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C A N O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 5
F i s c a l Y e a r E n d e d D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 2 0 1 5
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Strategy
2 To Our Shareholders
10 Growth Strategy
Business Segment
12 At a Glance
14 Office Business Unit
16 Imaging System Business Unit
18 Industry and Others Business Unit
Corporate Structure 20 Corporate Governance
24 Research & Development
26 Production
28 Sales & Marketing
30 Corporate Social Responsibility
Financial Section
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 II 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 Shareholder Information
89 Major Consolidated Subsidiaries
Cover Photo:
Canon’s network cameras installed in British
Library’s St. Pancras Reading Room
Canon answers the call to protect
cultural collections and the safety
of visitors with the technological
capabilities of its network cameras.
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)
2015
2014
Change (%)
2015
Net sales
Operating profit
Income before income taxes
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
shareholders per share:
—Basic
—Diluted
Total assets
¥ 3,800,271
¥ 3,727,252
355,210
347,438
220,209
363,489
383,239
254,797
¥ 201.65
¥ 229.03
201.65
229.03
¥ 4,427,773
¥ 4,460,618
Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity
¥ 2,966,415
¥ 2,978,184
+2.0
-2.3
-9.3
-13.6
-12.0
-12.0
-0.7
-0.4
$ 31,407,198
2,935,620
2,871,388
1,819, 909
$
1.67
1.67
$ 36,593,165
$ 24,515,826
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, 2015, 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
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Net Income Attributable to Canon Inc.
Shareholders per Share (Yen)
ROE/ROA (%)
10.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Basic
Diluted
ROE
ROA
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
1
T O O U R S H A R E H O L D E R S
2
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Canon will embrace the challenge of new growth
through a grand strategic transformation under
Phase V of its Excellent Global Corporation Plan.
Performance in 2015
Canon Group Axis, the global leader in network cameras.
Looking at sales of our main products, digital cameras
and inkjet printers continued to face harsh market con-
ditions, mainly in China and emerging Asian countries,
Despite expectations at the beginning of 2015 that the
while color offi ce multifunction devices (MFDs) and color
global economy would realize a modest recovery led by the
light-production printing systems recorded sales growth.
United States, the Chinese economy faced a slowdown in
Semiconductor lithography equipment and fl at panel dis-
the second half of the year, which was followed by decelera-
play (FPD) lithography equipment also achieved signifi cant
tion in emerging economies. As a result, the global economy
year-on-year sales growth thanks to favorable market con-
overall realized its lowest level of growth since the fi nancial
ditions. Consequently, benefi ting from the boost provided
crisis triggered by the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers.
by the acquisition of Axis and the positive effects of favor-
Faced with these circumstances, in 2015, the fi nal year
able currency exchange rates, consolidated net sales for
of Phase IV of our Excellent Global Corporation Plan (2011–
2015 increased 2.0% year on year to ¥3,800.3 billion, and
2015), we actively tackled such key challenges as revital-
the gross profi t ratio rose 1.0 point year on year to 50.9%.
izing existing businesses and expanding new and future
Income before income taxes, however, declined 9.3% year
businesses. In line with these efforts, we welcomed into the
on year to ¥347.4 billion, mainly due to the impact of a
150
100
50
0
Cash Dividend (Yen)
rise in investment in development aimed at reinforcing new
businesses, higher expenses associated with consolidating
Axis, and an increase in other deductions resulting from for-
eign currency exchange losses.
Among our accomplishments in 2015, we should high-
light the fact that we recorded our highest-ever gross profi t
ratio despite the harsh business conditions we faced. This
achievement, the result of ongoing cost-cutting activities
and other efforts, is a testament to Canon’s unwavering
manufacturing prowess, even under adverse circumstances.
Furthermore, seeking to actively return profi ts to sharehold-
ers, we declared an annual cash dividend of ¥150.00 per
share, which remains unchanged from the record-high divi-
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
dend we paid in 2014.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
3
Excellent Global Corporation Plan
Phases I to IV (1996–2015)
serious recessions. At the same time, we implemented two
major measures to reorient our businesses with a view to the
future. The fi rst of these was ensuring new growth potential
through the lateral expansion of existing businesses while
the second was successfully acquiring new growth busi-
Canon launched the Excellent Global Corporation Plan in
nesses through active M&A activities.
1996 and, through four fi ve-year phases of the Plan (Phases
The fi rst example of such lateral expansion of existing
I through IV), we have reinforced our business foundation.
businesses is the Cinema EOS System. Following its launch
During Phase I, we stressed thorough cash-fl ow manage-
in 2012, the lineup has revolutionized the motion picture
ment and signifi cantly boosted productivity through the
production industry and captured an overwhelming share of
introduction of the cell production system and other mea-
the market with further growth expected in the eras of 4K
sures. In Phase II, we fully digitalized our copying machine
and 8K. As for our Inkjet Product Operations, we launched
and camera offerings and became an essentially debt-free
a commercial photo printer and, through it, have developed
company. During Phase III, we effectively expanded business
a photo book service that encompasses editing, processing
in the printing and medical equipment sectors while actively
and bookbinding. Additional R&D achievements include the
carrying out M&A activities.
creation of businesses in such fi elds as the machine vision
And, in 2011, we embarked on Phase IV with the aim of
and professional-use display segments, which have highly
achieving sound growth. During this period, however, the
promising futures.
global economy faced a series of serious challenges, such
As for M&A activity, we made successful acquisitions in
as economic stagnation in Europe in the wake of Greece’s
three new growth sectors, the fi rst of which was commer-
sovereign debt crisis and slowdowns in China and other
cial printing. Océ was made a wholly owned subsidiary in
emerging markets. In response, we altered our original pol-
2013, thus opening the door to a new world of commercial
icy targeting scale expansion and focused instead on build-
and package printing through high-speed printing systems.
ing up a strong fi nancial structure capable of withstanding
The second was our entry into the network camera system
The Excellent Global Corporation Plan
Phase I
1996–2000
Phase II
2001–2005
Phase III
2006–2010
Phase IV
2011–2015
Strengthened our
financial structure by
thoroughly eliminat-
ing wastefulness, with
production reforms
playing a major role,
based on changing our
mindset with a focus
on total optimization
and profitability.
Recognized the need
for digitalization
and raised product
competitiveness by
enhancing our devel-
opment infrastructure
and reinforcing key
components.
Strove to achieve “Sound
Growth,” seeking high
growth levels by estab-
lishing new businesses
while raising the profit-
ability of existing busi-
nesses. With the global
economy plunging into
the global recession,
shifted direction towards
“improving the quality of
management.”
Tackled again the
challenge of achieving
“Sound Growth”
through timely change
in advance of changes
in the times.
Slogan:
“Aiming for the Summit:
Speed & Sound
Growth”
Next step
Phase V
2016–2020
Continued on
page 6
44
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
segment. Canon leaped to the top of the industry by wel-
67.0% at the end of 2015, which enabled us to maintain
coming Milestone Systems and Axis into the Canon Group.
our top-ten ranking for this management indicator among
The third was making Molecular Imprints a wholly owned
FORTUNE Global 500 companies.
subsidiary and accelerating the development of nanoimprint
Based on the above, it is clear that Phase IV was an
technology that will enable both the miniaturization of elec-
important period during which Canon’s business structure
tronic features and cost reductions.
began undergoing signifi cant changes as a result of efforts
In these ways, Canon has initiated a shift from B2C to
to cultivate new businesses and strengthen our manufactur-
B2B, adding new business segments to such maturing core
ing capabilities.
businesses as cameras and offi ce equipment.
As part of our effort to strengthen Canon’s manufac-
turing capabilities, we have promoted production automa-
tion. In the area of camera production in particular, we have
52
Gross Profit of Sales (%)
made steady progress in expanding the scope and variety
of automation, following the introduction of automated
assembly systems for EF lens focus units with automated
systems capable of handling basic assembly processes for
single-lens refl ex (SLR) camera bodies. These achievements
are clearly refl ected in our gross profi t ratio, which marked
a record high of 50.9% in 2015. As a result, net income
remained at a high level, recording a fi ve-year average of
over ¥230.0 billion per year. Moreover, using this income
as capital for M&A activities, we have laid the foundation
for an engine of future growth. Through rigorous cash fl ow
50
48
46
50.9
management, we achieved a shareholders’ equity ratio of
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
The Cinema EOS System combines a compact, lightweight body with
easy-to-use functions and an attractive low price is widely used in
motion picture production.
CEO Fujio Mitarai with the Board of Directors at Axis
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
5
5
Phase V (2016–2020)
accelerating the product commoditization process, which is
expected to result in competition becoming even more intense.
It is amid this business environment that we have launched
Phase V. During Phase V, under the basic policy “Embracing the
challenge of new growth through a grand strategic transforma-
2016 marks the start of Phase V, our latest fi ve-year initia-
tion,” we seek to further expand the reforms that we promoted in
tive within the Excellent Global Corporation Plan. As for the
Phase IV. In 2020, the fi nal year of Phase V, Canon aims to achieve
economic conditions on which Phase V is based, while devel-
net sales of ¥5 trillion, a cost-to-sales ratio of 45% or less, an
oped countries are expected to perform generally well, due to
operating profi t ratio of 15% or more, a net income ratio of 10%
the likelihood of a continued economic slowdown in China,
or more, and a shareholders’ equity ratio of 70% or more.
we anticipate only moderate growth overall. Meanwhile, we
In accordance with this basic policy, we will pursue the follow-
believe two new tides will bring about signifi cant changes to
ing fi ve specifi c strategies.
the structure of industry, as well as to the economy and society.
One of these is the Internet of Things (IoT) which, through
the interconnectivity of all manner of “things” across the
Internet, from appliances and automobiles to factory equip-
ment, creates new value. Responding to this change means
Strategy 1
Establish a new production system to
achieve a cost-to-sales ratio of 45%
that, even as a manufacturer, we must stop thinking in terms
As a result of continuous production reforms, we were able
of individual items and discard the notion that as long as we
to improve our cost-to-sales ratio to 49.1% in 2015. During
develop excellent products we will have no trouble selling them.
Phase V, we aim to do even better, targeting a cost-to-sales
Rather, we need to transform our business model to com-
ratio of 45%.
bine hardware, software and services, and consider the value
A key initiative toward this goal will be promoting a higher
offered by the system as a whole.
ratio of production in Japan. This shift offers the advantage
The other tide is the rise of emerging countries. With advances
of integrating design, R&D and manufacturing functions,
in the digitalization and modularization of products, many com-
allowing us to put together a competitive cost structure from
panies in emerging countries are entering the market and further
the design stage, in addition to facilitating cost reductions
Key Strategies
1
2
3
4
5
Establish a new production system to achieve
a cost-to-sales ratio of 45%
Reinforce and expand new businesses while creating
future businesses
Restructure global sales network in accordance with
market changes
Enhance R&D capabilities through open innovation
Complete the Three Regional Headquarters management
system capturing world dynamism
66
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
2020 Management Targets
Net sales
¥5 trillion
*Cost-to-sales ratio
45% or less
Operating profi t ratio
15% or more
Net income ratio
10% or more
Shareholders’ equity ratio
70% or more
(Based on exchange rates of US$1=¥125,
€1=¥135)
* Cost-to-sales ratio refers to the cost of goods
sold as a ratio of consolidated sales.
through the use of common parts and in-house production.
our energies on strengthening and expanding the new growth
Leveraging these advantages, we will position our produc-
engines that we acquired through M&A activities in such areas
tion bases in Japan as “mother factories” that mainly manu-
as commercial printing and network camera systems. In the life
facture high-end models and further adopt automation and
sciences fi eld, we seek to commercialize DNA diagnostic equip-
other advanced production engineering technologies. In addi-
ment. In this way, we are concentrating management resources
tion to boosting productivity through automated produc-
in promising growth areas and will supplement these with M&A
tion systems and adopting such next-generation technologies
activities aimed at accelerating business expansion.
as the IoT and artifi cial intelligence, we are establishing new
production systems through the combination of such power-
ful Canon manufacturing tools as Mixed Reality (MR) systems,
3D printers and machine vision. Meanwhile, our overseas
production bases will be responsible for the mass produc-
Strategy 3
Restructure global sales network in
accordance with market changes
tion of mid- and low-priced products, and we will review the
We are working to expand sales in response to the major
earnings structure of these bases and adapt accordingly to
changes that distribution markets are undergoing in the cur-
changes in such factors as labor costs, currency trends and
rent age of IT. We plan to review existing sales organizations
corporate taxes in pursuit of comprehensive cost reductions.
and accelerate a shift to omni-channel marketing that uti-
Strategy 2
Reinforce and expand new businesses while
creating future businesses
lizes the strengths of both online and brick-and-mortar sales
routes while reinforcing direct communication with custom-
ers. Furthermore, to get ahead in the IoT era, we are focused
on strengthening and expanding solutions-driven businesses
with the aim of solving issues faced by customers.
At Canon, in order to achieve sustainable growth, we are shift-
Meanwhile, with regard to regional expansion, we will
ing our focus to fi elds in which we can achieve greater growth.
swiftly develop sales networks not only in China and India,
As one of the initiatives we are undertaking toward this end, we
but also in other areas with future growth potential, such as
are creating and expanding new businesses by accelerating the
ASEAN countries and Africa, while continuing our efforts to
lateral expansion of existing businesses. We are also focusing
cultivate markets in emerging countries.
Automated processes for digital camera production have been
adopted at Oita Canon Inc. (Japan)
Digital printed packaging suitable for fl exible, small-lot production
runs of varied products with rapid turnaround times (Canon EXPO
2015 Tokyo exhibition)
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
77
Strategy 4
Enhance R&D capabilities through open
innovation
Japan, the United States and Europe. In terms of scale and
volume, however, we still have a long way to go. We will
therefore newly acquire multiple promising businesses via
M&A activities focused on Japan, the United States and
Europe while leveraging the distinctive features unique to
The pace of technological advancement gets faster with each
each region to accelerate diversifi cation. In this way, we will
passing day and, in the process, is becoming more sophis-
complete the Three Regional Headquarters management
ticated and complex. Additionally, we are seeing increased
system under which Japan, the United States and Europe
diversity in the needs of our customers, which has made it
will each roll out businesses globally.
necessary to integrate technologies from different fi elds. We
Additionally, we are working to establish a structure that
are therefore building a more open R&D structure, harvest-
will enable us to more effectively discover and cultivate com-
ing information on state-of-the-art technologies from around
petent human resources capable of managing and execut-
the world and applying it with the aim of accelerating devel-
opment processes and generating effective results. Also,
ing their duties from a global perspective. We also aim to
re-instill the entrepreneurial spirit and San-ji (Three Selfs)*
particularly in the fi eld of basic research, we are promoting col-
Spirit that have been passed down since the Company’s
laborative and sponsored research, forming a wide-reaching
inception as a foundation for new growth.
network through collaborations with universities, research insti-
In these ways, we will work in Phase V to reform all
tutions and business ventures in Japan and abroad.
aspects of development, production and sales to boost prof-
Strategy 5
Complete the Three Regional Headquarters
management system capturing world
dynamism
During Phase IV, we made strides toward realizing the Three
Regional Headquarters management system, which spans
itability while further promoting diversifi cation and the cul-
tivation of new businesses. In doing so, we will overcome
changes in the market environment and transform ourselves
into an all-new Canon to realize new growth.
* San-ji, or the Three Selfs, are: self-motivation (taking the initiative and
being proactive in all things), self-management (conducting oneself with
responsibility and accountability), and self-awareness (understanding
one’s situation and role in all situations).
New Canon ecommerce sites in Europe allow customers to purchase
products and access services direct from Canon online.
Research on ultra-miniature endoscopes at Healthcare Optics
Research Lab. (Massachusetts, United States)
88
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Key Challenges for 2016
In Conclusion
Under the theme “Taking a decisive fi rst step toward trans-
We live in a constantly changing world and will likely
formation,” we will pursue six key challenges in 2016, the
encounter unexpected events. At Canon, however, we are
inaugural year of Phase V.
already steadily laying the groundwork for our leading-edge
The fi rst of these is to draft and implement plans to
industries. We will carry out Phase V of our Excellent Global
revitalize existing businesses. We will again carry out
Corporation Plan with fi rm resolve, undaunted by the speed
drastic cost-cutting while working to revitalize businesses,
or power of any waves of change we may face, in order to
swiftly launching future products that were exhibited at
realize new growth for Canon as a global corporate group.
Canon EXPO 2015.*
We look forward to your continued understanding
The second is to rapidly expand new businesses. In
and support.
the large-scale business segments on which Canon’s future
will rely, such as commercial printing and network cameras,
we will work to speed up their expansion and deployment.
Our third challenge is to accelerate efforts aimed at
reducing the cost-to-sales ratio. We will continue to
investigate optimal locations for production bases tak-
ing into account such various factors as currency exchange
rates, taxation systems, workforce and logistics while work-
ing to accelerate cost reductions at every step, including the
product-development stage.
The fourth is to boost sales productivity through mar-
keting reforms. We will accelerate efforts to address
global growth in e-commerce and work to reinforce our
solutions business.
The fi fth is to improve R&D productivity through
selection and concentration. Through a process of deci-
sive selection and concentration applied to development
themes, we will boost R&D productivity, particularly
software development.
Lastly, we will promote the cultivation of global
human resources. Creating a structure that will enable
us to discover talented individuals throughout the Canon
Group, we will cultivate globally competent human
resources capable of performing their duties while maintain-
ing a global perspective.
* A traveling private exhibition held in four countries once every five
years that showcases Canon Group products and technologies.
Fujio Mitarai
Chairman & CEO
Canon Inc.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
99
G R O W T H S T R AT E G Y
Canon network cameras play an important role in ensuring safety at the aircraft maintenance centers of airlines. (JAL Engineering Co., Ltd., Japan)
New growth engines
acquired through M&A
activities are entering a
full-scale growth phase
with a focus on B2B
businesses.
