese 
capital market.
  As of March 13, 2015, Canon’s debt ratings are: 
Moody’s: Aa1 (long-term); S&P: AA (long-term), A-1+ (short-
term); and R&I: AA+ (long-term). Canon does not have 
any rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the 
maturity of a material amount of its debt. A downgrade in 
Canon’s credit ratings or outlook could, however, increase 
the cost of its borrowings.
  Canon’s management policy in recent periods to opti-
mize inventory levels is intended to maintain an appro-
priate balance among relevant imperatives, including 
minimizing working capital, avoiding undue exposure to 
the risk of inventory obsolescence, and maintaining the 
ability to sustain sales despite the occurrence of unexpect-
ed disasters. 
  Reflecting the foregoing circumstances, Canon’s total 
inventory turnover ratios were 50, 52, and 57 days at the 
end of the fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively 
and the improvements over the last three years are in line 
with Canon’s expectations and its revised inventory man-
agement policy.

Increase in Property,
Plant and Equipment
(Billions of yen)

Working Capital Ratio

Return on Canon Inc.
Stockholders’ Equity
(%)

300

200

100

0

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

12

9

6

3

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

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FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

43

Increase in property, plant and equipment on an accru-
al basis in 2014 amounted to ¥182,343 million compared 
with ¥188,826 million in 2013 and ¥270,457 million in 2012. 
For 2015, Canon projects its increase in property, plant and 
equipment will be approximately ¥205,000 million.

Employer contributions to Canon’s worldwide defined ben-
efit pension plans were ¥22,146 million in 2014, ¥48,515 
million in 2013 and ¥30,421 million in 2012. Employer con-
tributions to Canon’s worldwide defined contribution pen-
sion plans were ¥15,077 million in 2014, ¥14,383 million in 
2013, and ¥13,021 million in 2012. In addition, employer 
contributions to the multiemployer pension plan in which 
certain subsidiaries in Netherlands participated were ¥2,815 
million in 2014.

Working capital in 2014 increased by ¥32,919 million to 
¥1,470,554 million, compared with ¥1,437,635 million in 
2013 and ¥1,237,821 million in 2012. Canon believes its work-
ing capital will be sufficient for its requirements for the fore-
seeable future. Canon’s capital requirements are primarily 
dependent on management’s business plans regarding the 
levels and timing of purchases of fixed assets and invest-
ments. The working capital ratio (ratio of current assets to 
current liabilities) for 2014 was 2.60 compared to 2.69 for 
2013 and to 2.47 for 2012.

Return on assets (net income attributable to Canon Inc. 
divided by the average of total assets) was 5.9% in 2014, 
compared to 5.6% in 2013 and 5.7% in 2012.

Return on Canon Inc. stockholders’ equity (net income 
attributable to Canon Inc. divided by the average of total 
Canon Inc. stockholders’ equity) was 8.7% in 2014 compared 
with 8.4% in 2013 and 8.7% in 2012.

The debt to total assets ratio was 0.0%, 0.1% and 0.1% as of 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Canon had 
short-term loans and long-term debt of ¥2,166 million as of 
December 31, 2014, ¥2,747 million as of December 31, 2013 
and ¥3,983 million as of December 31, 2012.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 
As part of its ongoing business, Canon does not participate 
in transactions that generate relationships with unconsol-
idated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities 
often referred to as structured finance or special purpose 
entities established for the purpose of facilitating off-
balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow 
or limited purposes. 
  Canon provides guarantees for bank loans of its employ-
ees, affiliates and other companies. Canon will have to 
perform under a guarantee if the borrower defaults on a pay-
ment within the contract periods of 1 year to 30 years in the 
case of employees with housing loans, and 1 year to 5 years 
in the case of affiliates and other companies. The maximum 
amount of undiscounted payments Canon would have had to 
make in the event of default by all borrowers was ¥8,951 mil-
lion at December 31, 2014. The carrying amounts of the liabil-
ities recognized for Canon’s obligations as a guarantor under 
those guarantees at December 31, 2014 were insignificant. 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The following summarizes Canon’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2014.

Millions of yen
Contractual obligations:
  Long-term debt:

  Capital lease obligations
  Other long-term debt
  Operating lease obligations
  Purchase commitments for: 
      Property, plant and equipment
      Parts and raw materials
  Other long-term liabilities:

  Contribution to defined benefit pension plans
  Total

Total

Less than 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than 5 years

Payments due by period

¥

2,018 
145 
85,719 

52,668 
76,984 

26,257 
¥ 243,791 

¥

956 
59 
26,450 

¥

808 
60 
34,508 

¥

251 
24 
14,528 

¥

3 
2 
10,233 

52,668 
76,984 

—  
—  

—  
—  

—  
—  

26,257 
¥183,374 

—  
¥35,376 

—  
¥14,803 

—  
¥10,238 

Note: The table does not include provisions for uncertain tax positions and related accrued interest and penalties, as the specific timing of future payments 

related to these obligations cannot be projected with reasonable certainty. See Note 12, Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
for further details. Contribution to defined benefit pension plans reflects the expected amount only for the next fiscal year, since contributions 
beyond the next fiscal year are not currently determinable due to uncertainties related to changes in actuarial assumptions, returns on plan assets and 
changes to plan membership. 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
44

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

  Canon provides warranties of generally less than one year 
against defects in materials and workmanship on most of 
its consumer products. Estimated product warranty related 
costs are established at the time revenue are recognized and 
are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 
Estimates for accrued product warranty costs are primarily 
based on historical experience, and are affected by ongo-
ing product failure rates, specific product class failures out-
side of the baseline experience, material usage and service 
delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. As of 
December 31, 2014, accrued product warranty costs amount-
ed to ¥11,564 million.
  At December 31, 2014, commitments outstanding for 
the purchase of property, plant and equipment were 
approximately ¥52,668 million, and commitments out-
standing for the purchase of parts and raw materials were 
approximately ¥76,984 million, both for use in the ordi-
nary course of its business. Canon anticipates that funds 
needed to fulfill these commitments will be generated 
internally through operations.
  During 2015, Canon expects to contribute ¥14,674 million 
to its Japanese defined benefit pension plans and ¥11,583 mil-
lion to its foreign defined benefit pension plans.
  Canon’s management believes that current financial 
resources, cash generated from operations and Canon’s 
potential capacity for additional debt and/or equity 
financing will be sufficient to fund current and future 
capital requirements.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND 
LICENSES
Year 2014 marks the fourth year of the Excellent Global 
Corporation Plan, Canon’s 5-year (2011-2015) management 
plan. The slogan of the fourth phase (“Phase IV”) is “Aiming 
for the Summit—Speed & Sound Growth” and there are three 
core strategies related to R&D:
  (cid:129) Achieve the overwhelming No.1 position in all core busi-
nesses and expand related and peripheral businesses;
  (cid:129) Develop new business through globalized diversification 

and establish the Three Regional Headquarters manage-
ment system; and

  (cid:129) Build the foundations of an environmentally advanced 

corporation.
  Canon has been striving to implement the three R&D 
related strategies as follows:

  (cid:129) Achieve the overwhelming No.1 position in all core busi-
nesses and expand related and peripheral businesses: 
Continue to introduce competitive products through 
innovation and aim at gaining profit through solutions 
and services.

  (cid:129) Develop new business through globalized diversifica-
tion and establish the Three Regional Headquarters 
management system: Reinforce the businesses of medi-
cal imaging sector, industrial equipment sector and 
network camera sector to develop into Canon’s new 
pillars. Seek talents in Japan, US, and Europe to foster 

promising technologies and enhance R&D capabilities 
in global-scale dimensions by enabling product develop-
ment in specialized area of each region, with actively 
utilizing M&A.

  (cid:129) Build the foundations of an environmentally advanced 

corporation: Focus on energy-conserving, resource-saving, 
and recycling technologies to create products with the 
highest environmental performance.

  Canon is pursuing collaboration among government, 
industry and academia. Canon’s collaboration effort can 
be seen in various activities such as fundamental research 
and development of leading-edge technologies with top uni-
versities and research institutes around the world, includ-
ing Tokyo University, Kyoto University, Tokyo Institute of 
Technology, Tohoku University, Stanford University, and 
the University of Arizona, and also participation in the 
“ImPACT” (Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive 
Technologies) program led by the Japanese government 
where Canon’s physically-noninvasive and -nondestructive 
imaging technology is selected as one of twelve R&D pro-
grams. Additionally, Canon is currently working on collabor-
ative research with Massachusetts General Hospital (“MGH”) 
and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (“BWH”) to develop bio-
medical optical imaging and medical robotics technologies 
at the Healthcare Optics Research Laboratory in Cambridge, 
Massachusetts, founded in 2013.
  Canon has fully introduced 3D-CAD systems across the 
Canon Group, boosting R&D efficiency to curtail product 
development times and costs. Moreover, Canon enhanced and 
evolved its simulation, measurement, and analysis technol-
ogies by establishing leading-edge facilities, including one 
of Japan’s highest-performance cluster computers. As such, 
Canon has succeeded in further reducing the need for pro-
totypes, dramatically lowering costs and shortening product 
development lead times.

R&D Expenses
(Billions of yen)

400

300

200

100

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

45

  Canon’s consolidated R&D expenses were ¥308,979 mil-
lion in 2014, ¥306,324 million in 2013 and ¥296,464 mil-
lion in 2012. The ratios of R&D expenses to the consolidated 
total net sales for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 8.3%, 8.2% and 
8.5%, respectively. 
  Canon believes that new products protected by patents 
will not easily allow competitors to compete with them, and 
will give them an advantage in establishing standards in the 
market and industry. 
  Canon obtained the third greatest number of private sec-
tor patents in 2014, according to the United States patent 
annual list, released by IFI CLAIMS® Patent Services.

MARKET RISK EXPOSURES
Canon is exposed to market risks, including changes in for-
eign currency exchange rates, interest rates and prices of 
marketable securities and investments. In order to hedge 
the risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, 
Canon uses derivative financial instruments. 

Equity price risk
Canon holds marketable securities included in current 
assets, which consist generally of highly-liquid and low-risk 
instruments. Investments included in noncurrent assets are 
held as long-term investments. Canon does not hold mar-
ketable securities and investments for trading purposes.

  Maturities and fair values of such marketable securities and investments with original maturities of more than three 
months, all of which were classified as available-for-sale securities, were as follows at December 31, 2014.

Available-for-sale securities
Debt securities
  Due after five years
Fund trusts
Equity securities

Millions of yen

Cost

Fair value

¥

843
84
20,905
¥21,832

¥

961
84
40,653
¥41,698

Foreign currency exchange rate and 
interest rate risk
Canon operates internationally, exposing it to the risk of 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Derivative finan-
cial instruments are comprised principally of foreign curren-
cy exchange contracts utilized by the Company and certain of 
its subsidiaries to reduce the risk. Canon assesses foreign cur-
rency exchange rate risk by continually monitoring chang-
es in the exposures and by evaluating hedging opportunities. 
Canon does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments 
for trading purposes. Canon is also exposed to credit-related 
losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to 
derivative financial instruments, but it is not expected that 
any counterparties will fail to meet their obligations. Most of 
the counterparties are internationally recognized financial 

institutions and selected by Canon taking into account their 
financial condition, and contracts are diversified across a 
number of major financial institutions.
  Canon’s international operations expose Canon to the risk 
of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Canon uses 
foreign exchange contracts to manage certain foreign cur-
rency exchange exposures principally from the exchange 
of U.S. dollars and euros into Japanese yen. These contracts 
are primarily used to hedge the foreign currency exposure 
of forecasted intercompany sales and intercompany trade 
receivables which are denominated in foreign currencies. In 
accordance with Canon’s policy, a specific portion of foreign 
currency exposure resulting from forecasted intercompa-
ny sales are hedged using foreign exchange contracts which 
principally mature within three months.

  The following table provides information about Canon’s major derivative financial instruments related to foreign cur-
rency exchange transactions existing at December 31, 2014. All of the foreign exchange contracts described in the following 
table have a contractual maturity date in 2015.

Millions of yen
Forwards to sell foreign currencies:
  Contract amounts
  Estimated fair value
Forwards to buy foreign currencies:
  Contract amounts
  Estimated fair value

U.S.$

Euro

Others

Total

¥193,195 
(8,300)

¥141,815 
(2,457)

¥23,852 
(423)

¥358,862 
(11,180)

¥ 12,018 
316 

¥ 9,347 
(38)

¥

—  
—  

¥ 21,365 
278 

  
46

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

  All of Canon’s long-term debt is fixed rate debt. Canon 
expects that fair value changes and cash flows resulting 
from reasonable near-term changes in interest rates will be 
immaterial. Accordingly, Canon believes interest rate risk is 
insignificant. See also Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.
  Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instru-
ments designated as cash flow hedges, including foreign 
currency exchange contracts associated with forecasted 
intercompany sales, are reported in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss). These amounts are subse-
quently reclassified into earnings through other income 
(deductions) in the same period as the hedged items affect 
earnings. Substantially all such amounts recorded in accu-
mulated other comprehensive income (loss) at year-end are 
expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve 
months. Canon excludes the time value component from 
the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Changes in the fair 
value of a foreign currency exchange contract for the peri-
od between the date that the forecasted intercompany sales 
occur and its maturity date are recognized in earnings and 
not considered hedge ineffectiveness.
  The amount of the hedging ineffectiveness was not materi-
al for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The 
amounts of net losses excluded from the assessment of hedge 
effectiveness (time value component) which was recorded 
in other income (deductions) was ¥145 million, ¥111 mil-
lion and ¥221 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 
2013 and 2012, respectively.
  Canon has entered into certain foreign currency exchange 
contracts to manage its foreign currency exposures. These 
foreign currency exchange contracts have not been designat-
ed as hedges. Accordingly, the changes in fair values of these 
contracts are recorded in earnings immediately.

LOOKING FORWARD
As for the future of the global economy, although challeng-
ing conditions are expected to remain for some time in cer-
tain countries and regions, Canon anticipates sustained 
economic growth in countries such as the U.S. among devel-
oped countries, and India and ASEAN countries among 
emerging markets. Overall, the global economy is expected 
to gradually move toward stable growth.

In the businesses in which Canon operates, demand for 
MFDs is projected to continue to expand moderately, mainly 
for color models, while demand in the laser printer market 
is expected to remain at the same level as the previous year. 
As for the digital camera market, although projections indi-
cate continued market contraction mainly for low-priced 
compact models, demand for interchangeable-lens digital 
cameras is expected to recover gradually. Looking at inkjet 
printers, with Asian markets gradually recovering follow-
ing their extended period of stagnation, demand is expected 
to remain in line with the previous year. As for the industri-
al equipment market, with manufacturers expected to con-
tinue making capital outlays for semiconductor lithography 
equipment in response to increasing demand for memory 
devices and image sensors, demand is expected to remain at 
the same level as the previous year. And as for FPD lithogra-
phy equipment, demand is projected to increase as device 
manufacturers boost capital investment amid growing pan-
el demand projected for 4K televisions and mobile devices.
  Amid these conditions, 2015 is the final year of Phase 
IV of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan and the year 
in which the Canon EXPO will be held as the culmination 
of the efforts carried out during Phase IV. In addition to 
returning to a path of growth, Canon aims to bring Phase IV 
to a successful close, further reinforcing its business foun-
dation to enable great strides beginning from next year. 
Toward this objective, Canon will undertake the following 
various measures.

  (cid:129) Reinforcing Existing Businesses Through the 

Introduction of Innovative Products and Services
  For MFDs and other office products, in addition to 

improving hardware performance, efforts will be made 
to build a framework that will enable the Company to 
service as a one-stop shop that provides a broad range of 
high-quality services. For cameras, efforts will be made 
to comprehensively raise aspects such as image-quality, 
visual expression, and operability. At the same time, 
Canon will work to further strengthen the network 
capabilities of these products. Additionally, to facilitate 
the Company’s aim of becoming the all around leader in 
printing, it will leverage its strength, derived from having 
prepared a broad lineup, spanning consumer printers 
to industrial printing. In the Industrial equipment area, 
Canon will devise and execute concrete plans to concen-
trate technologies and strengthen the competitiveness of 
Canon Group companies.

 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

47

In addition to these measures, Canon will promote other 
initiatives such as product quality reforms to win top custom-
er approval, information security improvement, and human 
resource development.

Forward looking statements 
The foregoing discussion and other disclosure in this report 
contains forward-looking statements that reflect manage-
ment’s current views with respect to certain future events 
and financial performance. Actual results may differ materi-
ally from those projected or implied in the forward-looking 
statements. Further, certain forward-looking statements are 
based upon assumptions of future events that may not prove 
to be accurate. The following important factors could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those projected or 
implied in any forward-looking statements: foreign currency 
exchange rate fluctuations; the uncertainty of Canon’s abil-
ity to implement its plans to localize production and other 
measures to reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange 
rate fluctuations; uncertainty as to economic conditions in 
Canon’s major markets; uncertainty of continued demand for 
Canon’s high-value-added products; Canon’s ability to con-
tinue to develop products and to market products that incor-
porate new technology on a timely basis, are competitively 
priced, and achieve market acceptance; the possibility of 
losses resulting from foreign currency transactions designed 
to reduce financial risks from changes in foreign currency 
exchange rates; and inventory risk due to shifts in market 
demand.

  (cid:129) Expanding New and Future Businesses and Further 
Cultivating Technologies that will Pave the Way to 
the Future

  Canon aims to produce next-generation lithography 
equipment in volume by strengthening nanoimprint 
technology that realizes further reduction in process 
geometries. In the area of network camera systems, 
Canon will work to enhance its product lineup and 
develop solutions that address customer needs. With 
regard to the MR (Mixed Reality) System, Canon will 
identify industries that can leverage the strength of 
this system, and will strive to make the system the de 
facto standard design tool in those industries. In the 
medical field, the Company will accelerating develop, 
focusing on promising themes such as photoacoustic 
tomography, which facilitates the viewing of vascular 
conditions in 3D. The Company will work to expand 
and steadily cultivate new businesses mainly targeting 
the B2B field, such as Super Machine Vision, a system 
capable of high-accuracy three-dimensional recognition 
of objects for potential use in production sites, and 4K 
reference displays.

  (cid:129) Strengthening Global Marketing Capabilities Through 

Unified Effort Between Product Operations and Sales 
Companies

  In developed countries, Canon aims to gain share in 

both consumer and office segments. In the consumer 
segment, Canon will address the popularity of online 
shopping and other trends that are contributing to the 
diversification of sales channels. In the office segment, 
Canon will strengthen its response towards centralized 
procurement of office equipment by global corporations. 
In emerging markets, Canon will promote enhancement 
of its various sales networks and product lineup, in line 
with situations in each country and region.

  (cid:129) Accelerating a New Dimension of Cost-reduction 

Activities

  In the area of procurement, Canon aims to reduce total 
costs, further deploying measures focused on reducing 
costs from the stage of product development. In the 
prototyping process, Canon will create next-generation 
development methodologies, through such means as 
expanding the application of simulation technologies as 
well as employing 3D printing. In production, Canon will 
realize further cost reduction by expanding the applica-
tion of automation equipment and through measures 
aimed at the in-house production of molded parts and 
production equipment.

  (cid:129) Building a Globally Optimized Production System

  To maintain an optimized production system, Canon 

will take steps to revive domestic production, promoting 
measures such as automation and in-house production, 
while building new structural dimensions of cost reduc-
tion. At the same time, Canon will promote localized 
production through the use of automation equipment 
in the U.S. and Europe.

 
 
 
 
 
48

TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Net sales:
  Domestic
  Overseas
  Total

  Percentage of previous year

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
  Percentage of sales

Advertising
Research and development expenses
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Increase in property, plant and equipment

Long-term debt, excluding current installments
Canon Inc. stockholders’ equity
Total assets
Per share data:
  Net income attributable to Canon Inc. 

 stockholders per share:
  Basic
  Diluted

  Dividend per share
  Stock price:

  High
  Low

Millions of yen (except per share amounts)

2014

2013

2012

2011

¥  724,317 
  3,002,935 
  3,727,252 
99.9%

¥  715,863
  3,015,517
  3,731,380
107.2%

  ¥  720,286 
  2,759,502 
  3,479,788 
97.8%

  ¥  694,450 
  2,862,983 
  3,557,433 
96.0%

254,797 
6.8%

79,765 
308,979 
213,739 
182,343 

  230,483
6.2%

  224,564 
6.5%

  248,630 
7.0%

86,398
  306,324
223,158
188,826

83,134 
  296,464 
211,973 
  270,457 

81,232 
307,800 
210,179 
  226,869 

¥ 
1,148 
  2,978,184 
  4,460,618 

¥ 
1,448
  2,910,262
  4,242,710

  ¥ 

2,117 
  2,598,026 
  3,955,503 

  ¥ 

3,368 
  2,551,132 
  3,930,727 

¥ 

229.03 
229.03 
150.00 

  ¥ 

¥  200.78 
200.78 
130.00 

4,045 
2,889 

4,115 
2,913 

191.34 
191.34 
130.00 

4,015 
2,308 

  ¥ 

204.49 
204.48 
120.00 

4,280 
3,220 

Average number of common shares in thousands
Number of employees

  1,112,510 
191,889 

  1,147,934
194,151

  1,173,648 
196,968 

  1,215,832 
198,307 

Common Stock Price Range (Tokyo Stock Exchange)
(Yen)

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

49

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

  ¥  695,749 
  3,011,152 
  3,706,901 
115.5%

  ¥  702,344
  2,506,857
  3,209,201
78.4%

  ¥  868,280
  3,225,881
  4,094,161
91.4%

  ¥  947,587
  3,533,759
  4,481,346
107.8%

  ¥  932,290
  3,224,469
  4,156,759
110.7%

  ¥  856,205
  2,897,986
  3,754,191
108.3%

  246,603 
6.7%

94,794 
315,817 
  232,327 
158,976 

131,647
4.1%

309,148
7.6%

  488,332
10.9%

  455,325
11.0%

  384,096
10.2%

78,009
  304,600
277,399
216,128

112,810
374,025
  304,622
361,988

132,429
368,261
309,815
  428,549

116,809
  308,307
  235,804
  379,657

106,250
286,476
  205,727
  383,784

  ¥ 

4,131 
  2,645,782 
  3,983,820 

  ¥ 

4,912
  2,688,109
  3,847,557

  ¥ 

8,423
  2,659,792
  3,969,934

  ¥ 

8,680
  2,922,336
  4,512,625

  ¥ 

15,789
  2,986,606
  4,521,915

  ¥ 

27,082
  2,604,682
  4,043,553

  ¥ 

199.71 
199.70 
120.00 

4,520 
3,205 

  ¥ 

106.64
106.64
110.00

4,070
2,115

  ¥ 

246.21
246.20
110.00

5,820
2,215

  ¥ 

377.59
377.53
110.00

7,450
5,190

  ¥ 

341.95
341.84
83.33

6,780
4,567

  ¥ 

288.63
288.36
66.67

4,780
3,460

Thousands of U.S. dollars 
(except per share amounts)
2014

$  5,986,091 
  24,817,645 
  30,803,736 
99.9%

  2,105,760 
6.8%

659,215 
  2,553,545 
  1,766,438 
  1,506,967 

$ 
9,488 
  24,613,091 
  36,864,612 

$ 

1.89 
1.89 
1.24 

33.43 
23.88 

  1,234,817 
197,386 

  1,234,482
168,879

  1,255,626
166,980

  1,293,296
131,352

  1,331,542
118,499

  1,330,761
115,583

Notes: 1. U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of U.S.$1 = JPY121, the approximate exchange rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market as of 

December 30, 2014.

2. The Company made a three-for-two stock split on July 1, 2006. The average number of common shares and the per share data for the periods prior to 

the stock split have been adjusted to reflect the stock split.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
December 31, 2014 and 2013

ASSETS

Current assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)

  Short-term investments (Note 2)

  Trade receivables, net (Note 3)

Inventories (Note 4)

  Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Notes 6, 12 and 17)

  Total current assets

Noncurrent receivables (Note 18)

Investments (Note 2)

Property, plant and equipment, net (Notes 5 and 6)

Intangible assets, net (Notes 7 and 8)

Other assets (Notes 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12)

  Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Millions of yen

2014

2013

¥  844,580

71,863

  625,675

528,167

  321,648

  2,391,933

29,785

65,176

  1,269,529

177,288

  526,907

¥ 4,460,618

  ¥  788,909

47,914

608,741

553,773

286,605

  2,285,942

19,276

70,358

  1,278,730

145,075

443,329

  ¥ 4,242,710

  Short-term loans and current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)

¥ 

1,018

  ¥ 

1,299

  Trade payables (Note 10)

  Accrued income taxes (Note 12)

  Accrued expenses (Notes 11 and 18)

  Other current liabilities (Notes 5, 12 and 17)

  Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, excluding current installments (Note 9)

Accrued pension and severance cost (Note 11)

Other noncurrent liabilities (Notes 7 and 12)

  Total liabilities

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 18)

Equity:

Canon Inc. stockholders’ equity:

  Common stock

  Authorized 3,000,000,000 shares; issued 1,333,763,464 shares in 2014 and 2013

  Additional paid-in capital

  Legal reserve (Note 13)

  Retained earnings (Note 13)

  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 14)

  Treasury stock, at cost; 241,931,637 shares in 2014 and 196,764,060 shares in 2013

  Total Canon Inc. stockholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

  Total equity

  Total liabilities and equity

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

310,214

57,212

  345,237

  207,698

  921,379

1,148

  280,928

116,405

  1,319,860

307,157

53,196

315,536

171,119

848,307

1,448

229,664

96,514

  1,175,933

174,762

  401,563

64,599

  3,320,392

28,286

  (1,011,418)

  2,978,184

162,574

  3,140,758

¥ 4,460,618

174,762

402,029

63,091

  3,212,692

(80,646)

(861,666)

  2,910,262

156,515

  3,066,777

  ¥ 4,242,710

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

51

Millions of yen

Net sales
Cost of sales (Notes 5, 8, 11 and 18)

  Gross profit

Operating expenses (Notes 1, 5, 8, 11, 15 and 18):
  Selling, general and administrative expenses
  Research and development expenses

  Operating profit

Other income (deductions):

Interest and dividend income
Interest expense

  Other, net (Notes 1, 2, 17 and 20)

Income before income taxes

Income taxes (Note 12)

  Consolidated net income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

Net income attributable to Canon Inc. stockholders per share (Note 16):
  Basic
  Diluted
Cash dividends per share

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2014

2013
  ¥ 3,727,252   ¥ 3,731,380   ¥ 3,479,788
  1,829,822
  1,649,966

  1,865,780  
  1,861,472  

  1,932,959  
  1,798,421  

2012

  1,189,004  
308,979  
  1,497,983  
363,489  

  1,154,820  
306,324  
  1,461,144  
337,277  

  1,029,646
296,464
  1,326,110
323,856

7,906  
(500)  
12,344  
19,750  
383,239  

118,000  
265,239  

6,579  
(550)  
4,298  
10,327  
347,604  

6,792
(1,022)
12,931
18,701
342,557

108,088  
239,516  

110,112
232,445

10,442  

7,881
  ¥  254,797   ¥  230,483   ¥  224,564

9,033  

Yen

  ¥  229.03   ¥  200.78   ¥ 

229.03  
150.00  

200.78  
130.00  

191.34
191.34
130.00

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

Consolidated net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 14):
  Foreign currency translation adjustments
  Net unrealized gains and losses on securities
  Net gains and losses on derivative instruments
  Pension liability adjustments

  Comprehensive income 

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  Comprehensive income attributable to Canon Inc.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Millions of yen

2014
¥ 265,239  

2013

2012

¥ 239,516  

¥ 232,445

  143,834  
2,524  
(195)  
  (37,985)  
  108,178  
  373,417  
9,666  
¥ 363,751  

  251,576  
6,612  
2,056  
  32,669  
  292,913  
  532,429  
  14,688  
¥ 517,741  

  133,735
3,265
(4,880)
  (12,787)
  119,333
  351,778
  10,824
¥ 340,954

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

Millions of yen

Balance at December 31, 2011
Equity transactions with noncontrolling 
 interests and other
Dividends paid to Canon Inc. stockholders
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
Transfer to legal reserve
Comprehensive income:
  Net income
  Other comprehensive income (loss), 

 net of tax (Note 14):
  Foreign currency translation 

 adjustments

  Net unrealized gains and losses 

 on securities

  Net gains and losses 

 on derivative instruments
  Pension liability adjustments

Total comprehensive income 
Repurchase of treasury stock, net
Balance at December 31, 2012
Equity transactions with noncontrolling
 interests and other
Dividends to Canon Inc. stockholders
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
Transfer to legal reserve
Comprehensive income:
  Net income
  Other comprehensive income, 

 net of tax (Note 14):
  Foreign currency translation 

 adjustments

  Net unrealized gains and losses 

 on securities

  Net gains and losses 

 on derivative instruments
  Pension liability adjustments

Total comprehensive income
Repurchase of treasury stock, net
Balance at December 31, 2013
Equity transactions with noncontrolling 
 interests and other
Dividends to Canon Inc. stockholders
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
Transfer to legal reserve
Comprehensive income:
  Net income
  Other comprehensive income (loss), 

 net of tax (Note 14):
  Foreign currency translation 

 adjustments

  Net unrealized gains and losses 

 on securities

  Net gains and losses 

 on derivative instruments
  Pension liability adjustments

Total comprehensive income
Repurchase of treasury stock, net
Balance at December 31, 2014

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
Legal
income (loss)
reserve
  ¥ 174,762   ¥ 401,572   ¥ 59,004  ¥ 3,059,298   ¥ (481,773)

Additional
paid-in
capital

Common
stock

Retained
earnings

Treasury
stock
 ¥  (661,731)

Total
Canon Inc.
stockholders’
equity

Noncontrolling
interests
  ¥ 2,551,132   ¥ 162,535  ¥ 2,713,667

Total
equity

(16)