Canon is working to nurture new businesses, along with revi-
talizing existing ones. With a focus on B2B businesses, where
market growth is highly anticipated and stable profi ts can be
expected, we have directed our efforts to new business fi elds
where we can make use of Canon’s optical and image pro-
cessing technologies to maintain competitiveness after mar-
ket entry, along with M&A activities. The drivers of Canon’s
growth strategy are the commercial printing business, which
has stepped up cooperation with Océ, and the network camera
business, where Milestone and Axis have joined the Group.
10
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Commercial Printing Business
In offi ce equipment, Canon aims for stable growth in the
Network Camera Business
Amid growing needs for security and safety globally, the net-
medium term, having identifi ed a shift to color models as a
work camera market is undergoing a rapid shift from analog
growth driver. Yet we also recognize a risk of market shrink-
to digital in concert with advancement in digital technology
age in the long term, and so we have worked to cultivate
and the network environment. The market including solu-
new businesses where Canon’s technologies can be used to
tion is projected to grow at a rate of nearly 20% per year and
full advantage.
reach ¥3 trillion by 2018, propelled by the spread of cloud ser-
Offset printing has traditionally dominated the commer-
vices and advances in big data processing, along with expected
cial printing market for publications such as books, newspa-
expansion in software and solutions. Canon, with its strengths
pers, catalogues, and posters. However, digital printing, with
in optical, sensor, and image-processing technologies, has
its advantages in terms of lead time and cost, is growing year
set its sights on the network camera market, welcoming two
by year amid an increasing trend toward fl exible, low-vol-
top fi rms in this space to the Group through M&A activities.
ume printing on varied materials. In addition, we can expect
Milestone, the world’s foremost provider of video management
demand for consumables to be generated by the enormous
software, was the fi rst, joining the Group in 2014. It was
volume of printing. Canon therefore added Océ to the Group
followed in 2015 by Axis, the market leader in network
in 2010, an acquisition that brought with it Océ’s more than
camera with outstanding communication technologies and
130 years of history as well as industry-leading technologies
more than 80,000 business partners worldwide. Canon, Axis,
including ultra-fast printing technology and software to keep
and Milestone will work together to generate synergies and
productivity high. Integration of Océ has enabled Canon to
forge the market’s strongest lineup while working to create
prepare a lineup ranging from copying machines, laser printers,
products in new business segments. In addition, we will fully
and inkjet printers to commercial printing equipment.
harness the management resources of all three companies to
Amid accelerating growth in digital commercial printing,
accelerate business growth.
Canon will take aggressive action in growth fi elds through mea-
sures such as enhancing its lineup of printers capable of han-
dling a wide range of materials including plastic and metal.
World Market for Video Surveillance (Millions of U.S. dollars)
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
A high-speed continuous feed printer at Océ Customer Experience
Center. (Poing, Germany)
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Network Video Surveillance Analog Video Surveillance
Source: IHS Technology
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
11
AT A G L A N C E
Business Units
Main Products
OFFICE
BUSINESS UNIT
Office Multifunction Devices (MFDs)
Digital Production Printing Systems
Laser Multifunction Printers (MFPs)
High Speed Continuous Feed Printers
IMAGING
SYSTEM
BUSINESS UNIT
Interchangeable Lens Digital Cameras
Digital Cinema Cameras
Inkjet Printers
Multimedia Projectors
INDUSTRY AND
OTHERS
BUSINESS UNIT
Semiconductor Lithography Equipment
Digital Radiography Systems
Flat Panel Display (FPD) Lithography Equipment
Network Cameras
12
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
• Office Multifunction Devices
(MFDs)
• Laser Multifunction Printers
(MFPs)
• Laser Printers
• Digital Production Printing
Systems
• High Speed Continuous Feed
Printers
• Wide-Format Printers
• Document Solutions
• Interchangeable Lens Digital
Cameras
• Digital Compact Cameras
• Digital Camcorders
• Digital Cinema Cameras
• Interchangeable Lenses
• Compact Photo Printers
• Inkjet Printers
• Large-Format Inkjet Printers
• Commercial Photo Printers
• Image Scanners
• Multimedia Projectors
• Broadcast Equipment
• Calculators
• Semiconductor Lithography
Equipment
• Flat Panel Display (FPD)
Lithography Equipment
• Digital Radiography Systems
• Ophthalmic Equipment
• Vacuum Thin-Film Deposition
Equipment
• Organic LED (OLED) Panel
Manufacturing Equipment
• Die Bonders
• Micromotors
• Network Cameras
• Handy Terminals
• Document Scanners
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Outline
Composition of Sales (%)
Net Sales (Billions of yen)
In this segment, Canon offers a comprehen-
sive range of multifunction devices (MFDs),
printers, and other equipment featuring high
image quality, high resolution, and high speed.
Leveraging these products, Canon works in
close collaboration with various Group com-
panies and alliance partners to deliver opti-
mal solutions tailored to match the customer’s
business operations. These include various
document solutions, such as offi ce document
management and the output of records. At
the same time, the Company provides top-
quality services and support in a swift and reli-
able manner.
Canon’s offerings in this segment include digi-
tal cameras, digital camcorders, digital cinema
cameras, interchangeable lenses, inkjet print-
ers, and calculators. Canon’s digital cameras,
digital camcorders and digital cinema cameras,
designed to deliver unparalleled image qual-
ity, have earned particularly high acclaim world-
wide, 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-pro-
cessing 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 semiconductor lithography equipment and
fl at panel display (FPD) lithography equipment.
In addition, Canon is focusing on the medi-
cal equipment fi eld—one of its next generation
core businesses. The Company is aggressively
promoting sales of its cutting-edge digital radi-
ography systems and ophthalmic equipment,
which employ Canon’s highly regarded medical
imaging technologies.
55.5%
33.3%
13.8%
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
1,500
1,000
500
0
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014 2015
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.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
13
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.
Net Sales (Billions of yen)
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Digital production printing system
imagePRESS C800/C700
14
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
2015 Review
With regard to offi ce multifunction devices (MFDs), sales of
for monochrome devices.
These factors, combined with the positive effect of favorable
monochrome models decreased in China and other regions, as
currency exchange rates, resulted in consolidated sales for the busi-
the recent ongoing shift in demand from monochrome to color
ness unit totaling ¥2,110.8 billion, up 1.5% from the previous year.
models progressed further. Meanwhile, in color models, Canon
launched the compact-body imageRUNNER ADVANCE C3300
series, which features well-balanced image quality, user-friend-
2016 Initiatives
While sales of offi ce MFDs are growing due to augmenta-
liness, productivity, and cost-performance. The new models
tion of its color model lineup amid the increasing shift to color
saw steady sales growth around the world, especially in Japan,
machines, Canon will also actively introduce strategic new prod-
Europe, and the United States. Also in color models, sales of the
ucts in its monochrome models in 2016. At the same time, we
imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5200 series were steady, mainly in
will focus on products for which demand for consumables is
Europe and the United States. As a result, sales of offi ce MFDs,
anticipated, such as high-speed MFDs that meet the need for
an aggregate that combines monochrome and color models,
high-volume output and printers that can provide high-speed
were up slightly from 2014.
business form output from core systems. Regarding solutions,
In digital production printing systems, the imagePRESS C800/
we will roll out services we have built up in each region through
C700 series sold well worldwide, signifi cantly boosting Canon’s
M&A activities to the rest of the world, thereby increasing sales
share of unit sales in the light production market targeted by the
for the entire business.
series. In addition, in the high-end market, the Océ VarioPrint
Canon will further strengthen its lineup of laser printers. For
6000 series performed steadily, particularly in Europe, and sales
example, we will work to recover sales by enhancing our lineup
of the Océ VarioPrint i300, Océ’s fi rst high-speed, sheet-fed color
of single-function printers (SFPs) aimed at emerging markets.
inkjet press, got off to a favorable start. Overall sales for digital
Continued growth is expected in the commercial printing
production printing systems surpassed 2014 results.
market. Canon will strive to expand sales of new products, as
With regard to laser multifunction printers (MFPs) and laser
well as traditional continuous-feed printers and wide-format
printers, sales fell below 2014 levels, due to the impact of vari-
printers, aiming for an increase in consumables generated by
ous factors, including shrinking markets in emerging countries
enormous printing volume.
such as China and Russia, as well as a global decrease in demand
Offi ce multifunction device
imageRUNNER ADVANCE C3300 series
Digital production printing system Océ VarioPrint i300
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
15
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
The Cinema EOS System revolutionized the motion picture production industry and has a strong presence. Through high resolution and
an expressive color gamut, Canon is developing 8K cameras and lenses that can create images so vivid they seem to come alive on screen.
Net Sales (Billions of yen)
1,500
1,000
500
0
16
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Interchangeable lens digital camera
EOS 5DS/5DS R
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015 STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
2015 Review
Although overall unit sales of interchangeable lens digital cameras
Unit sales of large-format inkjet printers remained at the same
level as the previous year, and sales of consumables grew steadily
declined due to the impact of the economic slowdowns in China
with an increase in the number of units in operation.
and Russia, signs of recovery began to appear in Japan and the
As a result, consolidated sales in this business unit stood at
United States. Amid such circumstances, Canon launched the EOS
¥1,263.8 billion, down 5.9% from the previous year.
5DS and EOS 5DS R digital SLR cameras, which boast the highest-
ever resolution for EOS models, as well as the EOS M3 and EOS
M10 non-refl ex cameras, thereby maintaining the No. 1 share in
2016 Initiatives
In interchangeable lens digital cameras, Canon will strengthen
unit sales worldwide of interchangeable lens digital cameras.
its high-end models through technological evolution befi tting
As for digital compact cameras, unit sales declined as the
an Olympic year, in order to stimulate replacement demand
market continued to contract amid the growing proliferation of
among professionals and advanced amateurs. In digital com-
smartphones. However, Canon raised its sales ratio for high-end
pact cameras, we will concentrate on the high-end models that
products such as the PowerShot G5 X.
are performing well, in an effort to improve profi tability. We will
The Cinema EOS System of digital cinema cameras, which are
also expand our business domains, not only in the consumer
aimed at the motion picture production industry, sold well, partic-
camera market, but also in the B2B fi eld, as exemplifi ed by the
ularly the new EOS C300 Mark II.
Cinema EOS System.
Sales of broadcasting equipment were solid, backed by con-
In inkjet printers, we will expand sales by augmenting our
tinuing demand for models designed for sports broadcasting and
product lineup for emerging countries, such as the large-capacity
for HDTV format equipment in China and other countries. The
ink tank models launched at the end of last year, to meet the
CN20x50 IAS H, a new zoom lens for 4K cameras equipped with
diversifi ed needs of emerging markets in Asia and elsewhere.
large-format sensors, was also well received.
In addition, we will bolster sales of business products such as
As for inkjet printers, although Canon has been working to
the MAXIFY series and large-format inkjet printers, as well as
expand sales through its broad product lineup, which ranges from
the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, a new product aimed at pro-
home-use printers to MAXIFY-series business models, unit sales
fessional photographers that offers advanced image quality
were lower than in 2014 due to shrinking markets, primarily in
and high productivity. This will also lead to an increase in the
Asia. In contrast, sales of consumables enjoyed solid demand.
sales of consumables.
Interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series
Inkjet printer
imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
17
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 has accelerated development of next-generation semiconductor lithography equipment using nanoimprint technology with
sub-20-nanometer high-resolution processes. With the aim of a commercial launch soon, Canon seeks to solidify its position in the fi eld of
semiconductor lithography equipment.
Net Sales (Billions of yen)
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Semiconductor lithography equipment FPA-5550iZ
18
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
2015 Review
In the business of semiconductor lithography equipment,
(OLED) panel manufacturing equipment made by Canon Tokki
Corporation, and factory automation (FA) systems and semicon-
sales were steady for the FPA-5550iZ i-line steppers and for
ductor manufacturing equipment made by Canon Machinery Inc.
FPA-6300ES6a KrF scanners, which feature high productiv-
grew as a result of increased capital investments by customers.
ity. This refl ects strong capital investment for the manufactur-
As a result of these factors, along with the impact of the
ing of memory devices in response to growing demand for
new consolidation of Axis, consolidated sales for this business
mobile devices such as smartphones and for cloud servers.
unit increased 31.6% year on year, to ¥524.7 billion.
Furthermore, lithography equipment designed for manufac-
turing power semiconductors and LEDs also saw considerable
sales growth. As for fl at panel display (FPD) lithography equip-
2016 Initiatives
In the lithography equipment market, capital investment is
ment, sales grew signifi cantly for equipment used in the fabri-
expected to remain strong. In semiconductor lithography equip-
cation of large-sized panels such as the MPAsp-H800 series on
ment, unit sales are expected to surpass those of the previous
a boost from growth in capital investment for manufacturing
year, backed by a continued high market share for i-line step-
large-sized panels.
pers and an expanded share for KrF scanners, which feature the
In the medical equipment fi eld, our digital radiography busi-
industry’s highest levels of productivity and overlay accuracy. FPD
ness faced price pressure by competition, but the release of
lithography equipment sales are expected to grow sharply on
high-value-added software bolstered its competitiveness, and
further growth in unit sales of high-defi nition mid- and small-
new non-mydriatic fundus cameras supported ophthalmic
size panels, and OLED panel manufacturing equipment sales are
equipment sales.
also expected to expand rapidly. Canon will continue to promote
In network cameras, sales signifi cantly increased compared
the development of next-generation semiconductor lithogra-
to 2014 as a result of major reinforcements to Canon’s product
phy equipments employing nanoimprint technology, which was
lineup in response to rising concerns about security and safety and
acquired through M&A in 2014, targeted at the leading-edge
diversifi cation of use. The business was further strengthened by
high-resolution patterning segment in semiconductors.
the addition to the Group of Axis, the global leader in the network
Growth is also expected to continue in the network camera
camera market. Sales of document scanners manufactured by
market. Through a fusion of Canon’s imaging technology, Axis’s
Canon Electronics Inc. remained at the same level as the previous
network technology, and Milestone’s video management soft-
year overall, as sales growth in Europe and Asia offset a drop in
ware, we aim at further business expansion by providing the
the United States. Sales of semiconductor fi lm deposition equip-
most advanced network video solutions.
ment manufactured by Canon ANELVA Corporation, organic LED
Network cameras
VB-R11, VB-M741LE, and VB-M641VE
Organic LED (OLED) panel manufacturing equipment
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
19
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 shareholders’ value and
become a truly excellent
global corporation.
Basic Policy
In order to establish a sound corporate governance structure
and continuously raise corporate value, Canon believes that it is
essential to improve management transparency and strengthen
functions to supervise and monitor management. In this
respect, a sense of ethics and mission held by each executive
director and employee is very important for the Company.
Representative Directors, Directors,
and Board of Directors
The Board of Directors makes decisions on matters prescribed
in the Companies Act, including a policy for establishing sys-
tems necessary to ensure the properness of operations (a basic
20
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
policy for an internal control system) and other important man-
Chief Operating Offi cer (COO) manages the Group’s businesses
agement matters. Furthermore, the Board receives reports on
under the policies set by the CEO and serves as the president
a regular basis and otherwise as necessary on the execution of
of the Company. The Chief Financial Offi cer (CFO) oversees the
operations by representative directors and executive offi cers
Group’s fi nancial matters, and the Chief Technical Offi cer (CTO)
under the direction of the representative directors and it over-
oversees technology and R&D.
sees the execution of these operations.
As of April 1, 2016, there will be 37 Executive Offi cers,
As of fi scal 2015, the Board of Directors consisted of 17
including two women and two with foreign citizenship.
directors. However, it was resolved at the 115th Ordinary
General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 30, 2016 to
change to a structure with a total of six directors, compris-
ing four directors from Canon career veterans and two outside
directors who are independent directors*.
Executive offi cers are responsible for the execution of oper-
ations as a group executive or chief executive in charge of one
or more of the Company’s main operations. Meanwhile, the
Board of Directors consists of representative directors with years
of experience at the Company who manage multiple divisions
*Independent directors: Stock exchanges in Japan require listed com-
panies 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 inter-
ests with regular shareholders. 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 inde-
pendent directors.
Corporate Strategy Committee,
Risk Management Committee, and
Disclosure Committee
The Corporate Strategy Committee, consisting of
and functions, along with independent outside directors who
Representative Directors and some Executive Offi cers, functions
have impartial perspectives on management that would differ
as an advisory body to the CEO. Among items to be decided
from those of Canon career veterans. With this compact Board,
by the CEO, the Committee undertakes prior deliberations
Canon aims to speed up its management via a rigorous system
on important matters pertaining to Canon Group strategies.
centered on decision-making from a high-level, all-around per-
Outside directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board mem-
spective and oversight of execution of operations.
bers attend the Corporate Strategy Committee meetings and
The responsibilities of the four representative directors are
proffer their opinions.
divided as follows. The Chief Executive Offi cer (CEO) is responsi-
Based on its policy on establishment of an internal control
ble for overall management of the Group as a whole, while the
system, the Company set up the Risk Management Committee,
Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members (as of April 1, 2016)
Representative Director
Chairman & CEO
Fujio Mitarai
Representative Director
President & COO
Masaya Maeda
Representative Director
Executive Vice President & CFO
Toshizo Tanaka
Group Executive of Human Resources Management &
Organization Headquarters
Representative Director
Senior Managing Director & CTO
Shigeyuki Matsumoto
Group Executive of R&D Headquarters
Directors
Kunitaro Saida (Outside)
Attorney
Haruhiko Kato (Outside)
President & CEO of Japan Securities Depository
Center, Incorporated
Audit & Supervisory Board Members
Makoto Araki
Kazuto Ono
Tadashi Ohe (Outside)
Osami Yoshida (Outside)
Kuniyoshi Kitamura (Outside)
Note: Although this annual report is for FY2015, the above list of Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members is as of April 1, 2016.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
21
Governance Structure (as of March 30, 2016)
General Meeting of Shareholders
Elect/Dismiss
Board of Directors
6 Members
(Includes 2 Outside Members)
Audit
Elect/Dismiss
Elect/Dismiss
Audit & Supervisory Board
5 Members
(Includes 3 Outside Members)
Elect/Dismiss
Approve/Supervise
Report
Audit
Representative Directors
CEO, COO, CFO, CTO
Consult
Corporate Strategy Committee
Representative Directors and
Executive Officers with direct control of
an organizational division
Cooperation
Cooperation
Accounting Auditor
(Audit Firm)
Report
Instruct/Order
Approve/Supervise
Report
Report
Risk Management Committee
Financial Risk Management
Subcommittee
Compliance Subcommittee
Business Risk Management
Subcommittee
Report
Disclosure Committee
Report
Cooperation
Financial
Audit
Cooperation
Corporate Audit Center
Internal Audit
Report
Executive Officers and each General Manager
Execution of the operations of the company
which formulates policy and action proposals for improvement
deliberations on information disclosure, including content and
of the risk management system in the Canon Group under
timing, to ensure timely and accurate disclosure of important
decisions of the Board of Directors. The Risk Management
company information.