152    

(1,866)

(1,730)  

(13,591)

(142,362)

  2,659   

(2,659)

(142,362)

—

(3,492)

(15,321)
(142,362)
(3,492)
—

   224,564

    224,564  

7,881   

232,445

    132,704

    132,704  

1,031   

133,735

3,148

(4,882)
(14,580)

  174,762  

  401,547  

  61,663    3,138,976     (367,249)

(9)

(17)

3,148  

117   

3,265

(4,882)  
(14,580)  
    340,954  
(149,968)
    2,598,026  

2   
1,793   
  10,824   

(4,880)
(12,787)
351,778
(149,968)
  156,276    2,754,302

(149,942)
(811,673)

489

295    

(655)

129  

(11,182)

(155,627)

  1,428   

(1,428)

(155,627)

—

(3,267)

(11,053)
(155,627)
(3,267)
—

   230,483

    230,483  

9,033   

239,516

    249,791

    249,791  

1,785   

251,576

6,097

2,056
29,314

  174,762  

  402,029  

  63,091    3,212,692    

(80,646)

(7)

(7)

6,097  

515   

6,612

2,056  
29,314  
517,741  
(50,007)

    2,910,262  

—   
3,355   
  14,688   

2,056
32,669
532,429
(50,007)
  156,515    3,066,777

(49,993)
(861,666)

(420)

216    

(22)

(226)  

(658)

(145,790)

  1,508   

(1,508)

(145,790)

—

(2,949)

(884)
(145,790)
(2,949)
—

254,797

254,797  

  10,442   

265,239

    142,813

142,813  

1,021   

143,834

2,301

2,301  

223   

2,524

(195)
(37,985)
373,417
(149,813)
  ¥ 174,762   ¥ 401,563   ¥ 64,599  ¥ 3,320,392   ¥  28,286  ¥ (1,011,418)   ¥ 2,978,184   ¥ 162,574  ¥ 3,140,758

(195)  
(35,965)  
363,751  
(149,813)

(2,020)
9,666   

(195)
(35,965)

(149,752)

—   

(15) 

(46)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
 
   
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

53

Cash flows from operating activities:
Consolidated net income
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by
 operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization
  Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Impairment loss of investments

  Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliated companies
  Deferred income taxes
  Decrease in trade receivables

(Increase) decrease in inventories

  Decrease in trade payables

Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses
Increase (decrease) in accrued (prepaid) pension and severance cost

  Other, net

  Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of fixed assets (Note 5)
  Proceeds from sale of fixed assets (Note 5)
  Purchases of available-for-sale securities
  Proceeds from sale and maturity of available-for-sale securities

(Increase) decrease in time deposits, net

  Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (Note 7)
  Purchases of other investments
  Other, net

  Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
  Repayments of long-term debt
  Decrease in short-term loans, net
  Dividends paid
  Repurchases of treasury stock, net
  Other, net

  Net cash used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Supplemental disclosure for cash flow information:
  Cash paid during the year for:

Interest
Income taxes

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Millions of yen

2014

2013

2012

¥ 265,239  

¥  239,516  

¥ 232,445

  263,480  
  12,429  
12  
(478)  
8,929  
9,323  
  59,004  
(24,620)  
3,586  
  11,124  
(6,305)  
(17,796)  
  583,927  

  (218,362)  
3,994  
(311)  
2,606  
(14,223)  
(54,772)  
—  
  11,770  
 (269,298)  

1,377  
(2,152)  
(54)  
  (145,790)  
  (149,813)  
(4,454)  
 (300,886)  
  41,928  
  55,671  
  788,909  
¥ 844,580  

  275,173  
  10,638  
39  
664  
  16,791  
  45,040  
  85,577  
 (108,622)  
(9,432)  
  (15,635)  
  (15,568)  
  (16,539)  
  507,642  

 (233,175)  
1,763  
(5,771)  
4,528  
  (12,483)  
(4,914)  
(296)  
136  
 (250,212)  

1,483  
(2,334)  
(547)  
 (155,627)  
  (50,007)  
  (15,149)  
 (222,181)  
  86,982  
 122,231  
 666,678  
¥ 788,909  

  258,133
  11,242
1,527
(610)
7,487
5,030
(24,805)
  (102,293)
  12,427
(30,089)
5,515
8,068
  384,077

  (316,211)
4,861
(417)
344
  103,137
(704)
(796)
(2,954)
  (212,740)

614
(3,732)
(5,055)
  (142,362)
  (149,968)
(19,236)
  (319,739)
  41,853
  (106,549)
  773,227
¥ 666,678

462   
¥ 
  111,819  

¥ 

500   
 108,950  

¥  1,084
  98,096

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Description of Business
Canon Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries (collective-
ly “Canon”) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in 
such fields as office products, imaging system products and 
industry and other products. Office products consist mainly 
of office multifunction devices (“MFDs”), laser multifunction 
printers (“MFPs”), laser printers, digital production printing 
systems, high speed continuous feed printers, wide-format 
printers and document solutions. Imaging system products 
consist mainly of interchangeable lens digital cameras, digi-
tal compact cameras, digital camcorders, digital cinema cam-
eras, interchangeable lenses, inkjet printers, large-format 
inkjet printers, commercial photo printers, image scanners, 
multimedia projectors, broadcast equipment and calculators. 
Industry and other products consist mainly of semiconductor 
lithography equipment, FPD (Flat panel display) lithography 
equipment, digital radiography systems, ophthalmic equip-
ment, vacuum thin-film deposition equipment, organic LED 
(“OLED”) panel manufacturing equipment, die bonders, micro-
motors, network cameras, handy terminals and document 
scanners. Canon’s consolidated net sales for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were distributed as follows: 
the Office Business Unit 55.8%, 53.6% and 50.5%, the Imaging 
System Business Unit 36.0%, 38.8% and 40.4%, the Industry 
and Others Business Unit 10.7%, 10.0% and 11.7%, and elimi-
nation between segments 2.5%, 2.4% and 2.6%, respectively. 
These percentages were computed by dividing segment net 
sales, including intersegment sales, by consolidated net sales, 
based on the segment operating results described in Note 21.
  Sales are made principally under the Canon brand name, 
almost entirely through sales subsidiaries. These subsidiar-
ies are responsible for marketing and distribution, and pri-
marily sell to retail dealers in their geographic area. 80.6%, 
80.8% and 79.3% of consolidated net sales for the years end-
ed December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were generated outside 
Japan, with 27.8%, 28.4% and 27.0% in the Americas, 29.3%, 
30.1% and 29.1% in Europe, and 23.5%, 22.3% and 23.2% in 
Asia and Oceania, respectively.
  Canon sells laser printers on an OEM basis to Hewlett-
Packard Company; such sales constituted 17.4%, 17.6% and 
17.0% of consolidated net sales for the years ended December 
31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in the 
Office Business Unit.
  Canon’s manufacturing operations are conducted pri-
marily at 28 plants in Japan and 18 overseas plants which 
are located in countries or regions such as the United States, 
Germany, France, the Netherlands, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, 
Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines.

(b) Basis of Presentation
The Company and its domestic subsidiaries maintain their 
books of account in conformity with financial account-
ing standards of Japan. Foreign subsidiaries maintain their 
books of account in conformity with financial accounting 

standards of the countries of their domicile.
  Certain adjustments and reclassifications have been incor-
porated in the accompanying consolidated financial state-
ments to conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles (“GAAP”). These adjustments were not recorded in 
the statutory books of account.

(c) Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 
the Company, its majority owned subsidiaries and those vari-
able interest entities where the Company or its consolidated 
subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries. All significant inter-
company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

(d) Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in 
conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets 
and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial state-
ments and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses 
during the period. Significant estimates and assumptions are 
reflected in valuation and disclosure of revenue recognition, 
allowance for doubtful receivables, valuation of inventories, 
impairment of long-lived assets, environmental liabilities, 
valuation of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions 
and employee retirement and severance benefit obligations. 
Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

(e) Translation of Foreign Currencies
Assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries located 
outside Japan with functional currencies other than Japanese 
yen are translated into Japanese yen at the rates of exchange 
in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items 
are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during 
the year. Gains and losses resulting from translation of finan-
cial statements are excluded from earnings and are reported 
in other comprehensive income (loss).
  Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transac-
tions, including foreign exchange contracts, and translation 
of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 
are included in other income (deductions) in the consolidat-
ed statements of income. Foreign currency exchange gains 
and losses were a net gain of ¥2,628 million for the year end-
ed December 31, 2014, a net loss of ¥1,992 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2013 and a net gain of ¥9,130 million for 
the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.

(f) Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments acquired with original maturi-
ties of three months or less are considered to be cash equiva-
lents. Certain debt securities with original maturities of less 
than three months, classified as available-for-sale securities of 
¥139,240 million and ¥183,078 million at December 31, 2014 

 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

55

and 2013, respectively, are included in cash and cash equiva-
lents in the consolidated balance sheets.

(g) Investments
Investments consist primarily of time deposits with original 
maturities of more than three months, debt and marketable 
equity securities, investments in affiliated companies and non-
marketable equity securities. Canon reports investments with 
maturities of less than one year as short-term investments.
  Canon classifies investments in debt and marketable equi-
ty securities as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities. 
Canon does not hold any trading securities, which are bought 
and held primarily for the purpose of sale in the near term.
  Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Fair 
value is determined based on quoted market prices, projected 
discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appro-
priate. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related 
tax effect, are reported as a separate component of accumulat-
ed other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Held-to-
maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted 
for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
  Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are regu-
larly reviewed for other-than-temporary declines in the car-
rying amount based on criteria that include the length of 
time and the extent to which the market value has been less 
than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of 
the issuer and Canon’s intent and ability to retain the invest-
ment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipat-
ed recovery in market value. For debt securities for which the 
declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary and there is 
no intent to sell, impairments are separated into the amount 
related to credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and 
the amount related to all other factors, which is recognized 
in other comprehensive income (loss). For debt securities for 
which the declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary 
and there is an intent to sell, impairments in their entirety 
are recognized in earnings. For equity securities for which the 
declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary, impairments 
in their entirety are recognized in earnings. Canon recogniz-
es an impairment loss to the extent by which the cost basis of 
the investment exceeds the fair value of the investment.
  Realized gains and losses are determined by the average 
cost method and reflected in earnings.

Investments in affiliated companies over which Canon has 
the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not hold 
a controlling financial interest, are accounted for by the equi-
ty method.
  Non-marketable equity securities in companies over 
which Canon does not have the ability to exercise signifi-
cant influence are stated at cost and reviewed periodically 
for impairment. 

(h) Allowance for Doubtful Receivables
Allowance for doubtful trade and finance receivables is main-
tained for all customers based on a combination of factors, 
including aging analysis, macroeconomic conditions and 

historical experience. An additional reserve for individual 
accounts is recorded when Canon becomes aware of a custom-
er’s inability to meet its financial obligations, such as in the 
case of bankruptcy filings. If circumstances related to custom-
ers change, estimates of the recoverability of receivables would 
be further adjusted. When all collection options are exhausted 
including legal recourse, the accounts or portions thereof are 
deemed to be uncollectable and charged against the allowance.

(i) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. 
Cost is determined by the average method for domestic inven-
tories and principally by the first-in, first-out method for over-
seas inventories.

(j) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, 
and acquired intangible assets subject to amortization, are 
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in cir-
cumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset 
may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and 
used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of 
the asset and the estimated undiscounted future cash flows 
expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount 
of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash 
flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by 
which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair val-
ue of the asset. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported 
at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to 
sell, and are no longer depreciated. 

(k) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation 
is calculated principally by the declining-balance method, 
except for certain assets which are depreciated by the straight-
line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  
  The depreciation period ranges from 3 years to 60 years for 
buildings and 1 year to 20 years for machinery and equipment.
  Assets leased to others under operating leases are stated 
at cost and depreciated to the estimated residual value of the 
assets by the straight-line method over the lease term, gener-
ally from 2 years to 5 years.

(l) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful 
lives are not amortized, but are instead tested for impairment 
annually in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequent-
ly if indicators of potential impairment exist. Canon performs 
its impairment test of goodwill using the two-step approach 
at the reporting unit level, which is one level below the oper-
ating segment level. All goodwill is assigned to the report-
ing unit or units that benefit from the synergies arising from 
each business combination. If the carrying amount assigned 
to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting 
unit, Canon performs the second step to measure an impair-
ment charge in the amount by which the carrying amount of 

 
56

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. 

Intangible assets with finite useful lives consist primarily 
of software, license fees, patented technologies and customer 
relationships. Software and license fees are amortized using 
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, 
which range primarily from 3 years to 5 years for software 
and 5 years to 10 years for license fees. Patented technolo-
gies are amortized using the straight-line method principal-
ly over the estimated useful lives, which range from 8 years 
to 16 years. Customer relationships are amortized principally 
using the declining-balance method over the estimated use-
ful life of 5 years. Certain costs incurred in connection with 
developing or obtaining internal-use software are capitalized. 
These costs consist primarily of payments made to third par-
ties and the salaries of employees working on such software 
development. Costs incurred in connection with developing 
internal-use software are capitalized at the application devel-
opment stage. In addition, Canon develops or obtains certain 
software to be sold where related costs are capitalized after 
establishment of technological feasibility.

(m) Environmental Liabilities
Liabilities for environmental remediation and other environ-
mental costs are accrued when environmental assessments or 
remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably 
estimated. Such liabilities are adjusted as further informa-
tion develops or circumstances change. Costs of future obliga-
tions are not discounted to their present values.

(n) Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the esti-
mated future tax consequences attributable to differences 
between the financial statement carrying amounts of exist-
ing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and 
operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax 
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates 
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which 
those temporary differences are expected to be recovered 
or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of 
a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period 
that includes the enactment date. Canon records a valuation 
allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount 
that is more likely than not realizable.
  Canon recognizes the financial statement effects of tax 
positions when it is more likely than not, based on the techni-
cal merits, that the tax positions will be sustained upon exam-
ination by the tax authorities. Benefits from tax positions that 
meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are mea-
sured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 
50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Interest and pen-
alties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits are includ-
ed in income taxes in the consolidated statements of income.

(o) Stock-Based Compensation
Canon measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant 
date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognizes the 

cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, 
which is the vesting period.

(p) Net Income Attributable to Canon Inc. 

Stockholders per Share

Basic net income attributable to Canon Inc. stockholders 
per share is computed by dividing net income attributable 
to Canon Inc. by the weighted-average number of common 
shares outstanding during each year. Diluted net income 
attributable to Canon Inc. stockholders per share includes the 
effect from potential issuances of common stock based on the 
assumptions that all stock options were exercised.

(q) Revenue Recognition
Canon generates revenue principally through the sale of 
office and imaging system products, equipment, supplies, 
and related services under separate contractual arrange-
ments. Canon recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence 
of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and title and 
risk of loss have been transferred to the customer or services 
have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, 
and collectibility is probable.
  Revenue from sales of office products, such as office MFDs 
and laser printers, and imaging system products, such as digi-
tal cameras and inkjet printers, is recognized upon shipment 
or delivery, depending upon when title and risk of loss trans-
fer to the customer.
  Canon also offers separately priced product maintenance 
contracts for most office products, for which the custom-
er typically pays a stated base service fee plus a variable 
amount based on usage. Revenue from these service main-
tenance contracts is measured at the stated amount of the 
contract and recognized as services are provided and vari-
able amounts are earned.
  Revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leas-
es is recognized at the inception of the lease. Income on sales-
type leases and direct-financing leases is recognized over the 
life of each respective lease using the interest method. Leases 
not qualifying as sales-type leases or direct-financing leases 
are accounted for as operating leases and related revenue is 
recognized ratably over the lease term. When equipment leas-
es are bundled with product maintenance contracts, revenue 
is allocated based upon the estimated relative fair value of 
the lease and non-lease deliverables. Lease deliverables gener-
ally include equipment, financing and executory costs, while 
non-lease deliverables generally consist of product mainte-
nance contracts and supplies.
  Revenue from sales of optical equipment, such as semicon-
ductor lithography equipment and FPD lithography equip-
ment that are sold with customer acceptance provisions 
related to their functionality, is recognized when the equip-
ment is installed at the customer site and the specific criteria 
of the equipment functionality are successfully tested and dem-
onstrated by Canon. Service revenue is derived primarily from 
separately priced product maintenance contracts on equip-
ment sold to customers and is measured at the stated amount 

 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

57

of the contract and recognized as services are provided.

For all other arrangements with multiple elements, Canon 

allocates revenue to each element based on its relative sell-
ing price if such element meets the criteria for treatment as 
a separate unit of accounting. Otherwise, revenue is deferred 
until the undelivered elements are fulfilled and accounted 
for as a single unit of accounting.
  Canon records estimated reductions to sales at the time of 
sale for sales incentive programs including product discounts, 
customer promotions and volume-based rebates. Estimated 
reductions to sales are based upon historical trends and other 
known factors at the time of sale. Canon regularly adjusts its 
estimates each period in the ordinary course of establishing 
sales incentive program accruals based on current informa-
tion. During the year ended December 31, 2012, Canon revised 
its estimates for sales incentive program accruals based on 
new information which was not available at the time that the 
accrual was established due to unique circumstances, such 
as the earthquake in Japan and the flooding in Thailand that 
occurred in 2011 as well as a recent shift in usage of incentive 
programs from mail-in rebates to instant rebates. This change 
in estimate caused an increase in net income attributable to 
Canon Inc. of ¥10,785 million, and an increase in basic and 
diluted net income attributable to Canon Inc. stockholders 
per share of ¥9.19 each. During the years ended December 31, 
2014 and 2013, such adjustments were not significant. Canon 
also provides price protection to certain resellers of its prod-
ucts, and records reductions to sales for the estimated impact 
of price protection obligations when announced.
  Estimated product warranty costs are recorded at the time 
revenue is recognized and are included in selling, general 
and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements 
of income. Estimates for accrued product warranty costs are 
based on historical experience, and are affected by ongoing 
product failure rates, specific product class failures outside of 
the baseline experience, material usage and service delivery 
costs incurred in correcting a product failure.
  Taxes collected from customers and remitted to govern-
mental authorities are excluded from revenues in the consoli-
dated statements of income.

(r) Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

(s) Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising 
expenses were ¥79,765 million, ¥86,398 million and ¥83,134 
million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012, respectively.

(t) Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs totaled ¥49,576 million, ¥47,460 
million and ¥38,499 million for the years ended December 
31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in sell-
ing, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated 
statements of income.

(u) Derivative Financial Instruments
All derivatives are recognized at fair value and are included 
in prepaid expenses and other current assets, or other cur-
rent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. 
  Canon uses and designates certain derivatives as a hedge of 
a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be 
received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash 
flow” hedge). Canon formally documents all relationships 
between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its 
risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking vari-
ous hedge transactions. Canon also formally assesses, both at 
the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the 
derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly 
effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. 
When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective 
as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, 
Canon discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. Changes 
in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and quali-
fies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehen-
sive income (loss), until earnings are affected by the variability 
in cash flows of the hedged item. Gains and losses from hedg-
ing ineffectiveness are included in other income (deductions). 
Gains and losses related to the components of hedging instru-
ments excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness 
are included in other income (deductions).
  Canon also uses certain derivative financial instruments 
which are not designated as hedges. The changes in fair val-
ues of these derivative financial instruments are immediately 
recorded in earnings.
  Canon classifies cash flows from derivatives as cash flows 
from operating activities in the consolidated statements of 
cash flows.

(v) Guarantees
Canon recognizes, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability 
for the fair value of the obligation it has undertaken in issu-
ing guarantees.

(w) Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) issued a new accounting standard related to reve-
nue from contracts with customers. This standard requires 
an entity to recognize revenue when promised goods or ser-
vices are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects 
the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in 
exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective 
for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 
2016 and is required to be adopted by Canon from the quarter 
beginning January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. 
This standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior 
reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumu-
lative effect of initially applying this standard recognized at 
the date of initial application. Canon has not selected a tran-
sition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the 
adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated results 
of operations and financial condition.

 
58

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.  INVESTMENTS

The cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and fair value for available-for-sale securities 
included in investments by major security type at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

December 31

Millions of yen
2014:  Noncurrent:

  Government bonds

  Corporate bonds

  Fund trusts

  Equity securities

Millions of yen
2013:  Noncurrent:

  Government bonds

  Corporate bonds

  Fund trusts

  Equity securities

Cost

Gross unrealized
holding gains

Gross unrealized
holding losses

¥ 

331

¥ 

—

153

—

  19,765

¥ 19,918

¥  6

  29

  —

  17

¥ 52

Gross unrealized
holding gains

Gross unrealized
holding losses

¥ 

—

16

—

  16,450

¥ 16,466

¥ 31

  26

  —

  26

¥ 83

512

84

  20,905

¥ 21,832

Cost

¥ 

338

491

68

  18,112

¥ 19,009

Fair value

¥ 

325

636

84

  40,653

¥ 41,698

Fair value

¥ 

307

481

68

  34,536

¥ 35,392

  Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities included in investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets 
were as follows at December 31, 2014:

December 31

Due after five years

Millions of yen

Cost
¥ 843

¥ 843

Fair value
¥ 961

¥ 961

  Gross realized gains were ¥2,540 million, ¥2,360 million 
and ¥238 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 
and 2012, respectively. Gross realized losses, including write-
downs for impairments that were other-than-temporary, 
were ¥31 million, ¥2 million and ¥1,545 million for the years 
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
  At December 31, 2014, substantially all of the available-for-
sale securities with unrealized losses had been in a continu-
ous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months.
  Time deposits with original maturities of more than 
three months are ¥71,863 million and ¥47,914 million at 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included 
in short-term investments in the accompanying consolidat-
ed balance sheets.
  Aggregate cost of non-marketable equity securities 
accounted for under the cost method totaled ¥1,164 million 

and ¥14,794 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respec-
tively. These investments were not evaluated for impair-
ment at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, because (a) 
Canon did not estimate the fair value of those investments as 
it was not practicable to estimate the fair value of the invest-
ments and (b) Canon did not identify any events or chang-
es in circumstances that might have had significant adverse 
effects on the fair value of those investments.

Investments in affiliated companies accounted for by the 

equity method amounted to ¥20,863 million and ¥18,937 
million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Canon’s 
share of the net earnings (losses) in affiliated companies 
accounted for by the equity method, included in other 
income (deductions), were earnings of ¥478 million, losses of 
¥664 million and earnings of ¥610 million for the years end-
ed December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

59

3.  TRADE RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables are summarized as follows:

December 31

Notes

Accounts

Less allowance for doubtful receivables

4.  INVENTORIES

Inventories are summarized as follows:

December 31

Finished goods

Work in process

Raw materials

Millions of yen

2014

¥  18,476

  619,321

  637,797

(12,122)

¥ 625,675

2013

¥  15,461

  606,010

  621,471

  (12,730)

¥ 608,741

Millions of yen

2014

¥ 363,685

  144,394

  20,088

¥ 528,167

2013

¥ 406,443

  128,120

  19,210

¥ 553,773

5.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and are summarized as follows:

December 31

Land

Buildings

Machinery and equipment

Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation

Millions of yen

2014

¥  286,336

  1,609,667

  1,822,026

70,759

  3,788,788

  (2,519,259)

¥ 1,269,529

2013

¥  282,484

 1,570,024

 1,736,107

  73,645

 3,662,260

 (2,383,530)

¥ 1,278,730

  Depreciation expenses for the years ended December 31, 
2014, 2013 and 2012 were ¥213,739 million, ¥223,158 mil-
lion and ¥211,973 million, respectively.
  Amounts due for purchases of property, plant and 
equipment were ¥40,483 million and ¥33,585 million at 

December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included 
in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidat-
ed balance sheets. Fixed assets presented in the consolidated 
statements of cash flows include property, plant and equip-
ment and intangible assets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.  FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND OPERATING LEASES

Finance receivables represent financing leases which consist 
of sales-type leases and direct-financing leases resulting from 
the sales of Canon’s and complementary third-party products 

primarily in foreign countries. These receivables typically
have terms ranging from 1 year to 6 years.

  The components of the finance receivables, which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and other 
assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:

December 31

Millions of yen

Total minimum lease payments receivable
Unguaranteed residual values
Executory costs
Unearned income

Less allowance for credit losses

Less current portion

  The activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:

Years ended December 31

Balance at beginning of year
Charge-offs
Provision
Other
Balance at end of year

2014
¥ 308,733
  13,924
(1,680)
(31,919)
  289,058
(6,276)
  282,782
  (102,920)
¥ 179,862

2013
¥ 278,621
9,566
(2,184)
  (29,875)
  256,128
(7,323)
  248,805
(91,025)
¥ 157,780

Millions of yen

2014
¥ 7,323
 (1,171)
  154
(30)
¥ 6,276

2013

¥ 6,908
 (1,278)
  212
  1,481
¥  7,323

  Canon has policies in place to ensure that its products 
are sold to customers with an appropriate credit history, 
and continuously monitors its customers’ credit quality 
based on information including length of period in arrears, 
macroeconomic conditions, initiation of legal proceedings 
against customers and bankruptcy filings. The allowance 
for credit losses of finance receivables are evaluated col-
lectively based on historical experience of credit losses. An 
additional reserve for individual accounts is recorded when 
Canon becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its 

financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy fil-
ings. Finance receivables which are past due or individual-
ly evaluated for impairment at December 31, 2014 and 2013 
are not significant.
  The cost of equipment leased to customers under operat-
ing leases included in property, plant and equipment, net 
at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was ¥113,997 million and 
¥103,403 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation on 
equipment under operating leases at December 31, 2014 and 
2013 was ¥87,338 million and ¥78,821 million, respectively.

  The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum lease payments to be received under financing leases and non-
cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2014.

Year ending December 31:

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter

Millions of yen

Financing leases

Operating leases

¥ 121,619
  90,955
  56,672
  28,688
  10,013
786
¥ 308,733

¥  8,541
  4,585
  3,064
  1,450
  678
  220
¥ 18,538

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

61

7. ACQUISITIONS

During the year ended December 31, 2014, Canon acquired 
several companies for a total cash consideration of ¥70,671 
million, of which ¥30,696 million, ¥8,789 million, and 
¥4,633 million was attributed to intangible assets, the relat-
ed deferred tax liabilities, and other net assets acquired, 
respectively, and the residual amount of ¥44,131 million 
was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill recorded is attrib-
utable primarily to expected synergies from the combined 
operations of the acquired companies and Canon. None of 
the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 
Total acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred 
and were not significant. 

Intangible assets acquired, which are subject to amor-
tization, consist of software of ¥13,290 million, customer 

relationships of ¥1,628 million and other intangible assets 
of ¥3,841 million. Canon has estimated the weighted aver-
age amortization period for the software and customer 
relationships to be 7 years and 6 years, respectively. The 
weighted average amortization period for all intangible 
assets is approximately 9 years. Intangible assets acquired, 
which are not subject to amortization, consist of in-process 
research and development of ¥11,937 million.
  The results of operations of the acquired companies were 
included in Canon’s consolidated financial statements from 
the respective acquisition dates and were not material. Pro 
forma results of operations have not been disclosed because 
the effects of these acquisitions were not material, individu-
ally and in the aggregate.

8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets subject to amortization acquired during 
the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, including 
those recorded from businesses acquired, totaled ¥62,189 
million and ¥42,630 million, which primarily consist of 
software of ¥54,686 million and ¥37,419 million, respective-
ly. The weighted average amortization periods for intangible 

assets in total acquired during the years ended December 
31, 2014 and 2013 are approximately 5 years and 4 years, 
respectively. The weighted average amortization periods 
for software acquired during the years ended December 31, 
2014 and 2013 are approximately 4 years.

  The components of intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

December 31

Millions of yen

Software
Customer relationships
Patented technologies
License fees
Other

2014

2013

Gross carrying
amount
¥ 312,069
  53,494
  13,059
  11,765
  36,625
¥ 427,012

Accumulated
amortization
¥ 185,885
  46,713
9,052
7,860
  18,281
¥ 267,791

Gross carrying
amount

¥ 271,425
  50,792
  29,067
  13,194
  32,319
¥ 396,797

Accumulated
amortization

¥ 167,411
  39,957
  24,027
7,902
  16,094
¥ 255,391

  Aggregate amortization expense for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was ¥49,741 million, 
¥52,015 million and ¥46,160 million, respectively. Estimated 
amortization expense for intangible assets currently held 
for the next five years ending December 31 is ¥41,498 mil-
lion in 2015, ¥32,853 million in 2016, ¥22,583 million in 
2017, ¥14,115 million in 2018, and ¥8,457 million in 2019.

Intangible assets not subject to amortization other than 
goodwill at December 31, 2014 were ¥18,067 million, which 

primarily consist of in-process research and development 
recorded from businesses acquired. Intangible assets not 
subject to amortization other than goodwill at December 
31, 2013 were not significant.
  Goodwill is included in other assets in the consolidated 
balance sheets. For management reporting purposes, good-
will is not allocated to the segments. Goodwill has been allo-
cated to its respective segment for impairment testing.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

Years ended December 31
Millions of yen
2014:  Balance at beginning of year

  Goodwill acquired during the year
  Translation adjustments and other
  Balance at end of year

Millions of yen

2013:  Balance at beginning of year

  Goodwill acquired during the year
  Translation adjustments and other
  Balance at end of year

Office
¥ 139,412
  3,971
  1,952
¥ 145,335

Office

¥ 111,348
  4,083
  23,981
¥ 139,412

Imaging
System
¥ 13,877
  7,424
  479
¥ 21,780

Imaging
System

¥ 12,674
—
  1,203
¥ 13,877

Industry and
Others
¥  8,351
 32,736
  3,134
¥ 44,221

Industry and
Others

¥ 6,821
—
 1,530
¥ 8,351

Total
¥ 161,640
  44,131
  5,565
¥ 211,336

Total

¥ 130,843
  4,083
  26,714
¥ 161,640

9. SHORT-TERM LOANS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Short-term loans consisting of bank borrowings at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were ¥3 million and ¥54 million, respectively.