Committee consists of three entities: the Financial Risk
Management Subcommittee, which improves systems on the
credibility of fi nancial reporting; the Compliance Subcommittee,
Audit & Supervisory Board
Canon is a “Company with an Audit & Supervisory Board.” The
which ensures thorough implementation of corporate eth-
Board consists of fi ve members, three of which are independent
ics and improves legal compliance systems; the Business Risk
outside Audit & Supervisory Board members. In accordance
Management Subcommittee, which improves systems prepared
with auditing policies and plans decided at Audit & Supervisory
for overall business risks, including insuffi cient product qual-
Board meetings, members of the Audit & Supervisory Board
ity and information leakage. The Risk Management Committee
attend Board of Directors meetings, Corporate Strategy
verifi es the risk management system and reports the status to
Committee meetings, and other relevant meetings, while
the CEO and the Board of Directors.
receiving verbal reports from directors, reviewing important
In addition, the Disclosure Committee undertakes
approval documents, and examining the business and fi nancial
22
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
asset statuses of the Company and its subsidiaries. In these
ways, the Audit & Supervisory Board meticulously checks direc-
Compliance
Shortly after its founding, Canon established the San-Ji or the
tors’ and others’ execution of the company operations, includ-
Three Selfs, are: self-motivation (taking the initiative and being
ing establishment and operation of the internal control system,
proactive in all things), self-management (conducting one-
thus is fulfi lling a management oversight function. The Board
self with responsibility and accountability), and self-aware-
also works in close alliance with the Internal Audit Division and
ness (understanding one’s situation and role in all situations),
the accounting auditors to improve the effi cacy of monitoring.
or understanding one’s situation and role in it. In 2001, Canon
Internal Audit Division
The Corporate Audit Center, with about 70 members, is the
Company’s internal auditing arm. It conducts audits and eval-
uations and provides guidance on all operations and sectors
without exception, including those of Group companies, from
established the Canon Group Code of Conduct, inspired by the
above Three Selfs, and each Group company makes efforts to
enforce the Code.
Countering Antisocial Forces
Canon has a basic policy prohibiting relationships of any kind
various perspectives, such as business effi cacy and effi ciency,
with antisocial forces that represent a threat to social order and
compliance, and information security. Audit results are reported
security. To uphold this basic policy, Canon has established a
to the CEO and Audit & Supervisory Board and complement
department dedicated to activities aimed at countering such
audits conducted by members of that board.
parties while reinforcing cooperative ties with applicable pub-
lic authorities. In addition, Canon’s Employment Regulations
Accounting Auditor
The Company has an auditing service contract with its indepen-
include a clause prohibiting such relationships, and the
Company continues to step up efforts to ensure strict
dent auditor, Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC, to audit its fi nancial
employee adherence.
statements. To check the validity of the audits, the Company’s
Audit & Supervisory Board members receive detailed explanations
from the accounting auditors about the quality management sys-
tem regarding audits.
Risk Management
As Canon expands its business on a global scale, business and
other risks to which it may be exposed continue to diversify. In
With the aim of monitoring the independence of the account-
accordance with policies of its Risk Management Committee,
ing auditors, the Company introduced a prior approval system by
Canon calculates and investigates conceivable risks across the
the Audit & Supervisory Board for contents of auditing and other
entire Group. Canon also strives to prevent or minimize the
service contracts and relevant fees. Based on “policies and pro-
emergence of risk by formulating company regulations and
cedures of the prior approval for both auditing and non-auditing
other rules and conducting employee education.
services,” each contract is closely reviewed for prior approval.
San-ji, or the Three Selfs, are: self-motivation (taking the initiative
and being proactive in all things), self-management (conducting
oneself with responsibility and accountability), and self-awareness
(understanding one’s situation and role in all situations). (calligraphy
by Canon’s fi rst president, Takeshi Mitarai)
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
23
R E S E A R C H & D E V E L O P M E N T
Driving new dye ink R&D with a database of over 10,000 dye varieties, Canon pursues molecular structures that improve dye ink durability (light sta-
bility) via original designs.
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.
24
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
2015 Top Ten U.S. Patent Holders by Company
7,355
5,072
4,134
IBM*
Samsung
Electronics
CANON
Qualcomm
Google
Toshiba
Sony
2,900
2,835
2,627
2,455
LG Electronics
2,242
Intel
Microsoft
2,048
1,956
*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
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Strengthening Our Global R&D
Structure
Pursuing globalized diversifi cation of its operations in the
Initiatives to Establish New Businesses
Taking a long-term standpoint, Canon is concentrating on pre-
competitive fi elds where the seeds of new technologies for the
fi eld of R&D, Canon has established the foundation of the
future are discovered. At the same time, the Company is continu-
Three Regional Headquarters management system that leads
ally bolstering R&D activities centered on key parts and key devices
to new businesses emerging from Japan, the United States,
in order to enhance the competitiveness of its products. With
and Europe.
regard to CMOS sensors employed in interchangeable lens digital
For example, in the United States, Canon U.S. Life Sciences,
cameras and digital cinema cameras, in 2015, a prototype camera
Inc. is making steady progress in genetic testing systems, while
equipped with a newly developed approximately 250-megapixel
Healthcare Optics Research Laboratory is steadily advancing
sensor succeeded in capturing images of the lettering printed on
research on ultra-miniature endoscopes and medical robotics.
the body of an aircraft fl ying roughly 18 kilometers away. By rais-
In Europe, we are reinforcing R&D in business fi elds mainly in
ing the performance levels of CMOS sensors to their fullest extent,
printing solutions centered on Océ, as well as making further
we are developing sensors applicable to functions in such areas as
use of existing R&D centers to advance R&D in new fi elds.
astronomical and nature observation, medical research, aviation,
and surveillance and security. We are also promoting businesses of
R&D Expenses and Patents
Canon is bolstering R&D activities to enable the ongoing devel-
CMOS sensor components.
In addition, by integrating Canon’s material appear-
opment of innovative products and services. In the year under
ance acquisition and image-processing technologies with
review, R&D expenses amounted to ¥328.5 billion, up 6.3%,
Océ’s elevated printing technology using UV-curable print-
or ¥19.5 billion, from the previous year. The ratio of R&D
ers, Canon is working on the development of technology to
expenses to net sales was 8.6%. This focus on R&D activi-
faithfully reproduce material appearance characteristics of
ties has cemented Canon’s high status in the fi eld of intellec-
the original object, such as glossiness, surface contours, and
tual property. In 2015, Canon was granted 4,134 patents in the
transparency, with a printer. We will aim to expand its appli-
United States, ranking it third in the world and the top ranked
cation in such areas as wallpaper and other interior design
Japanese company for an eleventh consecutive year.
materials, and product packaging.
A wide-view picture (left-hand side) taken
with a 250-megapixel CMOS-sensor-equipped camera;
a digitally magnifi ed close-up of a guide sign
near an overpass in the high-resolution picture.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
25
P R O D U C T I O N
At Canon, employees with exceptional work skills are certifi ed as a “Meister” (a multi-skilled worker). As participants in developing production
equipment and reviewing designs, they are indispensible to advancing productivity improvement efforts in Japan. An S-grade Meister assembles a
digital production system. (Toride Plant, Japan)
In addition to establishing a
Belief in “Internal Production”
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.
Man-Machine Cell
In-House Production
Automation
(cid:129) Production Efficiency
Improvement
(cid:129) Cost Reduction from
Design Phase
(cid:129) Lead Time Reduction
(cid:129) Cost Reduction
(cid:129) Product
Differentiation
(cid:129) Technology
Protection
(cid:129) Production
Efficiency
Improvement
(cid:129) Localized Production
(cid:129) Production Flexibility
(cid:129) Lead Time Reduction
(cid:129) Quality Improvement
Internal Production
26
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Establishing a Globally Optimized
Production System
Canon aims to establish a globally optimized production system
between Japan and Asia, allocating mass production of mid-
range and low-priced products to our Asian production sites in
China, Thailand, the Philippines and other countries.
that identifi es the most suitable locations for the production
In the Americas and Europe, Canon is making use of auto-
of individual products based on a comprehensive assessment
mated production systems to implement localized production
of various considerations. These factors include cost, taxation,
mainly of consumables such as toner cartridges, with the aim of
logistics, the ease of parts procurement, and the workforce in
shortening distances to markets in order to deliver products in
each country and region.
a timely manner, while reducing transportation costs and inven-
As one of its specifi c efforts in that regard, Canon will make
tory in transit.
its Japanese production sites “mother plants” that produce
mainly high-end models, harnessing the full-suite of strengths
in Japan from R&D and procurement operations to production
engineering technologies and manufacturing facilities. As we
Environmental Friendly Manufacturing;
Enhanced Product Quality
Canon actively seeks to prioritize purchases of environmen-
are bringing production back to Japan, the ratio of manufac-
tally conscious parts and materials as well as shift to transpor-
turing in Japan will increase to 60% over the next three years
tation modes that have minimal environmental impact. We
or so. At home, Canon will further improve productivity by
also focus on manufacturing initiatives that are friendly to the
enhancing its production engineering technology through ini-
global environment.
tiatives such as “man-machine cell” production systems that
The consolidation of the Quality Management Headquarters,
integrate manual and automated processes; in-house produc-
which had been split across fi ve sites, in the Tamagawa Offi ce as
tion, where Canon develops and produces its own parts and
a way to improve quality was completed in 2015. With this, we
materials as well as manufacturing equipment; and expansion
have centralized the contact points dealing with consultations and
of the fi elds where automation technologies such as the Canon-
requests related to quality, and this is expected to increase the pro-
developed Super Machine Vision are employed. Such efforts will
cessing speed of support for businesses. In conjunction with this,
accelerate the return of production to Japan.
we put into place an even stronger quality system by introducing
Meanwhile, we are moving ahead with functional specialization
cutting-edge facilities and facilities to handle large products.
In-house production: Canon-developed fi xing belts for copiers are
produced in Japan. (Toride Plant)
Semi-anechoic chamber: the new large-scale semi-anechoic cham-
ber is for measuring electromagnetic waves emitted by products.
(Tamagawa Offi ce, Japan)
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
27
S A L E S & M A R K E T I N G
Canon EXPO exhibitions introducing the Group’s vision and values for the future were held in New York, Paris, and Tokyo in 2015. (Giant photo
prints of Yankee Stadium were stitched together to recreate a baseball stadium backdrop for Canon EXPO 2015 New York.)
Canon reinforces its sales
and marketing capabilities
by providing innovative
products and advanced
solutions tailored to meet
the characteristics of each
region.
Composition of Sales by Region
Asia and Oceania
22.8%
¥867.2 billion
Net Sales
¥3,800.3
billion
Japan
18.8%
¥714.3 billion
The Americas
30.1%
¥1,144.4 billion
Europe
28.3%
¥1,074.4 billion
28
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Japan
Sales in Japan amounted to ¥714.3 billion, or 18.8% of consoli-
slogan, “Canon See Impossible,” received high marks from
many stakeholders.
dated net sales.
In the market for consumer products, challenging conditions
carried over from the previous year amid a prolonged slump in
Europe (Europe, Middle East, Africa)
Sales in Europe amounted to ¥1,074.4 billion, or 28.3% of
personal consumption. Nevertheless, Canon maintained top
consolidated net sales.
market shares in both camera products and inkjet printers, by
Canon increased market share while focusing on develop-
introducing various new products and implementing various
ing new opportunities for growth, including entering the 3D
sales promotion activities.
printing market. Strategic acquisitions of Integra Document
As for the B2B fi eld, within the IT solutions segment, Canon’s
Management in Italy and Lifecake in UK also drove growth
main business of individual system development performed strongly
in solutions and services for both businesses and consumers.
amid strong investment, mainly among fi nancial institutions. In
Canon strengthened its sales and marketing through a very
addition, growing demand for security led to greater investment
successful Canon EXPO 2015 in Paris, launching new Canon
by companies, resulting in an increase in sales in the fi elds of
ecommerce sites for consumer products and forming a new
computer software and peripherals, and surveillance cameras.
sales organization in Central and North Africa.
The Americas
Sales in the Americas amounted to ¥1,144.4 billion, or 30.1%
Asia and Oceania
Sales in Asia and Oceania amounted to ¥867.2 billion or 22.8%
of consolidated net sales.
of consolidated net sales.
Canon Americas is making steady progress toward a regional
In China, Canon added a Northwest branch and a Northeast
headquarters with development, manufacturing, and sales
branch, creating a six-branch system that is able to respond more
functions under our Three Regional Headquarters management
swiftly and precisely to market needs. In India, we opened a techni-
system. In particular, Canon BioMedical, Inc., established in
cal training center and worked to train and develop sales personnel
2015 as a crucial fi rst step in that endeavor, is the fi rst new
in the production printing systems business. Furthermore, we hold
business launched at Canon Americas since it assumed
a unique photo contest called the Canon PhotoMarathon every
headquarters functions. Canon BioMedical is responsible for
year in the region, with the aim of promoting the culture of pho-
development, manufacturing, and marketing of genetic
tography and increasing the number of camera users.
testing systems based on life science technologies cultivated in
In Australia, Harbour IT Pty. Ltd., a leading IT managed services
the United States.
provider acquired by Canon in 2014, contributed to an increase in
Canon EXPO 2015 in New York, featuring the common
overall sales.
Canon acquired Lifecake the U K company behind the popular
Canon acquired Lifecake, the U.K. company behind the popular
Lifecake photo-sharing app for families to store, organize, and share
memories of their children.
Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore 2015 welcomed 2,600 partici-
pants, many of them photo enthusiasts in their twenties.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
29
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
The “Silk Road Intangible Heritage Culture Protection Project” that Canon (China) Co., Ltd. has led since 2014 has striven to preserve that era’s
cultural heritage using Canon imaging technologies. (A Buddhist priest prepares for spring amid falling snow at Da Xingshan Shrine, near the
birthplace of Chinese Esoteric Buddhism.)
Guided by its kyosei (“living
Closed-loop Recycling
and working together for the
Used toner
cartridges
common good”) philosophy,
Canon is promoting CSR
activities with the aim of
becoming a truly excellent
corporation that is admired
Use of toner
cartridges
and respected the world over.
New toner
cartridges
Closed
Loop
Recycle
Reuse for
toner cartridges
Materials recycling
Collection of used
toner cartridges
Recycled at
Canon
Thermal recycling
(reused as heat source)
Canon
recycling sites
in the world
Material recycling
(reused as material for
other applications)
30
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Canon’s Basic Approach to CSR
Canon recognizes that its corporate activities are supported by
porting Yellowstone National Park in 1995 and Acadia National
Park in 2013. Canon imaging equipment is used to observe wild-
the development of society as a whole, and contributes to the
life, create video libraries and support communication activities.
realization of a better society as a good corporate citizen, effec-
tively leveraging its advanced technological strengths, global
business deployment, and diverse, specialized human resources.
Environmental Activities
Renewed Automated Toner Cartridge
Social Contribution Activities
Canon conducts wide-ranging social contribution activities in
various parts of the world to help create a better society.
Canon Foundation Announces Sixth Grant
Recycling System Starts Operations
Program Recipients
Canon has been promoting its toner cartridge recycling pro-
The Canon Foundation aims to contribute to the ongo-
gram since 1990, as it pursues ideal recycling for resource cir-
ing prosperity and well-being of mankind. It has offered two
culation. We also began the closed-loop recycling process* in
research grant programs, known as the Creation of Industrial
1992, and new toner cartridges using recycled parts and plastics
Infrastructure grant and Pursuit of Ideals grant. In 2015, 15
are being sold worldwide. Furthermore, our CARS-T** system
projects were selected for the sixth research grant program.
commenced operations in 2015 at Canon Ecology Industry Inc.,
our recycling hub in Japan, as a completely retooled system with
The Tsuzuri Project
an automated toner cartridge recycling process.
Canon and the non-profi t organization Kyoto Culture Association
*Materials obtained from Canon products collected from the market are
reused repeatedly in Canon products and parts with the same quality
standards as new products.
**CARS-T: Canon Automated Recycling System for Toner Cartridge
jointly promote a project called the “Tsuzuri Project” (Offi cial 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 facsimi-
Conservation Activities at National Parks in the
les are created by blending Canon’s latest digital technology and
United States
traditional Japanese crafts, such as gold leaf craftwork. As a result
Canon U.S.A. continues to provide support for environmental pro-
of the project, original cultural assets can be kept in the more
tection activities in U.S. national parks. The company began sup-
favorable environment of museums while facsimiles can be used
CARS-T realizes a much higher throughput in recycled plastic volumes
and a higher degree of purity in recycled plastics.
A high-resolution reproduction of the “Dragon and Clouds” (Unryu
Zu) painting has been donated to Japan’s Tenryuji Temple; the orig-
inal is housed in the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
31
for educational purposes and public exhibits. Since the program
began in 2007, the cumulative total of reproduced and donated
Addressing the Issue of Confl ict Minerals
Seeking to ensure that customers can use Canon products
items has reached 33 (as of March 2016).
with peace of mind, the Canon Group addresses the issue of
confl ict minerals.
The Silk Road Intangible Heritage Culture
Canon has been conducting full-scale investigations target-
Protection Project
ing products produced at manufacturing bases across the entire
Cultural charity events in Gansu Province, China are the latest
Canon Group. As of February 2016, no specifi c parts or mate-
stops in the “Silk Road Intangible Heritage Culture Protection
rials have been found to have contributed to funding armed
Project” organized by Canon China. Commencing in 2014 with
groups in confl ict regions as defi ned by U.S. legislation.
events in Shanxi and Henan provinces, the project aims to pro-
Canon Inc., a U.S. listed company, fi les a report at the end of
tect intangible heritage culture along the Silk Road by harness-
May every year regarding the Company’s status on this issue with
ing Canon’s imaging technologies and promoting Chinese and
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company plans
foreign cultural exchanges and cooperation. It also collects
to undergo independent private sector audits of the report begin-
photos from the public. In 2015, one of the programs orga-
ning in 2016. This report is also made available on Canon’s website.
nized under the project photographed scenes from everyday
In 2015 Canon joined the Confl ict Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI),
life in the Gansu Province cities of Tianshui, Zhangye, Wuwei,
an international program that plays the leading role in response to
Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang.
the confl ict minerals, and continues to support industry activities.
Beyond the Horizon
Since 2014, Canon Middle East FZ-LLC has supported a pho-
Cultivating Diverse Human Resources
Canon is committed to diversity of human resources. We wel-
tography project for young people. Sponsored by Mathare
come people of all types—irrespective of race, gender, age,
Foundation, a non-profi t organization, the aim of the project is to
customs, and value perceptions—and deploy such differences
create an environment where the talents of economically under-
to foster our growth as an organization. Since 2012, we have
privileged children can be nurtured. The children attending the
engaged in in-house projects with top priority on helping maxi-
Beyond the Horizon workshops held in 2015 studied the basics of
mize the potential of women in the workplace. In 2015, Akiko
photography using cameras donated by Canon.
Tanaka, President & CEO of Canon BioMedical became the fi rst
female Executive Offi cer at Canon.
Canon Middle East sponsored “Beyond the Horizon,” a three-month
photography project in Kenya that commenced in September 2015.
Akiko Tanaka, president of Canon BioMedical is Canon’s fi rst female
executive offi cer.
32
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
F I N A N C I A L S E C T I O N
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 II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
85 Management’s Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting
86 Reports of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
33
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 opera-
tions. 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, semiconduc-
tor lithography equipment and FPD (Flat panel display) lithog-
raphy equipment. Canon earns revenues primarily from the
manufacture and sale of these products domestically and
internationally. Canon’s basic management policy is to con-
tribute to the prosperity and well-being of the world while
endeavoring to become a truly excellent global corporate
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 2015, the U.S. econ-
omy continued to grow steadily as employment conditions
and consumer spending progressively improved. In Europe,
developed countries such as the U.K. led a moderate eco-
nomic recovery. In contrast, the growth of China’s economy
continued to decline, weighed down by excessive investments,
and the economies of emerging countries, including those of
Southeast Asia and India, slowed due to such factors as the
recession in China and a decline in resource prices. As for the
Japanese economy, improvements were seen in both corpo-
rate earnings and employment conditions during the year.
Despite expectations at the beginning of 2015 that the global
economy would realize a modest recovery led by the U.S.
economy, during the second half, as the slowdown in China’s
economy became evident, emerging economies also grew
weaker. As a result, the global economy overall experienced its
lowest level of growth since the financial crisis precipitated by
Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy in 2008.
equipment market, ongoing strong investment by manu-
facturers led to healthy demand for semiconductor lithogra-
phy systems for memory devices, image sensors and power
semiconductor devices. Additionally, demand for lithogra-
phy equipment used in the production of flat panel displays
(“FPDs”) increased for large-size panels as device manufac-
turers boost capital investment for larger-size LCD panels that
offer higher levels of resolution.
The average value of the yen during the year was ¥121.13
against the U.S. dollar, a year-on-year depreciation of approx-
imately ¥15, and ¥134.20 against the euro, a year-on-year
appreciation of approximately ¥6.
Summary of operations
Sales of digital cameras and inkjet printers declined in the face
of continued harsh conditions, mainly in China and emerging
Asian countries. By contrast, sales of color-model office MFDs
and color-model light-production printing systems increased
steadily. Sales of semiconductor lithography equipment and
FPD lithography equipment also largely exceeded those for
the previous year thanks to favorable market conditions.
Consequently, benefitting from the boost provided by the
acquisition of Axis and the positive effect of favorable currency
exchange rates, net sales for the year increased 2.0% year on
year to ¥3,800,271 million. The gross profit ratio for the year
rose 1.0 point year on year to 50.9% thanks to ongoing cost-
cutting activities and highly profitable new products. Operating
expenses increased 5.4% year on year to ¥1,579,174 million
owing to such factors as the increase in foreign-currency-
denominated operating expenses after conversion into yen due
to the depreciation of the yen, along with the impact of the
acquisition of Axis and an increase in R&D expenses related to
new products. As a result, operating profit decreased by 2.3%
to ¥355,210 million. Other income (deductions) decreased by
¥27,522 million due to foreign currency exchange losses, lead-
ing to a year-on-year decline in income before income taxes of
9.3% to ¥347,438 million, and a decrease in net income attrib-
utable to Canon Inc. of 13.6% to ¥220,209 million.
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.
Market environment
As for the markets in which Canon operates amid these condi-
tions, demand for office MFDs remained firm, mainly for color
models. As for cameras, the interchangeable-lens digital cam-
era market continued to face harsh conditions owing to cur-
rency depreciations in emerging countries and the slowing
growth in China. Likewise, demand for digital compact cam-
eras also declined amid the shrinking market. Additionally,
demand for inkjet printers decreased in emerging countries,
mainly in Asia, due to the depreciations of emerging coun-
try currencies and the slowdown in China. In the industrial
Revenues
As Canon pursues the goal to become a truly excellent global
company, one indicator upon which Canon’s management places
strong emphasis is revenue. The following are some of the KPIs
related to revenue that management considers to be important.
Net sales is one such KPI. Canon derives net sales primar-
ily from the sale of products and, to a lesser extent, provision
of services associated with its products. Sales vary depending
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
34
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
involved are market share and market environment. In addi-
tion, management considers the evaluation of net sales by
segment to be important for the purpose of assessing Canon’s
sales performance in various segments, 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 efficiency 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 development
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 spending in
core technology to sustain Canon’s leading position in its cur-
rent business areas and to exploit opportunities in other mar-
kets. 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 mea-
sures the efficiency of supply chain management. Inventories
have inherent risks of becoming obsolete, physically
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
damaged or otherwise decreasing significantly in value, 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 produc-
tion lead times in order to promptly recover related product
expenses, while balancing risks of supply chain disruptions by
optimizing finished goods inventories in order to avoid losing
potential sales opportunities.
Canon’s management seeks to meet its liquidity and cap-
ital requirements primarily with cash flow from operations.
Management also seeks debt-free operations. For a manufac-
turing company like Canon, it generally takes considerable time
to realize profit from a business due to lead times required for
R&D, manufacturing and sales has to be followed 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. shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio is
another KPI for Canon. Canon believes that its shareholders’
equity to total assets ratio measures its long-term sustainabil-
ity. Canon also believes that achieving a high or rising share-
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 sharehold-
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 stable
financial base and, accordingly, a high level of its shareholders’
equity to total assets ratio.
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
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. shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio
¥3,800,271 ¥3,727,252 ¥3,731,380 ¥3,479,788 ¥3,557,433
48.8%
8.7%
10.6%
46 days
0.3%
64.9%
50.9%
8.6%
9.3%
47 days
0.0%
67.0%
47.4%
8.5%
9.3%
57 days
0.1%
65.7%
48.2%
8.2%
9.0%
52 days
0.1%
68.6%
49.9%
8.3%
9.8%
50 days
0.0%
66.8%
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 accounting
policies that currently affect its financial condition and results
of operations.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
35
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 arrangements.
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 transfer
to the customer.
Revenue from sales of optical equipment, such as semicon-
ductor lithography equipment and FPD lithography equipment
that are sold with customer acceptance provisions 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 tested and demon-
strated 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
of the contract and recognized as services are provided.
Canon also offers separately priced product maintenance con-
tracts for most office products, for which the customer typi-
cally pays a stated base service fee plus a variable amount based
on usage. Revenue from these service maintenance contracts is
measured at the stated amount of the contract and recognized
as services are provided and variable amounts are earned.
Revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases
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 rel-
ative fair values of each element. Lease deliverables generally
include equipment, financing and executory costs, while non-
lease deliverables generally consist of product maintenance
contracts and supplies.
For all other arrangements with multiple elements, Canon
allocates revenue to each element based on its relative selling
price if such element meets the criteria for treatment as a sep-
arate 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.
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 failures
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 com-
bination of factors to ensure that Canon’s trade and financ-
ing receivables are not overstated due to uncollectibility. These
factors include the length of time receivables are past due, the
credit quality of customers, macroeconomic conditions and
historical experience. Also, Canon records specific reserves for
individual accounts when Canon becomes aware of a custom-
er’s inability to meet its financial obligations to Canon, due
for example to bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the cus-
tomer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances
related to customers change, estimates 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 overseas
inventories. Market value is the estimated selling price in the
ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of comple-
tion and the estimated costs necessary to make a sale. Canon
routinely reviews its inventories for their salability and for indi-
cations of obsolescence to determine if inventories should be
written-down to market value. Judgments and estimates must
be made and used in connection with establishing such allow-
ances in any accounting period. In estimating the market value
of its inventories, Canon considers 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 circumstances indi-
cate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recover-
able. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated
undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recog-
nized in the amount by which the carrying 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,
36
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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 useful
lives are not amortized, but are instead tested for impairment
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 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
a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Fair
value of a reporting unit is determined primarily 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 discount rates
are determined based on the weighted average cost of capi-
tal, which considers primarily market and industry data as well
as specific risk factors. Canon has completed its impairment
test in the fourth quarter of 2015 and determined that there
were no reporting units that were at risk of failing the impair-
ment test as the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its
respective carrying amount. Intangible assets with finite use-
ful lives consist primarily of software, trademarks, patents and
developed technology, license fees and customer relationships,
which are amortized using the straight-line method. The esti-
mated useful lives of software are from 3 years to 5 years,
trademarks are 15 years, patents and developed technology
are from 7 years to 16 years, license fees are 7 years, and cus-
tomer relationships are from 8 years to 15 years, respectively.
Income tax uncertainties
Canon considers many factors when evaluating and estimating
income tax uncertainties. These factors include an evaluation of
the technical merits of the tax positions as well as the amounts
and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon
settlement. The actual resolutions of those uncertainties 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 taxable income. Canon’s
judgments regarding future profitability may change due to
future market conditions, its ability to continue to successfully
execute its operating restructuring 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 deter-
mines that certain deferred tax assets may not be recover-
able, 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 actuarial val-
uations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions,
including discount rates and expected return on plan assets.
Management must consider current market conditions, includ-
ing changes in interest rates, in selecting these assumptions.
Other assumptions include assumed rate of increase in com-
pensation levels, mortality rate, and withdrawal 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 2015, Canon esti-
mated a weighted-average discount rate used to determine
benefit obligations of 1.1% for Japanese plans and 3.0%
for foreign plans and a weighted-average expected long-
term rate of return on plan assets of 3.1% for Japanese plans
and 5.6% 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 estab-
lishes 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 and its cur-
rent expectations for future returns.
Decreases in discount rates lead to increases in actuarial pen-
sion benefit obligations which, in turn, could lead to an increase
in service cost and amortization cost through amortization of
actuarial gain or loss, a decrease in interest cost, and vice versa.
For 2015, a decrease of 50 basis points in the discount rate
increases the projected benefit obligation by approximately
¥92,006 million. The net effect of changes in the discount rate,
as well as the net effect of other changes in actuarial assump-
tions and experience, is deferred until subsequent 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
actual fair value of those assets could affect pension expense
in the following years, and vice versa. For 2015, a change
of 50 basis points in the expected long-term rate of return
on plan assets would cause a change of approximately
¥4,222 million in net periodic benefit cost. Canon multiplies
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
37
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
management’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 ben-
efit obligations) of its pension plans in its consolidated bal-
ance sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated
other 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 digital compact cameras and the
slowing growth of China’s economy led to a major decline in
net sales in Imaging System Business Unit. However, due to
steady demand for color-model office MFDs and color-model
light-production printing systems, benefitting from the boost
provided by the acquisition of Axis and the positive effect of
favorable currency exchange rates, Canon’s consolidated net
sales in 2015 totaled ¥3,800,271 million, an increase of 2.0%
from the previous year.
Overseas operations are significant to Canon’s operating
results and generated 81.2% of total net sales in 2015. 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 currency
fluctuations on operating results, including localization of
manufacturing in some regions along with procuring parts and
materials from overseas suppliers, Canon believes such fluctu-
ations have had and will continue to have a significant effect
on its results of operations.
The average value of the yen during the year was ¥121.13
against the U.S. dollar, a year-on-year depreciation of approx-
imately ¥15, and ¥134.20 against the euro, a year-on-year
appreciation of approximately ¥6. The effects of foreign
exchange rate fluctuations positively affected net sales by
approximately ¥146,800 million in 2015. This favorable impact
consisted of approximately ¥44,800 million of unfavorable
impact for the euro denominated sales and favorable impact
of ¥170,500 million for the U.S. dollar denominated sales, and
¥21,100 million for other foreign currency denominated sales.
Millions of yen
2015
change
2014
change
2013
¥3,800,271
355,210
347,438
220,209
-0.1% ¥3,731,380
+2.0% ¥3,727,252
337,277
+7.8%
363,489
-2.3%
347,604
383,239 +10.3%
-9.3%
230,483
254,797 +10.5%
-13.6%
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 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 expenses, light and fuel
expenses, and rent expenses. The ratio of cost of sales to net
sales for 2015 and 2014 was 49.1% and 50.1%, respectively.
Gross profit
Canon’s gross profit in 2015 increased by 3.9% to ¥1,934,384
million from 2014. The gross profit ratio also increased by 1.0
points year on year to 50.9%. The increase in the gross profit
ratio reflects ongoing cost-cutting activities and highly profit-
able new products.
Return on Sales (%)
9
6
3
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
38
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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.
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
The Imaging System Business Unit mainly includes
Interchangeable lens digital cameras / Digital compact cameras /
Digital camcorders / Digital cinema cameras / Interchangeable
lenses / Compact photo printers / Inkjet printers / Large-format
inkjet printers / Commercial photo printers / Image scanners /
Multimedia projectors / Broadcast equipment / Calculators
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 equipment
/ Die bonders / Micromotors / Network cameras / Handy termi-
nals / Document scanners
Operating expenses
The major components of operating expenses are payroll, R&D,
advertising expenses and other marketing expenses. Operating
expenses increased 5.4% year on year to ¥1,579,174 million
owing to such factors as the increase in foreign-currency-
denominated operating expenses after conversion into yen due
to the depreciation of the yen, additional operating expenses
after the acquisition of Axis and an increase in R&D expenses
related to new products.
Operating profit
Operating profit in 2015 decreased 2.3% from 2014 to a total
of ¥355,210 million. The ratio of operating profit to net sales
decreased 0.5% to 9.3% from 2014.
Other income (deductions)
Other income (deductions) for 2015 decreased ¥27,522 mil-
lion, mainly due to foreign currency exchange losses.
Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes in 2015 was ¥347,438 million, a
decrease of 9.3% from 2014, and constituted 9.1% of net sales.
Income taxes
Provision for income taxes in 2015 decreased by ¥1,895 mil-
lion from 2014. The effective tax rate for 2015 was 33.4%,
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 2015
decreased by 13.6% to ¥220,209 million, which represents
5.8% of net sales.
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
Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
39
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Sales by segment
SALES BY SEGMENT
Office
Imaging System
Industry and Others
Eliminations
Total
2015
change
2014
change
2013
Millions of yen
¥2,110,816
1,263,835
+1.5% ¥2,078,732
1,343,194
-5.9%
398,765
524,651 +31.6%
(93,439)
(99,031)
—
+3.9% ¥2,000,073
1,448,938
-7.3%
374,870
+6.4%
(92,501)
—
¥3,800,271
+2.0% ¥3,727,252
-0.1% ¥3,731,380
Within the Office Business Unit, as for office MFDs, thanks to
strong sales of color models led by new small-office/home-
office color A3 (12”x18”) imageRUNNER ADVANCE C3300-
series models and imagePRESS C800/700-series color digital
presses targeting the light production market, unit sales of
color models increased compared with the previous year, as
did unit sales for the segment overall, including monochrome
models, which had been facing decreasing demand. Among
high-speed continuous-feed printers, the new Océ-produced
VarioPrint i300, Canon’s first high-speed sheet-fed color ink-
jet press, gained favorable reviews. As for laser printers, total
sales volume decreased due to declining demand in emerg-
ing countries. Those factors, coupled with the positive effect
of favorable currency exchange rates, resulted in sales for
the business unit totaling ¥2,110,816 million, a year-on-year
increase of 1.5%, while operating profit totaled ¥290,586 mil-
lion, a year-on-year decrease of 0.5%.