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

December 31

Millions of yen

2014

2013

Loans, principally from banks, maturing in installments through 2024; bearing weighted
 average interest of 2.79% and 1.15% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively

Capital lease obligations

Less current portion

¥  145

 2,018
 2,163
 (1,015)
¥ 1,148

  The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2014 were as follows:

Year ending December 31:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter

¥  211

 2,482
 2,693
 (1,245)
¥ 1,448

Millions of yen
¥ 1,015
519
  349
  200
75
5
¥ 2,163

  Both short-term and long-term bank loans are made 
under general agreements which provide that security and 
guarantees for present and future indebtedness will be giv-
en upon request of the bank, and that the bank shall have 

the right to offset cash deposits against obligations that 
have become due or, in the event of default, against all obli-
gations due to the bank.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

63

10. TRADE PAYABLES

Trade payables are summarized as follows:

December 31

Notes

Accounts

Millions of yen

2014

¥  14,112

  296,102

¥ 310,214

2013

¥  8,005

  299,152

¥ 307,157

11. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT AND SEVERANCE BENEFITS

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have contrib-
utory and noncontributory defined benefit pension plans 
covering substantially all of their employees. Benefits pay-
able under the plans are based on employee earnings and 
years of service. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries 
also have defined contribution pension plans covering sub-
stantially all of their employees.
  Effective January 1, 2014, defined benefit pension plans 

of certain subsidiaries in the Netherlands were terminated, 
and the related plan assets and obligations were transferred 
to a multiemployer pension plan for the industry in which 
these subsidiaries operate. As a result, the Company record-
ed a gain on curtailments and settlements of ¥9,370 million 
in selling, general and administrative expenses in the con-
solidated statement of income for the year ended December 
31, 2014.

Obligations and funded status
Reconciliations of beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligations and the fair value of the plan assets are as follows:

December 31

Change in benefit obligations:

  Benefit obligations at beginning of year

  Service cost

Interest cost

  Plan participants’ contributions

  Actuarial loss

  Benefits paid

  Curtailments and settlements

  Foreign currency exchange rate changes

  Benefit obligations at end of year

Change in plan assets:

  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  Actual return on plan assets

  Employer contributions

  Plan participants’ contributions

  Benefits paid

  Settlements

  Foreign currency exchange rate changes

  Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Funded status at end of year

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2014

2013

2014

2013

  ¥ 486,572   ¥  364,609
9,448

  ¥ 684,842   ¥  651,520
26,005

11,655

26,445    
10,772    
—    
59,496    
(21,224)    
—    
—    
  760,331     684,842

14,959

(19,297)

—    

6,801    
10,654    
1,522    
    44,580    
(7,352)
—     (191,179)
—     13,064    

98,901
    364,662     486,572

14,299

2,617

8,981

(9,415)

(2,868)

19,810

  581,996     495,452
84,382

43,714    
15,676    
—    
(19,265)    
—    
—    
  622,121     581,996
  ¥ (138,210)   ¥ (102,846)

(17,648)

    360,527     249,534
20,640

—    

17,851    
6,470    
1,522    
(7,041)
—     (165,640)
—    

7,732    

28,705

2,617

(9,106)

(2,656)

70,793
    221,421     360,527
  ¥ (143,241)
  ¥ (126,045)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
64

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

December 31

Other assets

Accrued expenses

Accrued pension and severance cost

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2014

2013

2014

  ¥ 

559

532   ¥ 
—    
  (138,742)     (103,405)
  ¥ (138,210)   ¥ (102,846)

  ¥ 
—    

—  ¥ 

(1,055)

2013

1,106

(892)

    (142,186)

  ¥ (143,241)

   (126,259)

 ¥ (126,045)

  Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2014 and 2013 before the effect of 
income taxes are as follows:

December 31

Actuarial loss

Prior service credit

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2014

2013

  ¥ 209,829   ¥ 186,052
  (105,327)
  ¥ 117,302   ¥  80,725

 (92,527)  

2014

¥ 69,287  
(57)  
¥ 69,230  

2013

¥ 50,344

(118)

¥ 50,226

  The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit plans was as follows:

December 31

Accumulated benefit obligation

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2014

2013

2014

2013

  ¥ 720,034   ¥ 631,887

  ¥ 343,023   ¥ 464,195

  The projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obliga-
tions in excess of plan assets, and the accumulated benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for the pension plans 
with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:

December 31

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2014

2013

2014

2013

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

  Projected benefit obligations

  Fair value of plan assets

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

  Accumulated benefit obligations

  Fair value of plan assets

  ¥ 756,941   ¥ 676,308
 572,903

 618,199  

  ¥ 364,662   ¥ 485,466
 358,315

 221,421  

  ¥ 716,940   ¥ 611,602
 560,093

 618,199  

  ¥ 339,305   ¥ 463,089
 358,315

 216,560  

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

65

Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive 
income (loss)
Net periodic benefit cost for Canon’s employee retirement and severance defined benefit plans for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following components:

Years ended December 31

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of prior service credit

Amortization of actuarial loss
(Gain) loss on curtailments and settlements

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2014

2013

2012

2014

2013

2012

 ¥ 26,445   ¥ 26,005   ¥ 25,738   ¥  6,801   ¥  9,448   ¥  5,884
 13,176

 11,655  

 14,299  

 10,772  
 (18,018)  
 (12,800)  
 10,023  
—  

 11,788  
 (13,791)

 (13,079)
 16,277  
—  

 10,654  
 (10,637)  
(61)  
  1,698  
  (9,370)  

 (15,273)  

 (12,306)  

 13,546  
—  

  ¥  16,422   ¥ 23,627   ¥ 26,933   ¥ 

 (13,949)  

 (11,806)

(143)  

(116)

  1,351
  2,005  
—
146  
(915)   ¥ 11,806   ¥  8,489

  Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:

Years ended December 31

Current year actuarial (gain) loss

Amortization of actuarial loss

Amortization of prior service credit

Curtailments and settlements

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2014

2012

2013
  ¥ 33,800   ¥ (54,150)   ¥ (21,753)
 (16,277)
 13,079  
—  

 (10,023)     (13,546)  
 12,800     12,306  
—  

—    

  ¥ 36,577   ¥ (55,390)   ¥ (24,951)

2014

2013
  ¥ 37,366   ¥ 2,290   ¥ 31,661
  (1,351)

 (2,005)  

2012

  (1,698)  
61  
 (16,725)  
  ¥ 19,004   ¥ 

  143  

  (358)  

116

—

70   ¥ 30,426

  The estimated prior service credit and actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are summarized as follows:

Prior service credit

Actuarial loss

Assumptions
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

Millions of yen

  ¥ (12,591)

  ¥ 

(55)

    11,031

 1,993

December 31

Discount rate

Assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

2014
1.1%

3.0%

2013

1.6%

3.0%

2014
2.9%

2.0%

2013

3.8%

2.3%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

Years ended December 31

Discount rate

Assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

  Canon determines the expected long-term rate of return 
based on the expected long-term return of the various asset 
categories in which it invests. Canon considers the current 
expectations for future returns and the actual historical 
returns of each plan asset category.

Plan assets
Canon’s investment policies are designed to ensure ade-
quate plan assets are available to provide future payments 
of pension benefits to eligible participants. Taking into 
account the expected long-term rate of return on plan 
assets, Canon formulates a “model” portfolio comprised of 
the optimal combination of equity securities and debt secu-
rities. Plan assets are invested in individual equity and debt 
securities using the guidelines of the “model” portfolio in 
order to produce a total return that will match the expect-
ed return on a mid-term to long-term basis. Canon evalu-
ates the gap between expected return and actual return 
of invested plan assets on an annual basis to determine if 
such differences necessitate a revision in the formulation of 
the “model” portfolio. Canon revises the “model” portfolio 
when and to the extent considered necessary to achieve the 
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.
  Canon’s model portfolio for Japanese plans consists 
of three major components: approximately 20% is invest-
ed in equity securities, approximately 55% is invested in 
debt securities, and approximately 25% is invested in other 
investment vehicles, primarily consisting of investments in 
life insurance company general accounts.

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

2014
1.6%

3.0%

3.1%

2013

1.8%

3.0%

3.1%

2012

1.9%

3.0%

3.1%

2014
3.9%

2.3%

4.9%

2013

3.6%

2.2%

5.2%

2012

4.6%

2.4%

5.4%

  Outside Japan, investment policies vary by country, but 
the long-term investment objectives and strategies remain 
consistent. Canon’s model portfolio for foreign plans has 
been developed as follows: approximately 30% is invest-
ed in equity securities, approximately 50% is invested in 
debt securities, and approximately 20% is invested in other 
investment vehicles, primarily consisting of investments in 
real estate assets.
  The equity securities are selected primarily from stocks 
that are listed on the securities exchanges. Prior to invest-
ing, Canon has investigated the business condition of the 
investee companies, and appropriately diversified invest-
ments by type of industry and other relevant factors. The 
debt securities are selected primarily from government 
bonds, public debt instruments, and corporate bonds. Prior 
to investing, Canon has investigated the quality of the issue, 
including rating, interest rate, and repayment dates, and 
has appropriately diversified the investments. Pooled funds 
are selected using strategies consistent with the equity and 
debt securities described above. As for investments in life 
insurance company general accounts, the contracts with 
the insurance companies include a guaranteed interest rate 
and return of capital. With respect to investments in foreign 
investment vehicles, Canon has investigated the stability 
of the underlying governments and economies, the market 
characteristics such as settlement systems and the taxation 
systems. For each such investment, Canon has selected the 
appropriate investment country and currency.

STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

67

  The three levels of input used to measure fair value are more fully described in Note 20. The fair values of Canon’s pension 
plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, by asset category, are as follows:

December 31, 2014

Millions of yen

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Equity securities:

Japanese companies (a)

  Foreign companies
  Pooled funds (b)
Debt securities:
  Government bonds (c)
  Municipal bonds
  Corporate bonds
  Pooled funds (d)
  Mortgage backed securities 
 (and other asset backed 
 securities)

Life insurance company 
 general accounts
Other assets

 ¥  51,805   ¥ 
   10,233  
—  

—   ¥  —   ¥  51,805
  10,233
—  
 124,388
  124,388  

  —  
  —  

—   ¥ 

  ¥ 
    31,963  
—  

—  
—  
  74,744  

   143,431  
—  
—  
—  

—  
573  
  11,775  
  118,606  

  —  
  —  
  —  
  —  

 143,431
573
  11,775
 118,606

    7,899  
—  
—  
—  

—  
  3,221  
  24,014  
  23,260  

¥ —
  —
  —

  —
  —
  —
  —

  ¥ 

—
  31,963
  74,744

  7,899
  3,221
  24,014
  23,260

—  

  12,310  

  —  

  12,310

—  

—  

  —

—

—  
—  

 123,575
  25,425
 ¥ 205,469   ¥ 415,052   ¥ 1,600   ¥ 622,121

  123,575  
  23,825  

  —  
 1,600  

—  
—  

  7,049  
  49,271  
  ¥ 39,862   ¥ 181,559  

  —
  —
¥ —

  7,049
  49,271
  ¥ 221,421

December 31, 2013

Millions of yen

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Equity securities:

Japanese companies (e)

  Foreign companies
  Pooled funds (f)
Debt securities:
  Government bonds (g)
  Municipal bonds
  Corporate bonds
  Pooled funds (h)
  Mortgage backed securities
 (and other asset backed
 securities)

Life insurance company
 general accounts
Other assets

 ¥  51,159   ¥ 
  10,347  
—  

—  
—  
 145,417  

¥  —   ¥  51,159   ¥ 

—   ¥ 

  —  
  —  

  10,347     43,681  
—  
 145,417    

—  
—  
 104,933  

 124,800  
—  
—  
—  

—  
  1,027  
  10,543  
 101,583  

  —  
  —  
  —  
  —  

 124,800     44,192  
—  
  1,027    
—  
  10,543    
—  
 101,583    

—  
  2,246  
  32,921  
  57,518  

¥ —
  —
  —

  —
  —
  —
  —

  ¥ 

—
  43,681
  104,933

  44,192
2,246
  32,921
  57,518

—  

  9,569  

  —  

  9,569    

—  

  5,098  

  —

5,098

—  
—  

 109,097  
  17,636  
 ¥ 186,306   ¥ 394,872  

  —  
 818  

  15,420  
  54,518  
¥ 818   ¥ 581,996   ¥ 87,873   ¥ 272,654  

 109,097    
  18,454    

—  
—  

  —
  —
¥ —

  15,420
  54,518
  ¥ 360,527

(a)  The plan’s equity securities include common stock of the 
Company and certain of its subsidiaries in the amounts 
of ¥197 million.

(b) These funds invest in listed equity securities consisting of 
approximately 25% Japanese companies and 75% foreign 
companies for Japanese plans, and mainly foreign com-
panies for foreign plans.

(c)  This class includes approximately 85% Japanese gov-

ernment bonds and 15% foreign government bonds for 
Japanese plans, and mainly foreign government bonds 
for foreign plans.

(d) These funds invest in approximately 25% Japanese gov-
ernment bonds, 50% foreign government bonds, 5% 
Japanese municipal bonds, and 20% corporate bonds for 
Japanese plans. These funds invest in approximately 85% 
foreign government bonds and 15% corporate bonds for 
foreign plans.

(e)  The plan’s equity securities include common stock of the 
Company and certain of its subsidiaries in the amounts 
of ¥572 million.

(f)  These funds invest in listed equity securities consisting of 
approximately 25% Japanese companies and 75% foreign 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
68

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

companies for Japanese plans, and mainly foreign com-
panies for foreign plans.

(g)  This class includes approximately 85% Japanese gov-

ernment bonds and 15% foreign government bonds for 
Japanese plans, and mainly foreign government bonds 
for foreign plans.

(h) These funds invest in approximately 30% Japanese govern-
ment bonds, 50% foreign government bonds, 5% Japanese 
municipal bonds, and 15% corporate bonds for Japanese 
plans. These funds invest in approximately 85% foreign gov-
ernment bonds and 15% corporate bonds for foreign plans.

  Each level into which assets are categorized is based on 
inputs used to measure the fair value of the assets, and does 
not necessarily indicate the risks or ratings of the assets.

Level 1 assets are comprised principally of equity securities 

and government bonds, which are valued using unadjusted 
quoted market prices in active markets with sufficient volume 
and frequency of transactions. Level 2 assets are comprised 
principally of pooled funds that invest in equity and debt secu-
rities, corporate bonds and investments in life insurance com-
pany general accounts. Pooled funds are valued at their net 
asset values that are calculated by the sponsor of the fund and 
have daily liquidity. Corporate bonds are valued using quot-
ed prices for identical assets in markets that are not active. 
Investments in life insurance company general accounts are 
valued at conversion value.
  The fair value of Level 3 assets, consisting of hedge funds, 
was ¥1,600 million and ¥818 million at December 31, 2014 
and 2013, respectively. Amounts of actual returns on, and 
purchases and sales of, these assets during the years ended 
December 31, 2014 and 2013 were not significant.