Within the Imaging System Business Unit, although total sales
volume of interchangeable-lens digital cameras declined due
to currency depreciations in emerging countries and the slow-
down of China’s economy, there were positive signs of a
recovery in sales in the U.S. and Japan. Additionally, sales have
been strong for such models as the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R
digital SLR cameras, which deliver the highest resolution of
any model in the history of EOS cameras. As for digital com-
pact cameras, while sales volume declined amid the ongoing
contraction of the market, the ratio of more profitable high-
added-value models increased owing to efforts to strengthen
the lineup of PowerShot G-series models. As for inkjet print-
ers, although Canon has been working to expand sales
through the Company’s broad product lineup, ranging from
home-use printers to MAXIFY-series business models, total
sales volume declined due to the significant impact of shrink-
ing markets, mainly in Asia. In contrast, sales of consumable
supplies enjoyed solid demand. As a result, sales for the busi-
ness unit totaled ¥1,263,835 million, a year-on-year decrease
of 5.9%, while operating profit totaled ¥183,439 million,
declining 5.7% year on year.
In the Industry and Others Business Unit, within the semicon-
ductor lithography equipment segment, unit sales increased
owing to strong capital investment in response to grow-
ing demand for memory devices used in mobile devices such
as smartphones, and in cloud servers, along with increased
demand for on-board automotive devices and for communi-
cation devices supporting the development of the Internet of
Things (“IoT”). Unit sales of FPD lithography equipment also
increased, particularly systems used in the fabrication of large-
size panels. Consequently, along with the impact of the acqui-
sition of Axis, which was consolidated in the second quarter,
sales for the business unit increased 31.6% year on year to
¥524,651 million. As for operating profit, although it improved
by ¥8,722 million compared with the previous year, the busi-
ness unit was in the red by ¥13,079 million due to upfront
investment in next-generation technologies and new businesses.
Intersegment sales of ¥99,031 million, representing 2.6% 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.
In Japan, net sales decreased 1.4% from the previous year due
mainly to the rush in demand during the first quarter of the pre-
vious year that preceded the country’s consumption tax increase.
In the Americas, net sales increased 10.4% from the previous
year owing to the positive effects of favorable currency exchange
rates along with the consolidation of new businesses.
In Europe, despite the solid demand for office MFDs and laser
printers along with the consolidation of new businesses, sales
decreased by 1.5% from the previous year due to the negative
effect of the appreciation of the yen.
In Asia and Oceania, despite the positive impact of deprecia-
tion of the yen, net sales decreased by 1.0% from the previous
year owing to the economic stagnation in China and Southeast
Asian countries.
40
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
A summary of net sales by geographic area is provided below.
SALES BY REGION
Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Total
Millions of yen
2015
change
2014
change
2013
¥ 714,280
-1.4%
1,144,422 +10.4%
-1.5%
1,074,366
-1.0%
867,203
¥ 724,317 +1.2%
-2.2%
-3.1%
875,951 +5.4%
1,036,500
1,090,484
¥ 715,863
1,059,501
1,124,929
831,087
¥3,800,271 +2.0%
¥3,727,252
-0.1%
¥3,731,380
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.
Operating profit for the Office Business Unit in 2015
decreased by 0.5% to ¥290,586 million, owing to the increase
in R&D and other expenses.
Despite operating profit for the Imaging System Business
Unit in 2015 decreased by 5.7% from the previous year to
¥183,439 million, in response to the sales decline, operating
profit ratio remained at the same level year on 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 2015, despite an improvement from the previous year
resulted from sales increase, recorded a loss of ¥13,079 mil-
lion due to upfront investment in next-generation technolo-
gies and new businesses.
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 cur-
rency exchange contracts.
The operating profit on foreign operation sales is usually
lower than that from domestic operations because foreign
operations consist mainly of marketing activities. Marketing
activities are generally less profitable than production activities,
which are mainly conducted by the Company and its domestic
subsidiaries. Please refer to the table of geographic information
in Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by ¥210,967 million to
¥633,613 million in fiscal 2015 compared to the previous year
primarily due to the acquisition of Axis. Canon’s cash and cash
equivalents are primarily denominated in Japanese yen and in
U.S. dollars, with the remainder denominated in other currencies.
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by
¥109,203 million to ¥474,724 million in fiscal 2015 com-
pared to the previous year due to the decrease in profit along
with the increase in working capital. The major component
of Canon’s cash inflow is cash received from customers, and
the major components of Canon’s cash outflow are payments
for parts and materials, selling, general and administrative
expenses, R&D expenses and income taxes.
For fiscal 2015, cash inflow from cash received from cus-
tomers increased thanks to sales growth. There were no sig-
nificant changes in Canon’s collection rates. Cash outflow for
payments for parts and materials decreased due to efforts to
reduce inventory level. Cash outflow for payments for sell-
ing, general and administrative expenses increased due to the
translation effect on operating expenses denominated in for-
eign currencies that resulted from the depreciation of the yen.
The increase also reflects the acquisition of Axis and other
companies. Cash outflow for income taxes increased due to
an increase in taxable income.
Net cash used in investing activities increased by ¥184,321
million to ¥453,619 million in fiscal 2015. This mainly
reflects the acquisition of Axis to enhance Canon’s network
camera business.
Canon defines “free cash flow” as cash flows from operat-
ing activities less cash flows from investing activities. For fis-
cal 2015, free cash flow decreased by ¥293,524 million to
¥21,105 million as compared with ¥314,629 million for fis-
cal 2014. Canon’s management recognizes that constant
and intensive investment in facilities and R&D is required to
maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of its prod-
ucts. On March 17, 2016, the Board of Directors of the
Company approved an acquisition of Toshiba Medical Systems
Corporation (“TMSC”) from Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”)
to make TMSC a subsidiary, and concurrently it has entered
into a share transfer agreement with Toshiba. The Company
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
41
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
paid a total consideration of ¥665.5 billion for a right to
acquire all the ordinary shares of TMSC, which is exercis-
able upon the clearance of necessary competition regula-
tory authorities. The Company borrowed the consideration
through bank borrowing of ¥660 billion provisionally, which
is due on September 30, 2016. The Company plans to make
its final decision on whether to use own funds, borrowings
or a combination of both, to fund the acquisition, by that
time. Canon’s management seeks to meet its capital require-
ments with generating cash flow principally from its operating
activities. Therefore, its capital resources are primarily sourced
from internally generated funds. Accordingly, Canon includes
information with regard to free cash flow as management
frequently monitors this indicator, and believes that such indi-
cator is beneficial to an investor’s understanding. Furthermore,
Canon’s management believes that this indicator is significant
in understanding Canon’s current liquidity and the alternatives
of use in financing activities because it takes into consider-
ation its operating and investing activities. Canon refers to this
indicator together with relevant U.S. GAAP financial measures
shown in its consolidated statements of cash flows and con-
solidated balance sheets for cash availability analysis.
Net cash used in financing activities totaled ¥210,202 mil-
lion in fiscal 2015, mainly resulting from the dividend pay-
out of ¥174,711 million. The Company paid dividends in fiscal
2015 of ¥160.00 per share.
To the extent Canon relies on external funding for its liquid-
ity and capital requirements, it generally has access to vari-
ous funding sources, including the issuance of additional share
capital, long-term debt or short-term loans. While Canon
has been able to obtain funding from its traditional financing
sources and from the capital markets, and believes it will con-
tinue to be able to do so in the future, there can be no assur-
ance that adverse economic or other conditions will not affect
Canon’s liquidity or long-term funding in the future.
compared with ¥1,018 million at December 31, 2014. Long-
term debt (excluding the current portion) amounted to ¥881
million at December 31, 2015 compared with ¥1,148 million
at December 31, 2014.
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 maintains 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 11, 2016, 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 down-
grade 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 optimize
inventory levels is intended to maintain an appropriate balance
among relevant imperatives, including minimizing working
capital, avoiding undue exposure to the risk of inventory obso-
lescence, and maintaining the ability to sustain sales despite
the occurrence of unexpected disasters.
Reflecting the foregoing circumstances, Canon’s total inven-
tory turnover ratios were 47, 50, and 52 days at the end of
the fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively and the
improvements over the last three years are in line with Canon’s
expectations and its revised inventory management policy.
Increase in property, plant and equipment on an accrual
basis in 2015 amounted to ¥195,120 million compared with
¥182,343 million in 2014 and ¥188,826 million in 2013. For
2016, Canon projects its increase in property, plant and equip-
ment will be approximately ¥230,000 million.
Short-term loans (including the current portion of long-
term debt) amounted to ¥688 million at December 31, 2015
Employer contributions to Canon’s worldwide defined ben-
efit pension plans were ¥19,565 million in 2015, ¥22,146
Increase in Property,
Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)
Working Capital Ratio
Return on Canon Inc.
Shareholders’ Equity (%)
300
200
100
0
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
12
9
6
3
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
42
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
million in 2014 and ¥48,515 million in 2013. Employer con-
tributions to Canon’s worldwide defined contribution pension
plans were ¥17,277 million in 2015, ¥15,077 million in 2014,
and ¥14,383 million in 2013. In addition, employer contribu-
tions to the multiemployer pension plan of certain subsidiaries
were ¥3,864 million in 2015 and ¥2,815 million in 2014.
Working capital in 2015 decreased by ¥228,704 million
to ¥1,241,850 million, compared with ¥1,470,554 million
in 2014 and ¥1,437,635 million in 2013. Canon believes its
working capital will be sufficient for its requirements for the
foreseeable future. Canon’s capital requirements are primar-
ily dependent on management’s business plans regarding the
levels and timing of purchases of fixed assets and investments.
The working capital ratio (ratio of current assets to current lia-
bilities) for 2015 was 2.52 compared to 2.60 for 2014 and to
2.69 for 2013.
Return on assets (net income attributable to Canon Inc.
divided by the average of total assets) was 5.0% in 2015,
compared to 5.9% in 2014 and 5.6% in 2013.
Return on Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity (net income
attributable to Canon Inc. divided by the average of total
Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity) was 7.4% in 2015 compared
with 8.7% in 2014 and 8.4% in 2013.
The debt to total assets ratio was 0.0%, 0.0% and 0.1%
as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Canon
had short-term loans and long-term debt of ¥1,569 million
as of December 31, 2015, ¥2,166 million as of December 31,
2014 and ¥2,747 million as of December 31, 2013.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As part of its ongoing business, Canon does not participate in
transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated
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 per-
form 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 by all borrowers was ¥7,685 million at
December 31, 2015. The carrying amounts of the liabilities
recognized for Canon’s obligations as a guarantor under those
guarantees at December 31, 2015 were insignificant.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The following summarizes Canon’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2015.
Millions of yen
Contractual obiligations:
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:
Total
Less than 1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
More than 5 years
Payments due by period
¥ 1,470
73
87,592
¥ 630
32
26,294
¥ 705
28
34,183
¥ 135
13
14,962
¥ —
—
12,153
43,059
75,439
43,059
75,439
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Contribution to defined benefit pension plans
20,721
20,721
Total
¥228,354
¥166,175
¥34,916
¥15,110
¥12,153
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.
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 primar-
ily based on historical experience, and are affected by ongo-
ing product failure rates, specific product class failures outside
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
43
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
of the baseline experience, material usage and service delivery
costs incurred in correcting a product failure. As of December
31, 2015, accrued product warranty costs amounted to
¥14,014 million.
At December 31, 2015, commitments outstanding for the
purchase of property, plant and equipment were approxi-
mately ¥43,059 million, and commitments outstanding for
the purchase of parts and raw materials were approximately
¥75,439 million, both for use in the ordinary course of its busi-
ness. Canon anticipates that funds needed to fulfill these com-
mitments will be generated internally through operations.
During 2016, Canon expects to contribute ¥12,015 million
to its Japanese defined benefit pension plans and ¥8,706 mil-
lion to its foreign defined benefit pension plans.
Canon’s management believes that current financial
resources, cash generated from operations and Canon’s poten-
tial 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 2015 marks the last 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:
• Achieve the overwhelming No.1 position in all core busi-
nesses and expand related and peripheral businesses;
• Develop new business through globalized diversification
and establish the Three Regional Headquarters manage-
ment system; and
• Build the foundations of an environmentally advanced
corporation.
Canon has been striving to implement the three R&D
related strategies as follows:
• 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.
• Develop new business through globalized diversification
and establish the Three Regional Headquarters manage-
ment system: Reinforce the businesses of medical 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 development in specialized area of
each region, with actively utilizing M&A.
• Build the foundations of an environmentally advanced cor-
poration: 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
44
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
development of leading-edge technologies with top universi-
ties and research institutes around the world, including 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 technol-
ogy is selected as one of the R&D programs. Additionally,
Canon is currently working on collaborative research with
Massachusetts General Hospital (“MGH”) and Brigham and
Women’s Hospital (“BWH”) to develop biomedical optical
imaging and medical robotics technologies at the Healthcare
Optics Research Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
founded in 2013.
Canon has developed a comprehensive imaging simula-
tion system covering all image formation processes includ-
ing optics, mechanics, sensor, and image processing, ahead of
its competitors. With the simulation system, Canon has suc-
ceeded in further reducing the need for prototypes, lowering
costs and shortening product development lead times.
Canon’s consolidated R&D expenses were ¥328,500 million
in 2015, ¥308,979 million in 2014 and ¥306,324 million in
2013. The ratios of R&D expenses to the consolidated total net
sales for 2015, 2014 and 2013 were 8.6%, 8.3% and 8.2%,
respectively.
Canon believes that new products protected by the robust
patents portfolio 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 sector
patents in 2015, according to the United States patent annual
list, released by IFI CLAIMS® Patent Services.
R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)
400
300
200
100
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
MARKET RISK EXPOSURES
Canon is exposed to market risks, including changes in foreign
currency exchange rates, interest rates and prices of market-
able securities and investments. In order to hedge the risks of
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, Canon uses deriv-
ative financial instruments.
Equity price risk
Canon holds marketable securities included in current assets,
which consist generally of highly-liquid and low-risk instru-
ments. Investments included in noncurrent assets are held as
long-term investments. Canon does not hold marketable secu-
rities 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, 2015.
Available-for-sale securities
Debt securities
Due after five years
Fund trusts
Equity securities
Millions of yen
Cost
Fair value
¥ 304
63
20,461
¥ 488
64
42,849
¥20,828
¥43,401
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 currency
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 changes
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 num-
ber 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 currency
exchange exposures principally from the exchange of U.S. dol-
lars and euros into Japanese yen. These contracts are primar-
ily 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 intercompany 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 currency
exchange transactions existing at December 31, 2015. All of the foreign exchange contracts described in the following table
have a contractual maturity date in 2016.
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
¥120,227
(41)
¥90,865
226
¥16,961
78
¥228,053
263
¥ 27,553
¥ 9,623
¥ 364
¥ 37,540
318
265
15
598
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 imma-
terial. Accordingly, Canon believes interest rate risk is insignif-
icant. See also Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments
designated as cash flow hedges, including foreign currency
exchange contracts associated with forecasted intercom-
pany sales, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
45
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
income (loss). These amounts are subsequently reclassified
into earnings through other income (deductions) in the same
period as the hedged items affect earnings. Substantially all
such amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehen-
sive 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 cur-
rency exchange contract for the period between the date
that the forecasted intercompany sales occur and its matu-
rity date are recognized in earnings and not considered hedge
ineffectiveness.
The amount of the hedging ineffectiveness was not material
for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The
amounts of net losses excluded from the assessment of hedge
effectiveness (time value component) which was recorded in
other income (deductions) was ¥131 million, ¥145 million and
¥111 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013, respectively.
Canon has entered into certain foreign currency exchange
contracts to manage its foreign currency exposures. These for-
eign currency exchange contracts have not been designated as
hedges. Accordingly, the changes in fair values of these con-
tracts are recorded in earnings immediately.
LOOKING FORWARD
As for the future of the global economy, although it is
expected to be somewhat better than what it had been over
the past five years, the situation remains unstable due to
issues such as increased geopolitical risk in the Middle East
and the economic slowdown in China. As such, global eco-
nomic growth is expected to remain modest. From an indus-
trial perspective, however, remarkable developments are
being made in technologies in such areas as the IoT and artifi-
cial intelligence, which are leading to major changes in indus-
try structure. Advancements in digital technology have made
it easier for startup companies to enter markets, thus fueling
increased market competition.
In the businesses in which Canon is involved, although
demand for color office MFDs and production printers is
expected to continue growing, a recovery in sales of products
that are largely sold in emerging markets, such as entry-class
cameras and single-function laser printers, is expected to take
time. Within the market for semiconductor lithography equip-
ment, capital investment is expected to remain strong while
forecasts for the FPD lithography equipment market also point
to further future expansion. Also expected to grow is the net-
work camera market, a market in which Axis, which became a
consolidated subsidiary in 2015, is a major player.
Under these circumstances, the Canon Group embarked
on a new five-year plan, Phase V of the “Excellent Global
Corporation Plan.” During Phase V, under the basic policy of
“Embracing the challenge of new growth through a grand
strategic transformation,” reforms that were promoted in
Phase IV will be further expanded upon. In 2020, the final year
of Phase V, Canon aims to achieve net sales of 5 trillion yen,
an operating profit ratio of 15% or more, a net income ratio
of 10% or more, and a shareholders’ equity ratio of 70% or
more. Toward this objective, Canon will undertake the follow-
ing various measures.
Establish a new production system to achieve a cost-
of-sales ratio of 45%
Strengthen domestic mother factories by further promot-
ing the return of production to Japan and the integration
of design, procurement, production engineering, and man-
ufacturing technology operations. At the same time, pur-
sue total cost reductions through the promotion of such
advanced production engineering technologies as robotics
and automation.
Reinforce and expand new businesses while creating
future businesses
Create and expand new businesses by accelerating the hor-
izontal expansion of existing business. Additionally, con-
centrate management resources and make effective use
of M&A to accelerate the expansion of promising business
areas such as commercial printing, network cameras and
life sciences.
46
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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 materially
from those projected or implied in the forward-looking state-
ments. 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 ability to imple-
ment its plans to localize production and other measures to
reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctua-
tions; 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 continue to develop
products and to market products that incorporate new tech-
nology on a timely basis, are competitively priced, and achieve
market acceptance; the possibility of losses resulting from for-
eign currency transactions designed to reduce financial risks
from changes in foreign currency exchange rates; and inven-
tory risk due to shifts in market demand.
Restructure the global sales network in accordance
with market changes
Review existing sales organizations and reinforce omni-
channel marketing that integrates online and brick-and-
mortar sales routes while strengthening and expanding
solutions-driven businesses with the aim of solving issues
faced by customers. Additionally, continue focusing energy
on developing marketing in emerging countries.
Enhance R&D capabilities through open innovation
Discard the strict notion of self-sufficiency and construct an
R&D system that proactively leverages external technologies
and knowledge, promoting joint and contract research with
various partners such as domestic and foreign universities
and research institutes.
Complete the Three Regional Headquarters
management system capturing world dynamism
Promote the acquisition of promising businesses through
active M&A and complete the Three Regional Headquarter
management system, under which Japan, the U.S. and
Europe will each roll out businesses globally.
Additionally, under the theme “Taking a decisive first step
toward transformation,” the following key challenges will be
pursued in 2016, the inaugural year of Phase V.
Draft and implement plans to revitalize
existing businesses
Raise profitability through drastic cost-cutting and work to
revitalize businesses, swiftly launching future products that
were exhibited at Canon EXPO 2015.
Rapidly expand new businesses
Work to speed up the expansion and deployment of large-
scale businesses such as commercial printing and network
cameras.
Accelerate efforts aimed at reducing
the cost-of-sales ratio
Continue to investigate optimal locations for production
sites and work to accelerate cost reductions at all stages,
including product development.
Boost sales productivity through marketing reforms
Accelerate efforts to address global growth in e-commerce
and work to reinforce the solutions business.
Improve R&D productivity through selection and con-
centration
Apply the selection and concentration process to develop-
ment themes and boost R&D productivity.
Promote the cultivation of global human resources
Build a structure to discover talented individuals from within
the entire Canon Group to cultivate global competent human
resources capable of performing duties while maintaining an
all-encompassing perspective of the world map.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
47
TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Millions of yen (except per share amounts)
2015
2014
2013
2012
Net sales:
Domestic
Overseas
Total
Percentage of previous year
¥ 714,280
3,085,991
3,800,271
102.0%
¥ 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%
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
Percentage of sales
220,209
254,797
230,483
5.8%
6.8%
6.2%
Advertising
Research and development expenses
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Increase in property, plant and equipment
80,907
328,500
223,759
195,120
79,765
308,979
213,739
182,343
86,398
306,324
223,158
188,826
224,564
6.5%
83,134
296,464
211,973
270,457
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity
Total assets
¥
881
2,966,415
4,427,773
¥
1,148
2,978,184
4,460,618
¥
1,448
2,910,262
4,242,710
¥
2,117
2,598,026
3,955,503
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
shareholders per share:
Basic
Diluted
Dividend per share
Stock price:
High
Low
¥
201.65
201.65
150.00
4,539
3,402
¥
229.03
229.03
150.00
4,045
2,889
¥
200.78
200.78
130.00
4,115
2,913
¥
191.34
191.34
130.00
4,015
2,308
Average number of common shares in thousands
Number of employees
1,092,018
189,571
1,112,510
191,889
1,147,934
194,151
1,173,648
196,968
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
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
48
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2015
Thousands of U.S. dollars
(except per share amounts)
¥ 694,450
2,862,983
3,557,433
¥ 695,749
3,011,152
3,706,901
115.5%
¥ 702,344
2,506,857
3,209,201
¥ 868,280
3,225,881
4,094,161
96.0%
78.4%
91.4%
¥ 947,587
3,533,759
4,481,346
107.8%
¥ 932,290
3,224,469
4,156,759
110.7%
248,630
246,603
131,647
309,148
488,332
7.0%
6.7%
4.1%
7.6%
10.9%
81,232
307,800
210,179
226,869
94,794
315,817
232,327
158,976
78,009
304,600
277,399
216,128
112,810
374,025
304,622
361,988
132,429
368,261
309,815
428,549
455,325
11.0%
116,809
308,307
235,804
379,657
$ 5,903,140
25,504,058
31,407,198
102.0%
1,819,909
5.8%
668,653
2,714,876
1,849,248
1,612,562
¥
3,368
2,551,132
3,930,727
¥
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
$
7,281
24,515,826
36,593,165
¥
204.49
204.48
120.00
4,280
3,220
¥
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
$
1.67
1.67
1.24
37.51
28.12
1,215,832
198,307
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
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, 2015.
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.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
49
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
December 31, 2015 and 2014
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)
Goodwill (Notes 7 and 8)
Other assets (Notes 6, 11 and 12)
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term loans and current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)
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. shareholders’ equity:
Common stock
Authorized 3,000,000,000 shares; issued 1,333,763,464 shares in 2015 and 2014
Additional paid-in capital
Legal reserve (Note 13)
Retained earnings (Note 13)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 14)
Treasury stock, at cost; 241,690,840 shares in 2015 and 241,931,637 shares in 2014
Total Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
50
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Millions of yen
2015
2014
¥ 633,613
20,651
588,001
501,895
313,019
¥ 844,580
71,863
625,675
528,167
321,648
2,057,179
29,476
67,862
1,219,652
241,208
478,943
333,453
2,391,933
29,785
65,176
1,269,529
177,288
211,336
315,571
¥ 4,427,773
¥ 4,460,618
¥
688
278,255
47,431
317,653
171,302
¥
1,018
310,214
57,212
345,237
207,698
815,329
881
296,262
130,838
921,379
1,148
280,928
116,405
1,243,310
1,319,860
174,762
401,358
65,289
3,365,158
(29,742)
(1,010,410)
2,966,415
218,048
174,762
401,563
64,599
3,320,392
28,286
(1,011,418)
2,978,184
162,574
3,184,463
3,140,758
¥ 4,427,773
¥ 4,460,618
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2013
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 and 17)
Income before income taxes
Income taxes (Note 12)
Consolidated net income
¥ 3,800,271 ¥ 3,727,252 ¥ 3,731,380
1,932,959
1,798,421
1,865,887
1,934,384
1,865,780
1,861,472
1,250,674
328,500
1,189,004
308,979
1,154,820
306,324
1,579,174
1,497,983
1,461,144
355,210
363,489
337,277
5,501
(584)
(12,689)
7,906
(500)
12,344
6,579
(550)
4,298
(7,772)
19,750
10,327
347,438
383,239
347,604
116,105
118,000
108,088
231,333
265,239
239,516
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
11,124
10,442
9,033
¥ 220,209 ¥ 254,797 ¥ 230,483
Net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per share (Note 16):
Basic
Diluted
Cash dividends per share
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Yen
¥
201.65 ¥ 229.03 ¥ 200.78
200.78
229.03
201.65
130.00
150.00
150.00
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
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
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2013
¥ 231,333
¥ 265,239
¥ 239,516
(55,504)
2,010
2,785
(6,543)
143,834
2,524
(195)
(37,985)
251,576
6,612
2,056
32,669
(57,252)
108,178
292,913
174,081
11,973
373,417
9,666
532,429
14,688
Comprehensive income attributable to Canon Inc.
¥ 162,108
¥ 363,751
¥ 517,741
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
51
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Legal
reserve
Retained
earnings
Millions of yen
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Total
Canon Inc.
shareholders’
equity
Treasury
stock
Noncontrolling
interests
Total
equity
Balance at December 31, 2012
¥ 174,762 ¥ 401,547 ¥ 61,663 ¥ 3,138,976 ¥ (367,249) ¥ (811,673)
¥ 2,598,026 ¥ 156,276 ¥ 2,754,302
Equity transactions with noncontrolling
interests and other
Dividends to Canon Inc. shareholders
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
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
6,097
2,056
29,314
249,791
1,785 251,576
6,097
515
6,612
2,056
29,314
—
3,355
2,056
32,669
517,741
14,688 532,429
Repurchases and reissuance of treasury stock
(7)
(7)
(49,993)
(50,007)
(50,007)
Balance at December 31, 2013
174,762
402,029
63,091 3,212,692
(80,646) (861,666)
2,910,262
156,515 3,066,777
Equity transactions with noncontrolling
interests and other
Dividends to Canon Inc. shareholders
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
(420)
216
(22)
(145,790)
1,508
(1,508)
(226)
(145,790)
—
(658)
(2,949)
(884)
(145,790)
(2,949)
—
254,797
254,797
10,442 265,239
142,813
2,301
(195)
(35,965)
142,813
1,021 143,834
2,301
223
2,524
(195)
(35,965)
—
(2,020)
(195)
(37,985)
363,751
9,666 373,417
Repurchases and reissuance of treasury stock
(46)
(15)
(149,752)
(149,813)
(149,813)
Balance at December 31, 2014
174,762
401,563
64,599 3,320,392
28,286 (1,011,418) 2,978,184
162,574 3,140,758
Equity transactions with noncontrolling
interests and other
Dividends to Canon Inc. shareholders
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
Acquisition of subsidiaries
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
(29)
73
(174,711)
44
(174,711)
690
(690)
—
(29,627)
(3,958)
77,086
(29,583)
(174,711)
(3,958)
77,086
—
220,209
220,209
11,124 231,333
(57,592)
1,509
2,785
(4,803)
(57,592)
2,088
(55,504)
1,509
501
2,010
2,785
(4,803)
—
(1,740)
2,785
(6,543)
162,108
11,973 174,081
Repurchases and reissuance of treasury stock
(176)
(42)
1,008
790
790
Balance at December 31, 2015
¥ 174,762 ¥ 401,358 ¥ 65,289 ¥ 3,365,158 ¥ (29,742) ¥ (1,010,410) ¥ 2,966,415 ¥ 218,048 ¥ 3,184,463
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
52
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
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
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliated companies
Deferred income taxes
Decrease in trade receivables
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
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2013
¥ 231,333
¥ 265,239
¥ 239,516
273,327
7,975
(447)
4,672
22,720
14,249
(17,288)
(8,731)
(25,529)
4,622
(32,179)
263,480
12,429
(478)
8,929
9,323
59,004
(24,620)
3,586
11,124
(6,305)
(17,784)
275,173
10,638
664
16,791
45,040
85,577
(108,622)
(9,432)
(15,635)
(15,568)
(16,500)
Net cash provided by operating activities
474,724
583,927
507,642
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 businesses, 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
Purchases of noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid
Repurchases and reissuance of treasury stock
Other, net
Net cash used in financing activities
(252,948)
3,824
(98)
804
47,665
(251,534)
(1,220)
(112)
(218,362)
3,994
(311)
2,606
(14,223)
(54,772)
—
11,770
(233,175)
1,763
(5,771)
4,528
(12,483)
(4,914)
(296)
136
(453,619)
(269,298)
(250,212)
717
(1,350)
—
(29,570)
(174,711)
790
(6,078)
1,377
(2,152)
(54)
—
(145,790)
(149,813)
(4,454)
1,483
(2,334)
(547)
(2,616)
(155,627)
(50,007)
(12,533)
(210,202)
(300,886)
(222,181)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(21,870)
41,928
86,982
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.
(210,967)
55,671
122,231
844,580
788,909
666,678
¥ 633,613
¥ 844,580
¥ 788,909
¥
653
117,643
¥
462
111,819
¥
500
108,950
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
53
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 (collectively
“Canon”) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in such
fields as office products, imaging system products and indus-
try 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, digital compact cameras,
digital camcorders, digital cinema cameras, interchangeable
lenses, compact photo printers, inkjet printers, large-format ink-
jet printers, commercial photo printers, image scanners, multi-
media projectors, broadcast equipment and calculators. Industry
and other products consist mainly of semiconductor lithogra-
phy equipment, FPD (Flat panel display) lithography equipment,
digital radiography systems, ophthalmic equipment, vacuum
thin-film deposition equipment, organic LED (“OLED”) panel
manufacturing equipment, die bonders, micromotors, network
cameras, handy terminals and document scanners. Canon’s
consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013 were distributed as follows: the Office Business
Unit 55.5%, 55.8% and 53.6%, the Imaging System Business
Unit 33.3%, 36.0% and 38.8%, the Industry and Others
Business Unit 13.8%, 10.7% and 10.0%, and elimination
between segments 2.6%, 2.5% and 2.4%, 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 subsidiaries are
responsible for marketing and distribution, and primarily sell
to retail dealers in their geographic area. 81.2%, 80.6% and
80.8% of consolidated net sales for the years ended December
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were generated outside Japan, with
30.1%, 27.8% and 28.4% in the Americas, 28.3%, 29.3%
and 30.1% in Europe, and 22.8%, 23.5% and 22.3% in Asia
and Oceania, respectively.
Canon sells laser printers on an OEM basis to HP Inc.; such
sales constituted 17.8%, 17.4% and 17.6% of consolidated
net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013, respectively, and are included in the Office Business Unit.
Canon’s manufacturing operations are conducted primarily
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 accounting stan-
dards 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 incorporated
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements 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 variable
interest entities where the Company or its consolidated subsidiar-
ies are the primary beneficiaries. All significant intercompany bal-
ances and transactions have been eliminated.
(d) Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in con-
formity 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 liabili-
ties at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.
Significant estimates and assumptions are reflected in valua-
tion and disclosure of revenue recognition, allowance for doubt-
ful receivables, inventories, long-lived assets, goodwill and other
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, environmental liabil-
ities, 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 trans-
actions, including foreign exchange contracts, and transla-
tion of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
are included in other income (deductions) in the consolidated
statements of income. Foreign currency exchange gains and
losses were a net loss of ¥22,149 million for the year ended
December 31, 2015, a net gain of ¥2,628 million for the year
ended December 31, 2014 and a net loss of ¥1,992 million for
the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively.
(f) Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments acquired with original maturi-
ties of three months or less are considered to be cash equiv-
alents. Certain debt securities with original maturities of less
than three months, classified as available-for-sale securities of
¥80,870 million and ¥139,240 million at December 31, 2015
and 2014, respectively, are included in cash and cash equiva-
lents in the consolidated balance sheets.
54
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
(g) Investments
Investments consist primarily of time deposits with original matur-
ities 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 equity
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 dis-
counted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appropriate.
Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect,
are reported as a separate component of accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Held-to-maturity secu-
rities 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 carry-
ing 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 investment for a period
of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in mar-
ket value. For debt securities for which the declines are deemed
to be other-than-temporary and there is no intent to sell, impair-
ments are separated into the amount related to credit loss, which
is recognized in earnings, and the amount related to all other fac-
tors, 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, impair-
ments in their entirety are recognized in earnings. Canon recog-
nizes 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 con-
trolling financial interest, are accounted for by the equity method.
Non-marketable equity securities in companies over which
Canon does not have the ability to exercise significant 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 histor-
ical experience. 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
filings. If circumstances related to customers 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 inventories and
principally by the first-in, first-out method for overseas 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 circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recov-
erable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured
by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset and the esti-
mated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated
by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its esti-
mated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is
recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the
asset exceeds the fair value 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, generally
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 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 good-
will is assigned to the reporting 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
impairment charge in the amount by which the carrying amount of
a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
Intangible assets with finite useful lives consist primarily
of software, trademarks, patents and developed technology,
license fees and customer relationships, which are amortized
using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives of
software are from 3 years to 5 years, trademarks are 15 years,
patents and developed technology are from 7 years to 16
years, license fees are 7 years, and customer relationships are
from 8 years to 15 years, respectively. Certain costs incurred
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
55
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use soft-
ware are capitalized. These costs consist primarily of payments
made to third parties and the salaries of employees working
on such software development. Costs incurred in connection
with developing internal-use software are capitalized at the
application development 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 information
develops or circumstances change. Costs of future obligations
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 existing
assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating
loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabili-
ties 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 posi-
tions when it is more likely than not, based on the technical
merits, that the tax positions will be sustained upon examina-
tion by the tax authorities. Benefits from tax positions that meet
the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured at
the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of
being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties accrued
related to unrecognized tax benefits are included 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.
Shareholders per Share
Basic net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders
per share is computed by dividing net income attributable
to Canon Inc. by the weighted-average number of com-
mon shares outstanding during each year. Diluted net income
attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders 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 arrangements. Canon rec-
ognizes 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 digital cameras
and inkjet printers, is recognized upon shipment or delivery, depend-
ing upon when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer.
Canon also offers separately priced product maintenance
contracts for most office products, for which the customer typi-
cally pays a stated base service fee plus a variable amount based
on usage. Revenue from these service maintenance contracts is
measured at the stated amount of the contract and recognized
as services are provided and variable amounts are earned.
Revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases
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 rec-
ognized ratably over the lease term. When equipment leases
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 generally
include equipment, financing and executory costs, while non-
lease deliverables generally consist of product maintenance
contracts and supplies.
Revenue from sales of optical equipment, such as semicon-
ductor lithography equipment and FPD lithography equipment
that are sold with customer acceptance provisions 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 tested and demon-
strated 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
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 selling
price if such element meets the criteria for treatment as a sep-
arate 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 information.
Canon also provides price protection to certain resellers of its
products, and records reductions to sales for the estimated
56
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
impact of price protection obligations when announced.
operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
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 ¥80,907 million, ¥79,765 million and ¥86,398 million for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(t) Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs totaled ¥52,504 million, ¥49,576 mil-
lion and ¥47,460 million for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in selling, 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 current lia-
bilities 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 relation-
ships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well
as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking
various 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 values of these deriva-
tive financial instruments are immediately recorded in earnings.
Canon classifies cash flows from derivatives as cash flows from
(v) Guarantees
Canon recognizes, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the
fair value of the obligation it has undertaken in issuing guarantees.