Contributions
Canon expects to contribute ¥14,674 million to its Japanese defined benefit pension plans and ¥11,583 million to its foreign 
defined benefit pension plans for the year ending December 31, 2015.

Estimated future benefit payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

Year ending December 31:

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020–2024

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

¥  18,521
  20,326
  21,610
  23,826
  25,989
  163,611

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

¥  7,351
  7,704
  7,889
  8,446
  9,035
  54,765

Multiemployer pension plans
Effective January 1, 2014, certain subsidiaries in the 
Netherlands participated in a multiemployer pension plan 
determined in accordance with collective bargaining agree-
ments for the industry in which these subsidiaries operate. 
The collective bargaining agreements have no expiration 
date. Canon is not liable for other participating employers’ 
obligations under the terms and conditions of the agreements. 
The amount of contributions to the multiemployer pension 

plan which was expensed for the year ended December 31, 
2014 was ¥2,815 million.

Defined contribution plans 
The amounts of cost recognized for the defined contribu-
tion pension plans of the Company and certain of its sub-
sidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012 were ¥15,077 million, ¥14,383 million and ¥13,021 
million, respectively.

12. INCOME TAXES

Domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes and the current and deferred income tax expense (benefit) 
attributable to such income are summarized as follows:

Years ended December 31

2014:  Income before income taxes

Income taxes:
  Current
  Deferred

Japanese
¥ 277,041

¥  83,221
6,796
¥  90,017

Millions of yen

Foreign
¥ 106,198

¥  25,850
  2,133
¥  27,983

Total
¥ 383,239

¥ 109,071
  8,929
¥ 118,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

69

Years ended December 31

2013:  Income before income taxes

Income taxes:
  Current
  Deferred

Japanese
¥ 251,351

¥  75,134
4,005
¥  79,139

Millions of yen

Foreign
¥ 96,253

¥  16,163
  12,786
¥ 28,949

Total
¥ 347,604

¥  91,297
  16,791
¥ 108,088

2012:  Income before income taxes

¥ 257,640

¥  84,917

¥ 342,557

Income taxes:
  Current
  Deferred

¥  73,573
  13,900
¥  87,473

¥ 29,052
  (6,413)
¥ 22,639

¥ 102,625
  7,487
¥ 110,112

  The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to a 
number of income taxes, which, in the aggregate, represent a 
statutory income tax rate of approximately 38% for the years 
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and approxi-
mately 40% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
  Amendments to the Japanese tax regulations were enact-
ed into law on November 30, 2011. As a result of these 
amendments, the statutory income tax rate was reduced 
from approximately 40% to 38% effective from the year 
ended December 31, 2013, and to approximately 35% effec-
tive from the year ending December 31, 2016. On March 20, 

2014, further amendments were enacted into law, and the 
reduction of the statutory income tax rate to approximately 
35% became effective one year earlier, from the year ending 
December 31, 2015. Consequently, the statutory income tax 
rate utilized for deferred tax assets and liabilities which were 
expected to be settled or realized in the period from January 
1, 2015 is approximately 35%. The adjustments of deferred 
tax assets and liabilities for this further amendment to tax 
law, which were reflected in income taxes for the year ended 
December 31, 2014, were not material.

  A reconciliation of the Japanese statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate as a percentage of income 
before income taxes is as follows:

Years ended December 31

Japanese statutory income tax rate
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
  Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Income of foreign subsidiaries taxed at lower than 

    Japanese statutory tax rate

  Tax credit for research and development expenses
  Change in valuation allowance 
  Other
Effective income tax rate

2014
38.0%

0.7

(3.7)

(5.0)
(0.5)
1.3
30.8%

2013

38.0%

0.9

(3.3)

(5.4)
0.2
0.7
31.1%

2012

40.0%

0.8

(4.3)

(5.7)
(1.7)
3.0
32.1%

  Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the 
following captions:

December 31

Millions of yen

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Other assets

Other current liabilities

Other noncurrent liabilities

2014

¥  61,943

  117,636

(3,456)

(80,459)

¥  95,664

2013

¥  61,902

 103,539

(3,621)

  (63,129)

¥  98,691

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 
31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:

December 31

Deferred tax assets:

Inventories

  Accrued business tax
  Accrued pension and severance cost
  Research and development—costs capitalized for tax purposes
  Property, plant and equipment
  Accrued expenses
  Net operating losses carried forward
  Other

  Less valuation allowance
  Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:
  Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
  Net unrealized gains on securities
  Tax deductible reserve
  Financing lease revenue
  Prepaid pension and severance cost
  Other

  Total deferred tax liabilities
  Net deferred tax assets

Millions of yen

2014

2013

¥  16,085
3,951
  79,392
8,616
  29,558
  43,706
  38,351
  34,673
  254,332
(37,498)
  216,834

(10,368)
(6,801)
(5,696)
(58,958)
(1,671)
(37,676)
  (121,170)
¥  95,664

¥  12,988
4,448
  59,964
  10,978
  26,626
  37,153
  38,439
  44,482
  235,078
  (35,055)
  200,023

(10,876)
(5,740)
(6,160)
  (50,605)
(671)
(27,280)
 (101,332)
¥  98,691

  The net changes in the total valuation allowance were an 
increase of ¥2,443 million for the year ended December 31, 
2014, and an increase of ¥2,888 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2013, and a decrease of ¥1,621 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2012.
  Based upon the level of historical taxable income and pro-
jections for future taxable income over the periods which 

the net deductible temporary differences are expected to 
reverse, management believes it is more likely than not that 
Canon will realize the benefits of these deferred tax assets, 
net of the existing valuation allowance, at December 31, 
2014. At December 31, 2014, Canon had net operating loss-
es which can be carried forward for income tax purposes of 
¥194,572 million to reduce future taxable income. 

  Periods available to reduce future taxable income vary in each tax jurisdiction and generally range from one year to an 
indefinite period as follows:

Within one year
After one year through five years
After five years through ten years
After ten years through twenty years
Indefinite period

  Total

Millions of yen

¥  1,211
  31,393
  60,913
  63,783
  37,272
¥ 194,572

Income taxes have not been accrued on undistributed 
earnings of domestic subsidiaries as the tax law provides a 
means by which the dividends from a domestic subsidiary 
can be received tax free.
  Canon has not recognized deferred tax liabilities of 
¥28,318 million for a portion of undistributed earnings of 
foreign subsidiaries that arose for the year ended December 
31, 2014 and prior years because Canon currently does not 

expect to have such amounts distributed or paid as divi-
dends to the Company in the foreseeable future. Deferred 
tax liabilities will be recognized when Canon expects that 
it will realize those undistributed earnings in a taxable 
manner, such as through receipt of dividends or sale of 
the investments. At December 31, 2014, such undistributed 
earnings of these subsidiaries were ¥961,917 million.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

71

  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

Years ended December 31

Balance at beginning of year
Additions for tax positions of the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Settlements with tax authorities
Other
Balance at end of year

2014
¥  6,201
  1,649
  216
(114)
 (1,808)
  287
¥  6,431

Millions of yen

2013
¥  7,711
  312
  388
 (3,141)
(347)
 1,278
¥ 6,201

2012
¥ 2,933
  869
 4,903
 (1,546)
(41)
  593
¥  7,711

  The total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that would 
reduce the effective tax rate, if recognized, are ¥6,431 million 
and ¥6,201 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
  Although Canon believes its estimates and assumptions of 
unrecognized tax benefits are reasonable, uncertainty regard-
ing the final determination of tax audit settlements and any 
related litigation could affect the effective tax rate in a future 
period. Based on each of the items of which Canon is aware at 
December 31, 2014, no significant changes to the unrecognized 
tax benefits are expected within the next twelve months.
  Canon recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to 
unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes. Both interest and 
penalties accrued at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and inter-
est and penalties included in income taxes for the years ended 

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are not significant.
  Canon files income tax returns in Japan and various foreign 
tax jurisdictions. In Japan, Canon is no longer subject to reg-
ular income tax examinations by the tax authority for years 
before 2012. While there has been no specific indication by the 
tax authority that Canon will be subject to a transfer pricing 
examination in the near future, the tax authority could con-
duct a transfer pricing examination for years after 2007. In oth-
er major foreign tax jurisdictions, including the United States 
and the Netherlands, Canon is no longer subject to income 
tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2006 with 
few exceptions. The tax authorities are currently conducting 
income tax examinations of Canon’s income tax returns for 
years after 2005 in major foreign tax jurisdictions.

13. LEGAL RESERVE AND RETAINED EARNINGS

The Corporation Law of Japan provides that an amount 
equal to 10% of distributions from retained earnings paid 
by the Company and its Japanese subsidiaries be appropriat-
ed as a legal reserve. No further appropriations are required 
when the total amount of the additional paid-in capital and 
the legal reserve equals 25% of their respective stated capital. 
The Corporation Law of Japan also provides that additional 
paid-in capital and legal reserve are available for appropria-
tions by resolution of the stockholders. Certain foreign sub-
sidiaries are also required to appropriate their earnings to 
legal reserves under the laws of their respective countries.
  Cash dividends and appropriations to the legal 
reserve charged to retained earnings for the years end-
ed December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 represent dividends 

paid out during those years and the related appropria-
tions to the legal reserve. Retained earnings at December 
31, 2014 did not reflect current year-end dividends in the 
amount of ¥92,806 million which were approved by the 
stockholders in March 2015.
  The amount available for dividends under the 
Corporation Law of Japan is based on the amount record-
ed in the Company’s nonconsolidated books of account in 
accordance with financial accounting standards of Japan. 
Such amount was ¥935,504 million at December 31, 2014.
  Retained earnings at December 31, 2014 included 
Canon’s equity in undistributed earnings of affiliated com-
panies accounted for by the equity method in the amount 
of ¥16,919 million.

14. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2012 are as follows:

Millions of yen

Balance at December 31, 2011
  Adjustments for the year
Balance at December 31, 2012

Foreign
currency translation 
adjustments

Unrealized gains
and losses
on securities

Gains and
losses on
derivative instruments

¥ (378,863)
  131,129
¥ (247,734)

¥ 1,003
 3,143
¥ 4,146

¥  455
  (4,917)
¥ (4,462)

Pension
liability 
adjustments

¥ (104,368)
  (14,831)
¥ (119,199)

Total

¥ (481,773)
  114,524
¥ (367,249)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

Millions of yen

Balance at December 31, 2012
  Equity transactions with 
    noncontrolling interests and other  
  Other comprehensive income (loss)
    before reclassifications
  Amounts reclassified from

 accumulated other comprehensive 

    income (loss)

  Net change during the year

Balance at December 31, 2013
  Equity transactions with 
    noncontrolling interests and other  
  Other comprehensive income (loss)
    before reclassifications
  Amounts reclassified from

 accumulated other comprehensive 

    income (loss)

  Net change during the year

Balance at December 31, 2014

Foreign
currency translation 
adjustments

Unrealized gains
and losses
on securities

Gains and
losses on
derivative instruments

Pension
liability 
adjustments

Total

¥ (247,734)

¥  4,146

¥ (4,462)

¥ (119,199)

¥ (367,249)

(323)

(1)

(2)

(329)

(655)

 249,791

  7,449

  (7,551)

  27,153

 276,842

—

 249,468
1,734

 (1,352)

  6,096
 10,242

  9,607

  2,054
  (2,408)

  2,161

  28,985
  (90,214)

  10,416

 286,603
  (80,646)

10

3

—

(35)

(22)

  142,813

  3,933

  (2,204)

  (47,840)

  96,702

—

  142,823

¥  144,557

  (1,632)

  2,304

¥ 12,546

  2,009

(195)

¥ (2,603)

  11,875

  (36,000)

  12,252

  108,932

¥ (126,214)

¥  28,286

  Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
are as follows:

Years ended December 31

Amount reclassified from accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss)*1

Millions of yen

Unrealized gains and losses on securities

Gains and losses on derivative instruments  

Pension liability adjustments

2014
¥ (2,509)
  879
 (1,630)
(2)
 (1,632)
  3,260
 (1,248)
  2,012
(3)
  2,009
 15,585
 (3,710)
 11,875

2013

Affected line items in consolidated statements of income

  ¥ (2,358)
613
  (1,745)
393
 (1,352)
 15,387
 (5,780)
  9,607
—
  9,607
  3,460
 (1,037)
  2,423
(262)
  2,161

Other, net
Income taxes
Consolidated net income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
Other, net
Income taxes
Consolidated net income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
See Note 11
Income taxes
Consolidated net income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

—  

 11,875

Total amount reclassified, net of
 tax and noncontrolling interests

¥ 12,252

  ¥ 10,416

*1 Amounts in parentheses indicate gains in consolidated statements of income.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

73

  Tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassification adjustments, includ-
ing amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, are as follows:

Years ended December 31

2014:

Foreign currency translation adjustments
Net unrealized gains and losses on securities:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Net gains and losses on derivative instruments:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Pension liability adjustments:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Other comprehensive income (loss)
2013:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Net unrealized gains and losses on securities:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Net gains and losses on derivative instruments:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Pension liability adjustments:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Other comprehensive income (loss)
2012:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Net unrealized gains and losses on securities:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Net gains and losses on derivative instruments:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Pension liability adjustments:
  Amount arising during the year
  Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
  Net change during the year
Other comprehensive income (loss)

Before-tax
amount

Millions of yen

Tax (expense)
or benefit

Net-of-tax
amount

¥ 144,826

¥ 

(992)

¥ 143,834

  6,379
   (2,509)
  3,870

(3,309)
  3,260
(49)

  (71,166)
  15,585
  (55,581)
¥  93,066

(2,225)
879
(1,346)

1,102
 (1,248)
(146)

  21,306
 (3,710)
  17,596
¥  15,112

  4,154
   (1,630)
  2,524

(2,207)
  2,012
(195)

  (49,860)
  11,875
  (37,985)
¥ 108,178

¥ 253,707

¥  (2,131)

¥ 251,576

  12,669
   (2,358)
  10,311

  (12,145)
  15,387
  3,242

  51,860
  3,460
  55,320
¥ 322,580

(4,312)
613
(3,699)

  4,594
   (5,780)
(1,186)

  (21,614)
(1,037)
  (22,651)
¥ (29,667)

  8,357
   (1,745)
  6,612

(7,551)
  9,607
  2,056

  30,246
  2,423
  32,669
¥ 292,913

¥ 134,930

¥  (1,195)

¥ 133,735

  3,418
  1,307
  4,725

 (10,647)
  2,440
  (8,207)

 (13,888)
  4,433
  (9,455)
¥ 121,993

(1,004)
 (456)
(1,460)

  4,041
 (714)
  3,327

(1,738)
   (1,594)
(3,332)
¥  (2,660)

  2,414
851
  3,265

  (6,606)
  1,726
  (4,880)

 (15,626)
  2,839
 (12,787)
¥ 119,333

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 

On May 1, 2011, based on the approval of the stockholders, 
the Company granted stock options to its directors, execu-
tive officers and certain employees to acquire 912,000 shares 
of common stock. These option awards vest after two years 
of continued service beginning on the grant date and have 
a four year exercisable period. The grant-date fair value per 
share of the stock options granted during the year ended 
December 31, 2011 was ¥772.
  On May 1, 2010, based on the approval of the stockholders, 
the Company granted stock options to its directors, execu-
tive officers and certain employees to acquire 890,000 shares 
of common stock. These option awards vest after two years 
of continued service beginning on the grant date and have 
a four year exercisable period. The grant-date fair value per 
share of the stock options granted during the year ended 
December 31, 2010 was ¥988. 
  On May 1, 2009, based on the approval of the stockholders, 
the Company granted stock options to its directors, execu-
tive officers and certain employees to acquire 954,000 shares 

of common stock. These option awards vest after two years 
of continued service beginning on the grant date and have 
a four year exercisable period. The grant-date fair value per 
share of the stock options granted during the year ended 
December 31, 2009 was ¥699. 
  On May 1, 2008, based on the approval of the stockholders, 
the Company granted stock options to its directors, execu-
tive officers and certain employees to acquire 592,000 shares 
of common stock. These option awards vest after two years 
of continued service beginning on the grant date and have 
a four year exercisable period. The grant-date fair value per 
share of the stock options granted during the year ended 
December 31, 2008 was ¥1,247.
  The compensation cost recognized for these stock options 
for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 
nil, ¥95 million and ¥364 million, respectively, and is includ-
ed in selling, general and administrative expenses in the con-
solidated statements of income.