(w) Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(“FASB”) issued an amendment which requires an acquirer in
a business combination to recognize the effect on earnings
of any adjustments identified during the measurement period
after an acquisition in the same period the adjustment is iden-
tified, as opposed to the prior guidance which required mate-
rial adjustments be retrospectively adjusted. Canon adopted
this amended guidance from the quarter beginning October 1,
2015. This adoption did not have a material impact on its con-
solidated results of operations and financial condition.
In May 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard
related to revenue from contracts with customers. This stan-
dard requires an entity to recognize revenue when promised
goods or services 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 stan-
dard was originally planned to be effective for annual report-
ing periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however, in
August 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update
for a one-year deferral of the effective date. Early adoption as
of the original effective date is permitted. This standard may
be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period pre-
sented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially
applying this standard recognized at the date of initial applica-
tion. Canon has not selected a transition method and is cur-
rently evaluating the adoption date and the effect that the
adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated results
of operations and financial condition.
In July 2015, the FASB issued an amendment which requires
an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net
realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling
prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably pre-
dictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.
This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods begin-
ning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permit-
ted. Canon is currently evaluating the adoption date and does
not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material
impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial
condition.
In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment which
requires deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncur-
rent in the consolidated balance sheets. This guidance is effec-
tive for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15,
2016, and early adoption is permitted. Canon will early adopt
this amended guidance from the quarter beginning January 1,
2016, on a prospective basis, and prior periods were not ret-
rospectively adjusted. The adoption of this guidance will have
an impact on its consolidated balance sheets as our current
deferred tax assets were ¥55,108 million and current deferred
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
57
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
tax liabilities were ¥2,682 million as of December 31, 2015.
In January 2016, the FASB issued an amendment which
addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, pre-
sentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This guid-
ance includes the requirement that equity investments be
measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recog-
nized in net income. This guidance is effective for annual
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and
early adoption is permitted for certain provisions. Canon is
currently evaluating the adoption date and the effect that the
adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated results
of operations and financial condition.
In February 2016, the FASB issued an amendment which
requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance
sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a
manner similar to current guidance. For lessors, the guidance
modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-
type and direct financing leases. This guidance is effective for
annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018,
and early adoption is permitted. Canon is currently evaluat-
ing the adoption date and the effect that the adoption of this
guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations
and financial condition.
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, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
December 31
Millions of yen
2015: Noncurrent:
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Fund trusts
Equity securities
Millions of yen
2014: Noncurrent:
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Fund trusts
Equity securities
Cost
Gross unrealized
holding gains
Gross unrealized
holding losses
Fair value
¥
298
6
63
20,461
¥ 20,828
¥ —
195
1
23,482
¥ 23,678
¥ 11
—
—
1,094
¥ 1,105
¥
287
201
64
42,849
¥ 43,401
Cost
Gross unrealized
holding gains
Gross unrealized
holding losses
Fair value
¥
331
512
84
20,905
¥ 21,832
¥ —
153
—
19,765
¥ 19,918
¥ 6
29
—
17
¥ 52
¥
325
636
84
40,653
¥ 41,698
Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities included in investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were
as follows at December 31, 2015:
Due after five years
Millions of yen
Cost
¥ 304
¥ 304
Fair value
¥ 488
¥ 488
Gross realized gains were ¥329 million, ¥2,540 million and
¥2,360 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013, respectively. Gross realized losses, including write-
downs for impairments that were other-than-temporary, were
¥31 million, ¥31 million and ¥2 million for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
At December 31, 2015, substantially all of the available-for-sale
securities with unrealized losses had been in a continuous unreal-
ized loss position for less than twelve months.
Time deposits with original maturities of more than three
months are ¥20,651 million and ¥71,863 million at December
31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in short-term
58
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
significant adverse effects on the fair value of those investments.
Aggregate cost of non-marketable equity securities accounted
for under the cost method totaled ¥2,570 million and ¥1,164 mil-
lion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These invest-
ments were not evaluated for impairment at December 31, 2015
and 2014, respectively, because (a) Canon did not estimate the
fair value of those investments as it was not practicable to esti-
mate the fair value of the investments and (b) Canon did not iden-
tify any events or changes in circumstances that might have had
Investments in affiliated companies accounted for by the equity
method amounted to ¥20,415 million and ¥20,863 million at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 ¥447 million and ¥478 million for the years ended
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and losses of ¥664
million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
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
2015
¥ 17,614
582,464
600,078
(12,077)
¥ 588,001
2014
¥ 18,476
619,321
637,797
(12,122)
¥ 625,675
Millions of yen
2015
¥ 357,115
130,258
14,522
¥ 501,895
2014
¥ 363,685
144,394
20,088
¥ 528,167
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
2015
2014
¥ 282,786
1,632,604
1,813,116
61,952
3,790,458
(2,570,806)
¥ 286,336
1,609,667
1,822,026
70,759
3,788,788
(2,519,259)
¥ 1,219,652
¥ 1,269,529
Depreciation expenses for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013 were ¥223,759 million, ¥213,739 mil-
lion and ¥223,158 million, respectively.
Amounts due for purchases of property, plant and equip-
ment were ¥30,789 million and ¥40,483 million at December
31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in other
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
59
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets. Fixed assets presented in the consolidated statements
of cash flows include property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets.
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
2015
¥ 318,066
14,271
(888)
(31,920)
299,529
(2,878)
296,651
(109,220)
¥ 187,431
2014
¥ 308,733
13,924
(1,680)
(31,919)
289,058
(6,276)
282,782
(102,920)
¥ 179,862
The activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:
Years ended December 31
Millions of yen
Balance at beginning of year
Charge-offs
Provision
Translation adjustments and other
Balance at end of year
2015
¥ 6,276
(1,343)
55
(2,110)
¥ 2,878
2014
¥ 7,323
(1,171)
154
(30)
¥ 6,276
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 includ-
ing length of period in arrears, macroeconomic conditions, initia-
tion of legal proceedings against customers and bankruptcy filings.
The allowance for credit losses of finance receivables are evalu-
ated collectively 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 filings. Finance
receivables which are past due or individually evaluated for impair-
ment at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are not significant.
The cost of equipment leased to customers under operating
leases included in property, plant and equipment, net at December
31, 2015 and 2014 was ¥108,746 million and ¥113,997 million,
respectively. Accumulated depreciation on equipment under oper-
ating leases at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was ¥82,916 million
and ¥87,338 million, respectively.
The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum lease payments to be received under financing leases and noncan-
celable operating leases at December 31, 2015.
Year ending December 31:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
60
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Millions of yen
Financing leases
Operating leases
¥ 127,714
90,137
57,828
30,501
11,165
721
¥ 318,066
¥ 8,709
5,307
3,308
1,786
490
206
¥ 19,806
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
7. ACQUISITIONS
On April 15, 2015, the Company acquired 76.1% of the
issued shares of Axis AB (“Axis”), a Sweden-based company
listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, a global leader in the network
video solution industry, primarily through a public cash ten-
der offer for consideration of ¥244,725 million. In addition,
the Company acquired 9.0% of the issued shares of Axis from
noncontrolling shareholders primarily through an additional
public cash tender offer. As a result, the Company’s aggregate
interest represents 85.1% of the issued shares of Axis. The fair
value of the 23.9% noncontrolling interest in Axis of ¥77,086
million was measured based on Axis’s common stock price on
the acquisition date.
The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisi-
tion method of accounting. Acquisition-related costs were
expensed as incurred and were not material.
The Company views its network surveillance camera busi-
ness as a promising new business area for Canon. Canon aims
to provide advanced and high-performance network solu-
tions to its customers and improve its product competitiveness
through the acquisition.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at acquisition date.
Current assets
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Other noncurrent assets
Non-current assets
Total assets acquired
Total liabilities assumed
Net assets acquired
Millions of yen
¥ 31,365
60,992
259,863
2,053
322,908
354,273
32,462
¥ 321,811
Intangible assets acquired, which are subject to amortization,
consist of trademarks of ¥42,880 million, patents and developed
technology of ¥17,823 million and software of ¥289 million.
Canon has estimated the amortization period for the trademarks,
patents and developed technology, and software to be 15 years,
7 years and 5 years, respectively. The weighted average amortiza-
tion period for all intangible assets is approximately 13 years.
Goodwill recorded is attributable primarily to expected syner-
gies from combining operations of Axis and Canon. None of the
goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The good-
will is assigned primarily to the Industry and Others Business Unit
for impairment testing.
The amounts of net sales of Axis since the acquisition date
included in the Canon’s consolidated statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 2015 were ¥72,602 million. The
amounts of net income of Axis included in the Canon’s consoli-
dated statement of income were not material.
Pro forma results of operations were not disclosed because
the effect on the Canon’s consolidated statement of income
was not material.
Canon acquired businesses other than that described above
during the year ended December 31, 2015 that were not mate-
rial to its consolidated financial statements.
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 related 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 attributable primarily to expected syn-
ergies 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 amortization,
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 average 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, individually and
in the aggregate.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
61
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets subject to amortization acquired during the year
ended December 31, 2015, including those recorded from busi-
nesses acquired, totaled ¥113,216 million, which primarily consist
of trademarks of ¥42,949 million, software of ¥39,817 million,
and patents and developed technology of ¥18,083 million. The
weighted average amortization periods for intangible assets in
total acquired during the year ended December 31, 2015 are
approximately 9 years. The weighted average amortization peri-
ods for trademarks, software, and patents and developed tech-
nology acquired during the year ended December 31, 2015 are
approximately 15 years, 5 years and 7 years, respectively.
Intangible assets subject to amortization acquired during the
year ended December 31, 2014, including those recorded from
businesses acquired, totaled ¥62,189 million, which primar-
ily consist of software of ¥54,686 million. The weighted aver-
age amortization periods for intangible assets in total acquired
during the year ended December 31, 2014 are approximately
5 years. The weighted average amortization periods for soft-
ware acquired during the year ended December 31, 2014 are
approximately 4 years.
The components of intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
December 31
Millions of yen
Software
Trademarks
Patents and developed technology
Customer relationships
License fees
Other
2015
2014
Gross carrying
amount
¥ 308,348
49,861
39,685
17,159
15,669
17,070
¥ 447,792
Accumulated
amortization
¥ 181,972
2,952
16,123
10,173
5,617
7,690
¥ 224,527
Gross carrying
amount
¥ 312,069
10,858
22,371
53,494
11,765
16,455
¥ 427,012
Accumulated
amortization
¥ 185,885
6,137
13,845
46,713
7,860
7,351
¥ 267,791
Aggregate amortization expense for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was ¥49,568 million,
¥49,741 million and ¥52,015 million, respectively. Estimated
amortization expense for intangible assets currently held for
the next five years ending December 31 is ¥48,094 million
in 2016, ¥38,852 million in 2017, ¥29,155 million in 2018,
¥20,589 million in 2019, and ¥15,736 million in 2020.
Intangible assets not subject to amortization other than
goodwill at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were ¥17,943 mil-
lion and ¥18,067 million, respectively, which primarily consist of
in-process research and development recorded from businesses
acquired.
For management reporting purposes, goodwill is not allo-
cated to the segments. Goodwill has been allocated to its
respective segment for impairment testing.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
Years ended December 31
Millions of yen
2015: Balance at beginning of year
Goodwill acquired during the year
Translation adjustments and other
Balance at end of year
Millions of yen
2014: Balance at beginning of year
Goodwill acquired during the year
Translation adjustments and other
Balance at end of year
Office
¥ 145,335
10,373
(13,157)
¥ 142,551
Office
¥ 139,412
3,971
1,952
¥ 145,335
Imaging
System
¥ 21,780
31,367
327
¥ 53,474
Imaging
System
¥ 13,877
7,424
479
¥ 21,780
Industry and
Others
¥ 44,221
228,827
9,870
¥ 282,918
Industry and
Others
¥ 8,351
32,736
3,134
¥ 44,221
Total
¥ 211,336
270,567
(2,960)
¥ 478,943
Total
¥ 161,640
44,131
5,565
¥ 211,336
62
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
9. SHORT-TERM LOANS AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Short-term loans consisting of bank borrowings at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were ¥26 million and ¥3 million, respectively.
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
December 31
Millions of yen
2015
2014
Loans, principally from banks, maturing in installments through 2020; bearing weighted
average interest of 1.81% and 2.79% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
Capital lease obligations
Less current portion
¥ 73
1,470
1,543
(662)
¥ 881
The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2015 were as follows:
Year ending December 31:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
¥ 145
2,018
2,163
(1,015)
¥ 1,148
Millions of yen
¥ 662
452
281
121
27
—
¥ 1,543
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 given 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 obligations due to the bank.
10. TRADE PAYABLES
Trade payables are summarized as follows:
December 31
Notes
Accounts
Millions of yen
2015
2014
¥ 16,706
261,549
¥ 14,112
296,102
¥ 278,255
¥ 310,214
11. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT AND SEVERANCE BENEFITS
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have contributory
and noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all of their employees. Benefits payable under the
plans are based on employee earnings and years of service. The
Company and certain of its subsidiaries also have defined contri-
bution pension plans covering substantially 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 recorded a gain
on curtailments and settlements of ¥9,370 million in selling,
general and administrative expenses in the consolidated state-
ment of income for the year ended December 31, 2014.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
63
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Obligations and funded status
Reconciliations of beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of the plan assets are as follows:
December 31
Change in benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan participants’ contributions
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid
Plan amendments
Curtailments and settlements
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Japanese plans
Millions of yen
Foreign plans
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2015
2014
26,445
10,772
—
59,496
(21,224)
¥ 760,331 ¥ 684,842 ¥ 364,662 ¥ 486,572
6,801
10,654
1,522
44,580
(7,352)
—
(191,179)
13,064
30,009
8,008
—
7,481
(24,479)
—
—
—
7,760
10,572
1,830
(5,534)
(6,795)
(2,655)
—
(20,160)
—
—
—
Projected benefit obligations at end of year
781,350
760,331
349,680
364,662
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
622,121
17,541
8,701
—
(21,788)
—
—
581,996
43,714
15,676
—
(19,265)
—
—
221,421
21
10,864
1,830
(6,795)
—
(9,471)
360,527
17,851
6,470
1,522
(7,041)
(165,640)
7,732
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
626,575
622,121
217,870
221,421
Funded status at end of year
¥ (154,775) ¥ (138,210)
¥ (131,810) ¥ (143,241)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
December 31
Other assets
Accrued expenses
Accrued pension and severance cost
Japanese plans
Millions of yen
Foreign plans
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2015
2014
¥
814 ¥
—
(155,589) (138,742)
532 ¥ 9,986 ¥
—
(1,055)
(140,673) (142,186)
(1,123)
—
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2015 and 2014 before the effect of
¥ (154,775) ¥ (138,210)
¥ (131,810) ¥ (143,241)
income taxes are as follows:
December 31
Actuarial loss
Prior service credit
64
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Japanese plans
Millions of yen
Foreign plans
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2015
2014
¥ 208,946 ¥ 209,829 ¥ 71,750
(2,567)
(92,527)
(79,935)
¥ 69,287
(57)
¥ 129,011 ¥ 117,302 ¥ 69,183
¥ 69,230
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit plans was as follows:
December 31
Japanese plans
Millions of yen
Foreign plans
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2015
2014
Accumulated benefit obligation
¥ 740,545 ¥ 720,034 ¥ 338,160 ¥ 343,023
The projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obligations in
excess of plan assets, and the accumulated benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accu-
mulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:
December 31
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
Japanese plans
Millions of yen
Foreign plans
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2015
2014
¥ 777,458
621,869
¥ 756,941
618,199
¥ 346,749
204,953
¥ 364,662
221,421
¥ 731,537
615,963
¥ 716,940
618,199
¥ 331,351
200,891
¥ 339,305
216,560
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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 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
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
¥ 30,009 ¥ 26,445 ¥ 26,005 ¥ 7,760 ¥ 6,801 ¥ 9,448
8,008 10,772 11,655 10,572 10,654 14,299
(11,857) (10,637) (13,949)
(19,579) (18,018) (15,273)
(12,592) (12,800) (12,306)
(143)
10,402 10,023 13,546 3,839 1,698 2,005
146
—
— (9,370)
(145)
(61)
—
—
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:
¥ 16,248 ¥ 16,422 ¥ 23,627 ¥ 10,169 ¥
(915) ¥ 11,806
Years ended December 31
Current year actuarial (gain) loss
Current year prior service credit
Amortization of actuarial loss
Amortization of prior service credit
Curtailments and settlements
Japanese plans
Millions of yen
Foreign plans
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
¥ 9,519 ¥ 33,800 ¥ (54,150)
—
(10,402)
12,592
—
—
—
(10,023) (13,546)
12,800 12,306
—
—
¥ 6,302 ¥ 37,366 ¥ 2,290
—
(2,005)
143
(358)
(2,655)
—
(3,839) (1,698)
145
61
— (16,725)
¥ 11,709 ¥ 36,577 ¥ (55,390)
¥
(47) ¥ 19,004 ¥
70
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
65
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The estimated prior service credit and actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumu-
lated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are summarized as follows:
Prior service credit
Actuarial loss
Japanese plans
Foreign plans
Millions of yen Millions of yen
¥ (12,785)
10,830
¥ (132)
3,213
Assumptions
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
December 31
Discount rate
Assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels
Japanese plans
Foreign plans
2015
1.1%
3.0%
2014
1.1%
3.0%
2015
3.0%
2.0%
2014
2.9%
2.0%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefi t 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
Japanese plans
Foreign plans
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
1.1% 1.6% 1.8%
3.0% 3.0% 3.0%
3.1% 3.1% 3.1%
2.9% 3.9% 3.6%
2.0% 2.3% 2.2%
5.6% 4.9% 5.2%
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 adequate
plan assets are available to provide future payments of pen-
sion benefits to eligible participants. Taking into account the
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, Canon for-
mulates a “model” portfolio comprised of the optimal combi-
nation of equity securities and debt securities. Plan assets are
invested in individual equity and debt securities using the guide-
lines of the “model” portfolio in order to produce a total return
that will match the expected return on a mid-term to long-
term basis. Canon evaluates 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 for-
mulation 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 invested in equity
securities, approximately 55% is invested in debt securities,
and approximately 25% is invested in other investment vehi-
cles, primarily consisting of investments in life insurance
company general accounts.