  A summary of option activity under the stock option plans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012 is presented below:

Outstanding at January 1, 2012

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2013

Exercised

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

Exercisable at December 31, 2014

Shares

Weighted-average
exercise price

Yen

   3,042,200

  ¥ 4,268

Weighted-average
remaining
contractual
term

Year

2.0

Aggregate
intrinsic value

Millions of yen

¥  88

(10,800)

(305,000)

   2,726,400

(8,600)

(60,400)

    2,657,400
(67,200)

(728,400)

    1,861,800

    1,861,800

 3,287

 4,493

 4,247

 3,287

 4,461

 4,245
 3,287

 4,869

¥ 4,036

¥ 4,036

1.6

  37

1.0

  28

0.7

0.7

¥ 248

¥ 248

  At December 31, 2014, all outstanding option awards were vested.

  The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was nil, ¥570 million and 
¥848 million, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012 was ¥221 million, ¥28 million and ¥35 million, respectively.

   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

75

16. NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CANON INC. STOCKHOLDERS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income attributable to Canon Inc. stockhold-
ers per share computations is as follows:

Years ended December 31

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

Average common shares outstanding

Effect of dilutive securities:

  Stock options

Diluted common shares outstanding

Net income attributable to Canon Inc. stockholders per share:

  Basic

  Diluted

Millions of yen

2014

¥ 254,797

2013

2012

¥ 230,483

¥ 224,564

Number of shares

1,112,509,931

1,147,933,835

1,173,647,835

4,393

1,112,514,324

8,466

20,574

1,147,942,301

1,173,668,409

Yen

¥ 200.78

  200.78

¥ 229.03

  229.03

¥ 191.34

  191.34

  The computation of diluted net income attributable to Canon Inc. stockholders per share for the years ended December 
31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 excludes certain outstanding stock options because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

17. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk management policy
Canon operates internationally, exposing it to the risk of 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Derivative 
financial instruments are comprised principally of foreign 
exchange contracts utilized by the Company and certain 
of its subsidiaries to reduce the risk. Canon assesses for-
eign currency exchange rate risk by continually monitoring 
changes in the exposures and by evaluating hedging oppor-
tunities. Canon does not hold or issue derivative financial 
instruments for trading purposes. Canon is also exposed 
to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by 
counterparties to derivative financial instruments, but it is 
not expected that any counterparties will fail to meet their 
obligations. Most of the counterparties are internationally 
recognized financial institutions and selected by Canon tak-
ing into account their financial condition, and contracts are 
diversified across a number of major financial institutions.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk management
Canon’s international operations expose Canon to the risk 
of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Canon uses 
foreign exchange contracts to manage certain foreign cur-
rency exchange exposures principally from the exchange 

of U.S. dollars and euros into Japanese yen. These contracts 
are primarily used to hedge the foreign currency expo-
sure of forecasted intercompany sales and intercompany 
trade receivables that are denominated in foreign curren-
cies. In accordance with Canon’s policy, a specific portion 
of foreign currency exposure resulting from forecasted 
intercompany sales are hedged using foreign exchange 
contracts which principally mature within three months.

Cash flow hedge
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instru-
ments designated as cash flow hedges, including foreign 
exchange contracts associated with forecasted intercom-
pany sales, are reported in accumulated other compre-
hensive income (loss). These amounts are subsequently 
reclassified into earnings through other income (deduc-
tions) in the same period as the hedged items affect earn-
ings. Substantially all amounts recorded in accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss) at year-end are expected 
to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months. 
Canon excludes the time value component from the assess-
ment of hedge effectiveness. Changes in the fair value of a 
foreign exchange contract for the period between the date 
that the forecasted intercompany sales occur and its matu-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

rity date are recognized in earnings and not considered 
hedge ineffectiveness.

Derivatives not designated as hedges
Canon has entered into certain foreign exchange con-
tracts to primarily offset the earnings impact related to 
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associat-

ed with certain assets denominated in foreign currencies. 
Although these foreign exchange contracts have not been 
designated as hedges as required in order to apply hedge 
accounting, the contracts are effective from an econom-
ic perspective. The changes in the fair value of these con-
tracts are recorded in earnings immediately.

  Contract amounts of foreign exchange contracts at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are set forth below:

December 31

To sell foreign currencies

To buy foreign currencies

Millions of yen

2014

¥ 358,862

  21,365

2013

¥ 374,699

  44,726

Fair value of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets
The following tables present Canon’s derivative instruments measured at gross fair value as reflected in the consolidated 
balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

December 31

Assets:
  Foreign exchange contracts
Liabilities:

Balance sheet location

2014

Prepaid expenses and other current assets  

¥ 

8

  Foreign exchange contracts

Other current liabilities

  1,597

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

December 31

Fair value

Millions of yen

2013

¥  44

  2,267

Fair value

Millions of yen

Assets:
  Foreign exchange contracts
Liabilities:

Balance sheet location

2014

2013

Prepaid expenses and other current assets  

¥  257

¥ 

210

  Foreign exchange contracts

Other current liabilities

 9,570

 12,678

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

77

Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income
The following tables present the effect of Canon’s derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income for the 
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

Years ended December 31

Gain (loss) recognized
in OCI (effective portion)

Gain (loss) reclassified from
accumulated OCI into income
(effective portion)

Gain (loss) recognized in income
(ineffective portion and amount excluded
from effectiveness testing)

Millions of yen

Amount

Location

Amount

Location

Amount

2014:  Foreign exchange
contracts

2013:  Foreign exchange
contracts

2012:  Foreign exchange
contracts

¥ 

(49)

Other, net

¥  (3,260)

Other, net

¥ (145)

  3,242

Other, net

 (15,387)

Other, net

  (8,207)

Other, net

  (2,440)

Other, net

 (111)

 (221)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Years ended December 31

Foreign exchange contracts

Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative

Millions of yen

Location

Other, net

2014

¥(21,728)

2013

2012

¥(61,787)

¥(30,602)

18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Commitments
At December 31, 2014, commitments outstanding for the 
purchase of property, plant and equipment approximat-
ed ¥52,668 million, and commitments outstanding for 
the purchase of parts and raw materials approximated 
¥76,984 million.
  Canon occupies sales offices and other facilities under 
lease arrangements accounted for as operating leases. 

Deposits made under such arrangements aggregated 
¥13,847 million and ¥13,448 million at December 31, 
2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in noncur-
rent receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets. Rental expenses under such operating lease arrange-
ments amounted to ¥43,215 million, ¥44,562 million and 
¥40,273 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 
2013 and 2012, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments required under noncancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining lease 

terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2014 are as follows:

Year ending December 31:

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

  Total future minimum lease payments

Millions of yen

¥ 26,450

  18,937

  15,571

  8,753

  5,775

  10,233

¥ 85,719

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Guarantees
Canon provides guarantees for bank loans of its employ-
ees, affiliates and other companies. The guarantees for the 
employees are principally made for their housing loans. The 
guarantees of loans of its affiliates and other companies 
are made to ensure that those companies operate with less 
financial risk.

For each guarantee provided, Canon would have to 
perform under a guarantee if the borrower defaults on 
a payment within the contract periods of 1 year to 30 years, 

in the case of employees with housing loans, and 1 year to 
5 years, in the case of affiliates and other companies. The 
maximum amount of undiscounted payments Canon would 
have had to make in the event of default is ¥8,951 million 
at December 31, 2014. The carrying amounts of the liabili-
ties recognized for Canon’s obligations as a guarantor under 
those guarantees at December 31, 2014 were not significant.
  Canon also issues contractual product warranties under 
which it generally guarantees the performance of products 
delivered and services rendered for a certain period or term. 

  Changes in accrued product warranty costs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:

Years ended December 31

Millions of yen

Balance at beginning of year

Additions

Utilization

Other

Balance at end of year

2014

¥ 10,890

 15,699

 (12,039)

  (2,986)

¥  11,564

2013

¥  12,163

 13,467

 (12,922)

  (1,818)

¥  10,890

Legal proceedings
Canon is involved in various claims and legal actions aris-
ing in the ordinary course of business. Canon has recorded 
provisions for liabilities when it is probable that liabili-
ties have been incurred and the amount of loss can be rea-
sonably estimated. Canon reviews these provisions at least 
quarterly and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impact 
of the negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal 
counsel and other information and events pertaining to 

a particular case. Based on its experience, although litiga-
tion is inherently unpredictable, Canon believes that any 
damage amounts claimed in outstanding matters are not a 
meaningful indicator of Canon’s potential liability. In the 
opinion of management, any reasonably possible range of 
losses from outstanding matters would not have a material 
adverse effect on Canon’s consolidated financial position, 
results of operations, or cash flows.

19. DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS 

OF CREDIT RISK

Fair value of financial instruments
The estimated fair values of Canon’s financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are set forth below. The follow-
ing summary excludes cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, finance receivables, noncurrent receivables, short-term 
loans, trade payables and accrued expenses for which fair values approximate their carrying amounts. The summary also 
excludes investments which are disclosed in Note 2.

December 31

Long-term debt, including current installments

Foreign exchange contracts:

  Assets

  Liabilities

Millions of yen

2014

2013

Carrying
amount
  ¥  (2,163)

Estimated
fair value
  ¥  (2,146)

Carrying
amount

Estimated
fair value

  ¥  (2,693)

  ¥  (2,693)

265

265

 (11,167)

 (11,167)

254

254

 (14,945)

 (14,945)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

79

  The following methods and assumptions are used to esti-
mate the fair value in the above table.

Long-term debt
Canon’s long-term debt instruments are classified as Level 
2 instruments and valued based on the present value of 
future cash flows associated with each instrument discount-
ed using current market borrowing rates for similar debt 
instruments of comparable maturity. The levels are more 
fully described in Note 20.

Foreign exchange contracts
The fair values of foreign exchange contracts are measured 
using quotes obtained from counterparties or third parties, 
which are periodically validated by pricing models using 
observable market inputs, such as foreign currency exchange 
rates and interest rates, based on market approach.

Limitations of fair value estimates
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, 
based on relevant market information and information 
about the financial instruments. These estimates are sub-
jective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of 
significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined 
with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly 
affect the estimates.

Concentrations of credit risk
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, one customer account-
ed for approximately 16% and 15% of consolidated trade 
receivables, respectively. Although Canon does not expect 
that the customer will fail to meet its obligations, Canon 
is potentially exposed to concentrations of credit risk if 
the customer failed to perform according to the terms of 
the contracts.

20. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset 
or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal 
or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an 
orderly transaction between market participants at the mea-
surement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy that priori-
tizes the inputs used to measure fair value is as follows:

or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are 
not active, inputs other than quoted prices that 
are observable, and inputs that are derived princi-
pally from or corroborated by observable market 
data by correlation or other means.

Level 3—  Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in 

Level 1—  Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for iden-

tical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—  Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabil-
ities in active markets, quoted prices for identical 

which one or more significant inputs or value 
drivers are unobservable, which reflect the report-
ing entity’s own assumptions about the assump-
tions that market participants would use in 
establishing a price.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following tables present Canon’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis consistent 
with the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

December 31
Millions of yen
2014:  Assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Available-for-sale (noncurrent):

  Government bonds

  Corporate bonds

  Fund trusts

  Equity securities

  Derivatives

Total assets

Liabilities:

  Derivatives

Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

¥ 

—

¥ 139,240

325

—

12

 40,653

—

¥ 40,990

¥ 

¥ 

—

—

—

162

72

—

265

¥ 139,739

¥  11,167

¥  11,167

Level 3

¥  —

  —

  474

  —

  —

  —

¥ 474

¥  —

¥  —

Total

¥ 139,240

325

636

84

  40,653

265

¥ 181,203

¥  11,167

¥  11,167

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Millions of yen
2013:  Assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents
  Available-for-sale (noncurrent):

  Government bonds
  Corporate bonds
  Fund trusts
  Equity securities

  Derivatives
Total assets
Liabilities:
  Derivatives
Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

¥ 

—

¥ 183,078

307
—
11
  34,536
—
¥ 34,854

¥ 
¥ 

—
—

—
141
57
—
254
¥ 183,530

¥  14,945
¥  14,945

Level 3

¥  —

  —
 340
  —
  —
  —
¥ 340

¥  —
¥  —

Total

¥ 183,078

307
481
68
  34,536
254
¥ 218,724

¥  14,945
¥  14,945

Level 1 investments are comprised principally of Japanese 

equity securities, which are valued using an unadjusted 
quoted market price in active markets with sufficient vol-
ume and frequency of transactions. Level 2 cash and cash 
equivalents are valued based on market approach, using 
quoted prices for identical assets in markets that are not 
active. Level 3 investments are mainly comprised of corpo-
rate bonds, which are valued based on cost approach, using 

unobservable inputs as the market for the assets was not 
active at the measurement date.
  Derivative financial instruments are comprised of for-
eign exchange contracts. Level 2 derivatives are valued using 
quotes obtained from counterparties or third parties, which 
are periodically validated by pricing models using observ-
able market inputs, such as foreign currency exchange rates 
and interest rates, based on market approach.

  The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets measured on a recurring basis, consisting primarily of corpo-
rate bonds, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. 

Years ended December 31

Millions of yen

Balance at beginning of year
Total gains or losses (realized or unrealized):

Included in earnings
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

Purchases, issuances, and settlements
Balance at end of year

2014
¥ 340

  —
 (18)
 152
¥ 474

2013

¥ 444

  1
  36
 (141)
¥ 340

  Gains and losses included in earnings are mainly relat-
ed to corporate bonds still held at December 31, 2014 and 
2013, and are reported in “Other, net” in the consolidated 
statements of income.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a 
nonrecurring basis
During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, there 
were no circumstances that required any significant assets or 
liabilities to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

81

21. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Canon operates its business in three segments: the Office 
Business Unit, the Imaging System Business Unit, and the 
Industry and Others Business Unit, which are based on the 
organizational structure and information reviewed by Canon’s 
management to evaluate results and allocate resources.

  The primary products included in each segment are as follows:

Office Business Unit:

Office multifunction devices (MFDs) / Laser multifunction 
printers (MFPs) / Laser printers / Digital production print-
ing systems / High speed continuous feed printers / Wide-
format printers / Document solutions

Imaging System Business Unit: 

Interchangeable lens digital cameras / Digital compact 
cameras / Digital camcorders / Digital cinema cameras / 

Interchangeable lenses / Inkjet printers / Large-format ink-
jet printers / Commercial photo printers / Image scanners / 
Multimedia projectors / Broadcast equipment / Calculators

Industry and Others Business Unit:

Semiconductor lithography equipment / FPD (Flat pan-
el display) lithography equipment / Digital radiography 
systems / Ophthalmic equipment / Vacuum thin-film 
deposition equipment / Organic LED (OLED) panel man-
ufacturing equipment / Die bonders / Micromotors /
Network cameras / Handy terminals / Document scanners

  The accounting policies of the segments are substantially 
the same as those described in the significant accounting pol-
icies in Note 1. Canon evaluates performance of, and allocates 
resources to, each segment based on operating profit.

Information about operating results and assets for each segment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 

and 2012 is as follows:

Millions of yen
2014:  Net sales:

  External customers
  Intersegment
    Total
Operating cost and expenses
Operating profit
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization  
Capital expenditures

Office

¥ 2,075,788
2,944
 2,078,732
 1,786,675
¥  292,057
¥ 1,025,499
  87,058
  69,704

2013:  Net sales:

  External customers
  Intersegment
    Total
Operating cost and expenses
Operating profit
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization  
Capital expenditures

¥ 1,993,898
6,175
 2,000,073
 1,733,165
¥  266,908
¥  954,803
  88,344
  54,644

2012:  Net sales:

  External customers
  Intersegment
    Total
Operating cost and expenses
Operating profit 
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization  
Capital expenditures

¥ 1,751,960
5,615
 1,757,575
 1,553,997
¥  203,578
¥  927,543
  77,660
  58,402

Imaging
System

Industry and
Others

Corporate and
eliminations

¥ 1,342,501
693
 1,343,194
 1,148,593
¥  194,601
¥  517,524
  53,912
31,124

¥ 1,448,186
752
  1,448,938
  1,245,144
¥  203,794
¥  584,856
56,564
44,112

¥ 1,404,394
1,577
  1,405,971
  1,195,653
¥  210,318
¥  614,328
53,664
58,142

¥ 308,963
  89,802
 398,765
 420,566
¥  (21,801)
¥ 342,695
  37,544
  15,976

¥ 289,296
  85,574
  374,870
  400,201
¥ (25,331)
¥ 328,202
  37,072
  27,040

¥ 323,434
  84,406
  407,840
  401,930
¥  5,910
¥ 337,899
  34,264
  44,086

¥ 

—
(93,439)
(93,439)
7,929
¥  (101,368)
¥ 2,574,900
  84,966
  107,956

¥ 

—
(92,501)
(92,501)
15,593
¥  (108,094)
¥ 2,374,849
93,193
101,682

¥ 

—
(91,598)
(91,598)
4,352
¥ 
(95,950)
¥ 2,075,733
92,545
146,031

Consolidated

¥ 3,727,252
—
 3,727,252
 3,363,763
¥  363,489
¥ 4,460,618
  263,480
  224,760

  ¥ 3,731,380
—
  3,731,380
  3,394,103
  ¥  337,277
  ¥ 4,242,710
275,173
227,478

  ¥ 3,479,788
—
  3,479,788
  3,155,932
  ¥  323,856
  ¥ 3,955,503
258,133
306,661

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Intersegment sales are recorded at the same prices used 

in transactions with third parties. Expenses not directly 
associated with specific segments are allocated based on the 
most reasonable measures applicable. Corporate expenses 
include certain corporate research and development expens-
es. Segment assets are based on those directly associated 
with each segment. Corporate assets primarily consist of 
cash and cash equivalents, investments, deferred tax assets, 

goodwill and corporate properties. Capital expenditures 
represent the additions to property, plant and equipment 
and intangible assets measured on an accrual basis. 

In 2013, based on the realignment of Canon’s inter-
nal reporting structure, certain financial assets were 
transferred from Corporate to the Office Business Unit. 
Accordingly, corresponding amounts of total assets as of 
December 31, 2012 were reclassified.

Information about product sales to external customers by business unit for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 

2012 is as follows:

Years ended December 31

Office

  Monochrome copiers

  Color copiers

  Printers

  Others

  Total

Imaging System

  Cameras

Inkjet printers

  Others

  Total

Industry and Others

  Lithography equipment

  Others

  Total

Consolidated

Millions of yen

2014

2013

2012

¥  322,398

401,447

  862,000

  489,943

  2,075,788

861,196

  366,946

114,359

  1,342,501

90,395

218,568

  308,963

¥ 3,727,252

¥  312,973

¥  274,021

381,848

841,436

457,641

  1,993,898

324,851

766,382

  386,706

  1,751,960

973,517

  990,549

  363,070

111,599

312,429

101,416

  1,448,186

  1,404,394

62,116

227,180

  289,296

¥ 3,731,380

62,892

  260,542

  323,434

¥ 3,479,788

Information by major geographic area as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

Net sales:

Japan

  Americas

  Europe

  Asia and Oceania

  Total

Long-lived assets:

Japan

  Americas

  Europe

  Asia and Oceania

  Total

Millions of yen

2014

2013

2012

¥  724,317

  1,036,500

  1,090,484

  875,951

¥ 3,727,252

¥  715,863

  1,059,501

  1,124,929

831,087

¥  720,286

  939,873

  1,014,038

805,591

¥ 3,731,380

¥ 3,479,788

¥  950,719

¥  984,231

¥ 1,032,598

157,748

127,700

210,650

131,660

111,609

196,305

112,163

91,904

159,435

¥ 1,446,817

¥ 1,423,805

¥ 1,396,100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

83

  Net sales are attributed to areas based on the location 
where the product is shipped to the customers. Other than 
in Japan and the United States, Canon does not conduct 
business in any individual country in which its sales in 
that country exceed 10% of consolidated net sales. Net sales 

in the United States were ¥938,411 million, ¥960,213 mil-
lion and ¥763,870 million for the years ended December 31, 
2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Long-lived assets represent property, plant and equip-

ment and intangible assets for each geographic area.

  The following information is based on the location of the Company and its subsidiaries as of and for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. In addition to the disclosure requirements under U.S. GAAP, Canon discloses this infor-
mation in order to provide financial statements users with useful information.

Millions of yen
2014:  Net sales:

  External customers

Intersegment

  Total

Japan

Americas

Europe

Asia and
Oceania

Corporate and
eliminations

Consolidated

  ¥  836,801   ¥ 1,033,797   ¥ 1,088,293   ¥  768,361   ¥ 

—   ¥ 3,727,252

 1,752,378  

8,738  

59,493  

  821,600  

 (2,642,209)  

—

  2,589,179  

 1,042,535  

  1,147,786  

 1,589,961  

 (2,642,209)  

 3,727,252

Operating cost and expenses

 2,245,930  

 1,018,661  

 1,135,515  

 1,522,244  

 (2,558,587)  

 3,363,763

Operating profit

Total assets

2013:  Net sales:

  ¥  343,249   ¥ 

23,874   ¥ 

12,271   ¥ 

67,717   ¥ 

(83,622)   ¥  363,489

  ¥ 1,134,484   ¥  531,122   ¥  484,858   ¥  674,672   ¥  1,635,482    ¥ 4,460,618

  External customers

  ¥  797,501   ¥ 1,056,096   ¥ 1,124,603   ¥  753,180   ¥ 

—   ¥ 3,731,380

Intersegment

  Total

 1,855,181  

11,774  

  53,281  

  881,765  

 (2,802,001)  

—

 2,652,682  

 1,067,870  

 1,177,884  

 1,634,945  

 (2,802,001)  

 3,731,380

Operating cost and expenses

 2,326,351  

 1,043,487  

 1,171,357  

 1,574,125  

 (2,721,217)  

 3,394,103

Operating profit

Total assets

  ¥  326,331   ¥  24,383   ¥ 

6,527   ¥  60,820   ¥ 

(80,784)   ¥  337,277

  ¥ 1,152,398   ¥  447,039   ¥  496,549   ¥  631,827   ¥ 1,514,897   ¥ 4,242,710

2012:  Net sales:

  External customers

  ¥  834,406   ¥  932,987   ¥ 1,010,922   ¥  701,473   ¥ 

—   ¥ 3,479,788

Intersegment

  Total

 1,829,834  

23,767  

5,650  

  781,836  

 (2,641,087)  

—

 2,664,240  

  956,754  

 1,016,572  

 1,483,309  

 (2,641,087)  

 3,479,788

  Operating cost and expenses

 2,336,536  

  937,111  

  972,585  

 1,437,527  

 (2,527,827)  

 3,155,932

  Operating profit

  Total assets

  ¥  327,704   ¥  19,643   ¥  43,987   ¥  45,782   ¥ 

(113,260)   ¥  323,856

  ¥ 1,206,702   ¥  339,918   ¥  457,592   ¥  548,583   ¥ 1,402,708   ¥ 3,955,503

22. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On March 3, 2015, the Company commenced a public ten-
der offer for all of the issued shares of Axis AB (“Axis”), 
a Sweden-based company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, a 
global leader in the network video solutions industry, for 
a consideration of 340 Swedish krona (¥4,804) in cash per 
share or a maximum amount of approximately 23.6 billion 
Swedish krona (approximately ¥333.7 billion). Through the 

transaction, the Company aims to make Axis a consolidat-
ed subsidiary, acquiring 100% of Axis’s issued shares. The 
Company views its network surveillance camera business as 
a promising new business area for Canon. Corresponding 
Japanese yen amounts as noted above are translated at the 
rate of ¥14.13 = 1 Swedish krona.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84 SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years ended December 31

Millions of yen
2014:  Allowance for doubtful receivables

  Trade receivables

  Finance receivables

2013:  Allowance for doubtful receivables

  Trade receivables

  Finance receivables

2012:  Allowance for doubtful receivables

  Trade receivables

  Finance receivables

Balance at
beginning of period

Addition-charged
to income

Deduction bad debts
written off

Translation
adjustments and other

Balance at 
end of period

¥ 12,730

  7,323

¥ 12,970

  6,908

¥ 11,563

  7,039

¥  878

  154

¥ 1,235

  212

¥ 2,149

 1,922

¥ (2,236)

 (1,171)

¥ (4,173)

 (1,278)

¥ (2,382)

 (1,304)

¥  750

(30)

¥ 2,698

 1,481

¥ 1,640

  (749)

¥ 12,122

  6,276

¥ 12,730

  7,323

¥ 12,970

  6,908

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

85

The management of Canon is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial report-
ing. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal 
financial officers and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purpos-
es in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the 
assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of 
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) pro-
vide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the 
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Canon’s management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In mak-
ing this assessment, management used the criteria established in internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the “COSO criteria”).

Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, Canon’s internal control over financial 
reporting was effective based on the COSO criteria.

Canon’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC, has issued an audit report on the 
effectiveness of Canon’s internal control over financial reporting. 

86

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Canon Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Canon Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in 
the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts (the “schedule”). 
These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial state-
ments are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclo-
sures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made 
by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position 
of Canon Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting princi-
ples. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements 
taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Canon 
Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 frame-
work) and our report dated March 27, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

March 27, 2015

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

87

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Canon Inc.

We have audited Canon Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on crite-
ria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Canon Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effec-
tive internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting 
included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over 
financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effec-
tiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the cir-
cumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliabil-
ity of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assur-
ance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could 
have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, pro-
jections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of 
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Canon Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the con-
solidated balance sheets of Canon Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements 
of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, and 
our report dated March 27, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

March 27, 2015

88 TRANSFER AND 

REGISTRAR’S OFFICE

STOCKHOLDER
INFORMATION

Canon  Inc.

  30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan

Stock  Exchange  Listings:

Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo and New York
stock exchanges

Manager  of  the  Register  of  Shareholders

Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd.
  2-1, Yaesu 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8670, Japan

Depositary  and  Agent  with  Respect  to  American
  Depositary  Receipts  for  Common  Shares

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
  1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, Floor 58, New York, N.Y.
  10005-1401, U.S.A.

American Depositary Receipts are traded on the New York
Stock Exchange (CAJ).

Ordinary  General  Meeting  of  Shareholders:

March 27, 2015, in Tokyo

Further  Information:

For publications or information, please contact the
Public Affairs Headquarters, Canon Inc., Tokyo,
or access Canon’s Website at
www.canon.com

MAJOR CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
(As of December 31, 2014)

89

Marketing  &  Other

Canon Marketing Japan Inc.

Canon System and Support Inc.

Canon Software Inc.

Canon IT Solutions Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. 

Canon Canada Inc.

Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Canon Latin America, Inc.*

Canon Europa N.V.

Canon Europe Ltd. 

Canon Ru LLC

Canon (UK) Ltd.

Canon Deutschland GmbH

Canon (Schweiz) AG

Canon Nederland N.V. 

Canon France S.A.S.

Canon Middle East FZ-LLC

Canon (China) Co., Ltd.

Canon Hongkong Co., Ltd.

Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Canon Australia Pty. Ltd.

* Canon Latin America, Inc. was merged into Canon U.S.A., 

Inc. on January 1, 2015.

Manufacturing

Canon Precision Inc.

Fukushima Canon Inc.

Canon Chemicals Inc. 

Canon Components, Inc.

Canon Electronics Inc.

Canon Finetech Inc.

Nisca Corporation

Canon Tokki Corporation

Canon ANELVA Corporation

Nagahama Canon Inc. 

Canon Machinery Inc.

Oita Canon Materials Inc.

Oita Canon Inc. 

Nagasaki Canon Inc. 

Canon Virginia, Inc.

Canon Bretagne S.A.S.

Océ-Technologies B.V.

OPTOPOL Technology Sp. z o.o.

Canon Dalian Business Machines, Inc.

Canon (Suzhou) Inc.

Canon Zhongshan Business Machines Co., Ltd.

Canon Zhuhai, Inc.

Canon Inc., Taiwan

Canon Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand) Ltd.

Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Canon Prachinburi (Thailand) Ltd.  

Canon Business Machines (Philippines), Inc. 

Research  &  Development

Canon Research Centre France S.A.S.

Canon Information Systems Research Australia Pty. Ltd.

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CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan 

©Canon Inc. 2015 PUB.BEP024-01 0415