Outside Japan, investment policies vary by country, but the
long-term investment objectives and strategies remain con-
sistent. Canon’s model portfolio for foreign plans has been
developed as follows: approximately 35% is invested in equity
securities, approximately 35% is invested in debt securities,
and approximately 30% is invested in other investment vehi-
cles, 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 investing,
Canon has investigated the business condition of the investee
companies, and appropriately diversified investments by type
of industry and other relevant factors. The debt securities are
selected primarily from government bonds, public debt instru-
ments, 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 guaran-
teed interest rate and return of capital. With respect to invest-
ments 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.
66
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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, 2015 and 2014, by asset category, are as follows:
December 31, 2015
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
¥ 49,847 ¥
3,287
—
—
— 125,850
¥ — ¥ 49,847 ¥ — ¥
—
3,287
— 125,850
—
—
— 66,296
18,661
—
142,015
—
1,248
— 13,532
— 120,364
— 142,015
—
1,248
— 13,532
— 120,364
—
48
—
2,587
— 21,009
— 34,564
¥ — ¥
—
— 18,661
— 66,296
48
—
—
2,587
— 21,009
— 34,564
— 10,462
— 10,462
—
137
—
137
— 125,759
— 33,432
— 125,759
779 34,211
—
6,190
— 68,378
—
6,190
— 68,378
¥ 195,149 ¥ 430,647
¥ 779 ¥ 626,575 ¥ 18,709 ¥ 199,161
¥ — ¥ 217,870
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 (e)
Foreign companies
Pooled funds (f)
Debt securities:
Government bonds (g)
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Poole d funds (h)
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
¥ — ¥
—
— 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
7,899
—
3,221
—
— 24,014
— 23,260
— 12,310
— 12,310
—
—
—
—
— 123,575
— 23,825
— 123,575
1,600 25,425
—
7,049
— 49,271
—
7,049
— 49,271
¥ 205,469 ¥ 415,052 ¥ 1,600 ¥ 622,121
¥ 39,862 ¥ 181,559
¥ — ¥ 221,421
(a) The plan’s equity securities include common stock of the
Company and certain of its subsidiaries in the amounts of
¥325 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 compa-
nies for foreign plans.
(c) This class includes approximately 85% Japanese government
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 govern-
ment bonds, 50% foreign government bonds, 5% Japanese
municipal bonds, and 20% corporate bonds for Japanese
plans. These funds invest in approximately 75% foreign gov-
ernment bonds and 25% 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
¥197 million.
(f) These funds invest in listed equity securities consisting of
approximately 25% Japanese companies and 75% foreign
companies for Japanese plans, and mainly foreign compa-
nies for foreign plans.
(g) This class includes approximately 85% Japanese government
bonds and 15% foreign government bonds for Japanese plans,
and mainly foreign government bonds for foreign plans.
(h) These funds invest in approximately 25% Japanese government
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
67
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
bonds, 50% foreign government bonds, 5% Japanese munici-
pal bonds, and 20% corporate bonds for Japanese plans. These
funds invest in approximately 85% foreign government 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 neces-
sarily 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 fre-
quency of transactions. Level 2 assets are comprised principally of
pooled funds that invest in equity and debt securities, corporate
bonds and investments in life insurance company general accounts.
Pooled funds are valued at their net asset values that are calcu-
lated by the sponsor of the fund and have daily liquidity. Corporate
bonds are valued using quoted 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
¥779 million and ¥1,600 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014,
respectively. Amounts of actual returns on, and purchases and sales
of, these assets during the years ended December 31, 2015 and
2014 were not significant.
Contributions
Canon expects to contribute ¥12,015 million to its Japanese defined benefit pension plans and ¥8,706 million to its foreign
defined benefit pension plans for the year ending December 31, 2016.
Estimated future benefit payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
Year ending December 31:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021–2025
Japanese plans
Foreign plans
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
¥ 20,023
21,351
23,280
23,359
27,886
170,161
¥ 9,836
10,165
9,843
11,036
11,686
67,899
Multiemployer pension plans
The amounts of cost recognized for the multiemployer pen-
sion plans primarily in the Netherlands for the years ended
December 31, 2015 and 2014 were ¥3,864 million and
¥2,815 million, respectively. The multiemployer pension plan
in which the subsidiaries in the Netherlands participated was
102% funded as of December 31, 2014. The collective bar-
gaining agreements have no expiration date. Canon is not
liable for other participating employers’ obligations under the
terms and conditions of the agreements.
Defined contribution plans
The amounts of cost recognized for the defined contribution pen-
sion plans of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were ¥17,277
million, ¥15,077 million and ¥14,383 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
2015: Income before income taxes
Income taxes:
Current
Deferred
Japanese
¥ 228,871
¥ 80,020
3,414
¥ 83,434
Millions of yen
Foreign
¥ 118,567
¥ 31,413
1,258
¥ 32,671
Total
¥ 347,438
¥ 111,433
4,672
¥ 116,105
68
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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
2013: Income before income taxes
¥ 251,351
¥ 96,253
¥ 347,604
Income taxes:
Current
Deferred
¥ 75,134
4,005
¥ 79,139
¥ 16,163
12,786
¥ 28,949
¥ 91,297
16,791
¥ 108,088
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 35% for the year
ended December 31, 2015 and approximately 38% for the
years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Amendments to the Japanese tax regulations were enacted
into law on March 31, 2015. As a result of these amendments,
the statutory income tax rate will be reduced from approxi-
mately 35% to 33% effective from the year beginning January
1, 2016, and to approximately 32% effective from the year
beginning January 1, 2017 thereafter. Consequently, the stat-
utory income tax rate utilized for deferred tax assets and lia-
bilities expected to be settled or realized in the period from
January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 is approximately
33% and for periods subsequent to December 31, 2016 the
rate is approximately 32%. The adjustments of deferred tax
assets and liabilities for this change in the tax rate amounted
to ¥6,456 million and have been reflected in income taxes
in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended
December 31, 2015.
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
Effect of enacted changes in tax laws and rates on Japanese tax
Other
2015
35.0%
2014
38.0%
2013
38.0%
0.8
(2.9)
(4.8)
(0.4)
1.9
3.8
0.7
(3.7)
(5.0)
(0.5)
0.8
0.5
0.9
(3.3)
(5.4)
0.2
—
0.7
Effective income tax rate
33.4%
30.8%
31.1%
Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the follow-
ing captions:
December 31
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other assets
Other current liabilities
Other noncurrent liabilities
Millions of yen
2015
2014
¥ 55,108
113,687
(2,682)
(96,243)
¥ 61,943
117,636
(3,456)
(80,459)
¥ 69,870
¥ 95,664
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
69
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,
2015 and 2014 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
Intangible assets
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets
Millions of yen
2015
2014
¥ 15,298
3,293
77,420
6,906
24,281
39,881
33,526
33,808
234,413
(32,931)
201,482
(10,400)
(7,354)
(4,974)
(54,280)
(1,104)
(21,106)
(32,394)
(131,612)
¥ 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)
(7,283)
(30,393)
(121,170)
¥ 69,870
¥ 95,664
The net changes in the total valuation allowance were a
decrease of ¥4,567 million for the year ended December 31,
2015, and increases of ¥2,443 million and ¥2,888 million for
the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Based upon the level of historical taxable income and
projections 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, 2015.
At December 31, 2015, Canon had net operating losses which can be carried forward for income tax purposes of ¥200,994
million to reduce future taxable income. Periods available to reduce future taxable income vary in each tax jurisdiction and gener-
ally 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
¥ 6,138
36,317
58,462
62,270
37,807
¥ 200,994
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 ¥28,500
million for a portion of undistributed earnings of foreign sub-
sidiaries that arose for the year ended December 31, 2015 and
prior years because Canon currently does not expect to have
such amounts distributed or paid as dividends to the Company
in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax liabilities will be recog-
nized when Canon expects that it will realize those undistrib-
uted earnings in a taxable manner, such as through receipt
of dividends or sale of the investments. At December 31,
2015, such undistributed earnings of these subsidiaries were
¥940,931 million.
70
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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
2015
¥ 6,431
2,174
165
(1,180)
(505)
(1,029)
¥ 6,056
Millions of yen
2014
¥ 6,201
1,649
216
(114)
(1,808)
287
¥ 6,431
2013
¥ 7,711
312
388
(3,141)
(347)
1,278
¥ 6,201
The total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that would
reduce the effective tax rate, if recognized, are ¥6,056 million and
¥6,431 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Although Canon believes its estimates and assumptions of
unrecognized tax benefits are reasonable, uncertainty regarding
the final determination of tax audit settlements and any related lit-
igation could affect the effective tax rate in a future period. Based
on each of the items of which Canon is aware at December 31,
2015, 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 pen-
alties accrued at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and interest and
penalties included in income taxes for the years ended December
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are not significant.
Canon files income tax returns in Japan and various foreign
tax jurisdictions. In Japan, Canon is no longer subject to regu-
lar income tax examinations by the tax authority for years before
2015. Canon is also no longer subject to a transfer pricing exami-
nation by the tax authority for years before 2015. In other major
foreign tax jurisdictions, including the United States and the
Netherlands, Canon is no longer subject to income tax examina-
tions by tax authorities for years before 2007 with few exceptions.
The tax authorities are currently conducting income tax examina-
tions of Canon’s income tax returns for years after 2006 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 appropriated 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 appropriations by
resolution of the shareholders. Certain foreign subsidiaries 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 ended December
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 represent dividends paid out during
those years and the related appropriations to the legal reserve.
Retained earnings at December 31, 2015 did not reflect cur-
rent year-end dividends in the amount of ¥81,905 million
which were approved by the shareholders in March 2016.
The amount available for dividends under the Corporation
Law of Japan is based on the amount recorded in the
Company’s nonconsolidated books of account in accordance
with financial accounting standards of Japan. Such amount
was ¥970,771 million at December 31, 2015.
Retained earnings at December 31, 2015 included
Canon’s equity in undistributed earnings of affiliated compa-
nies accounted for by the equity method in the amount of
¥17,129 million.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
71
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
14. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 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
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, 2015
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)
(126,214)
12,252
108,932
28,286
73
—
—
—
73
(57,592)
1,691
(256)
(6,155)
(62,312)
—
(57,519)
¥ 87,038
(182)
1,509
¥ 14,055
3,041
2,785
¥ 182
1,352
(4,803)
¥ (131,017)
4,211
(58,028)
¥ (29,742)
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013 are as follows:
Years ended December 31
Unrealized gains and losses on securities
Gains and losses on derivative instruments
Pension liability adjustments
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehen-
sive income (loss)*1
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2013
Affected line items in consolidated
statements of income
¥
(298)
104
(194)
¥ (2,509)
879
(1,630)
¥ (2,358) Other, net
613
Income taxes
(1,745) Consolidated net income
12
(182)
4,217
(1,180)
3,037
4
3,041
1,504
(175)
1,329
23
1,352
(2)
393
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests
(1,632)
3,260
(1,248)
2,012
(3)
2,009
15,585
(3,710)
11,875
—
11,875
(1,352) Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
15,387 Other, net
(5,780)
9,607
Income taxes
Consolidated net income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests
—
9,607
3,460
(1,037)
2,423
(262)
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
See Note 11
Income taxes
Consolidated net income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests
2,161
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
Total amount reclassified, net of
tax and noncontrolling interests
¥4,211
¥ 12,252
¥ 10,416
*1 Amounts in parentheses indicate gains in consolidated statements of income.
72
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassification adjustments, including
amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, are as follows:
Years ended December 31
2015:
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)
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)
Before-tax
amount
Millions of yen
Tax (expense)
or benefit
Net-of-tax
amount
¥ (56,054)
¥
550
¥ (55,504)
3,249
(298)
2,951
52
4,217
4,269
(13,166)
1,504
(11,662)
(1,045)
104
(941)
(304)
(1,180)
(1,484)
5,294
(175)
5,119
2,204
(194)
2,010
(252)
3,037
2,785
(7,872)
1,329
(6,543)
¥ (60,496)
¥ 3,244
¥ (57,252)
¥ 144,826
¥
(992)
¥ 143,834
6,379
(2,509)
3,870
(3,309)
3,260
(49)
(71,166)
15,585
(55,581)
(2,225)
879
(1,346)
1,102
(1,248)
(146)
21,306
(3,710)
17,596
4,154
(1,630)
2,524
(2,207)
2,012
(195)
(49,860)
11,875
(37,985)
¥ 93,066
¥ 15,112
¥ 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
(4,312)
613
(3,699)
4,594
(5,780)
(1,186)
(21,614)
(1,037)
(22,651)
8,357
(1,745)
6,612
(7,551)
9,607
2,056
30,246
2,423
32,669
¥ 322,580
¥ (29,667)
¥ 292,913
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
73
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
15. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
On May 1, 2011, based on the approval of the shareholders,
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 sharehold-
ers, 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 sharehold-
ers, 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.
The compensation cost recognized for these stock options for
the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was nil and 2013
was ¥95 million, and is included in selling, general and adminis-
trative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
A summary of option activity under the stock option plans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
is presented below:
Outstanding at January 1, 2013
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
Exercised
Forfeited/Expired
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
Exercised
Forfeited/Expired
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
Exercisable at December 31, 2015
Shares
Weighted-
average
exercise price
Weighted-average
remaining
contractual
term
Aggregate
intrinsic value
Yen
Year
Millions of yen
2,726,400 ¥ 4,247
3,287
4,461
(8,600)
(60,400)
2,657,400
(67,200)
(728,400)
1,861,800
(249,600)
(316,200)
4,245
3,287
4,869
4,036
3,311
3,678
1.6
¥ 37
1.0
28
0.7
248
1,296,000 ¥ 4,263
1,296,000 ¥ 4,263
0.4
0.4
¥ —
¥ —
At December 31, 2015, all outstanding option awards were vested.
The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was nil and 2013 was ¥570 mil-
lion. Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was ¥826 million,
¥221 million and ¥28 million, respectively.
74
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
16. NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CANON INC. SHAREHOLDERS PER SHARE
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per
share computations is as follows:
Years ended December 31
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2013
Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
¥ 220,209
¥ 254,797
¥ 230,483
Average common shares outstanding
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options
Number of shares
1,092,017,955
1,112,509,931
1,147,933,835
34,931
4,393
8,466
Diluted common shares outstanding
1,092,052,886
1,112,514,324
1,147,942,301
Net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per share:
Basic
Diluted
¥ 201.65
201.65
¥ 229.03
229.03
¥ 200.78
200.78
Yen
The computation of diluted net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per share for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013 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 con-
tracts utilized by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to
reduce the risk. Canon assesses foreign currency exchange rate
risk by continually monitoring changes 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 instru-
ments, but it is not expected that any counterparties will fail to
meet their obligations. Most of the counterparties are interna-
tionally recognized financial institutions and selected by Canon
taking 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 exposure
of forecasted intercompany sales and intercompany trade
receivables that are denominated in foreign currencies. 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 instruments
designated as cash flow hedges, including foreign exchange
contracts associated with forecasted intercompany sales, are
reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
These amounts are subsequently reclassified into earnings
through other income (deductions) in the same period as
the hedged items affect earnings. 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 com-
ponent from the assessment 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 maturity date are recognized in earnings and
not considered hedge ineffectiveness.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
75
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Canon has entered into certain foreign exchange contracts
to primarily offset the earnings impact related to fluctuations
in foreign currency exchange rates associated 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 economic perspective. The
changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded in
earnings immediately.
Contract amounts of foreign exchange contracts at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are set forth below:
December 31
To sell foreign currencies
To buy foreign currencies
Millions of yen
2015
2014
¥ 228,053
¥ 358,862
37,540
21,365
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, 2015 and 2014.
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
December 31
Balance sheet location
2015
2014
Fair value
Millions of yen
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
¥ 373
¥
8
Other current liabilities
534
1,597
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
December 31
Balance sheet location
2015
2014
Fair value
Millions of yen
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
¥ 1,112
¥ 257
Other current liabilities
90
9,570
76
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
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
2015: Foreign exchange
contracts
2014: Foreign exchange
contracts
2013: Foreign exchange
contracts
¥
52
Other, net
¥ (4,217)
Other, net
¥ (131)
(3,309)
Other, net
(3,260)
Other, net
(12,145)
Other, net
(15,387)
Other, net
(145)
(111)
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
2015
¥1,099
2014
2013
¥(21,728)
¥(61,787)
18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Commitments
At December 31, 2015, commitments outstanding for the pur-
chase of property, plant and equipment approximated ¥43,059
million, and commitments outstanding for the purchase of parts
and raw materials approximated ¥75,439 million.
Canon occupies sales offices and other facilities under lease
arrangements accounted for as operating leases. Deposits
made under such arrangements aggregated ¥13,561 million
and ¥13,847 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respec-
tively, and are included in noncurrent receivables in the accom-
panying consolidated balance sheets. Rental expenses under
such operating lease arrangements amounted to ¥46,483 mil-
lion, ¥43,215 million and ¥44,562 million for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2015 are as follows:
Year ending December 31:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total future minimum lease payments
Millions of yen
¥ 26,294
20,328
13,855
8,847
6,115
12,153
¥ 87,592
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
77
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Guarantees
Canon provides guarantees for bank loans of its employees,
affiliates and other companies. The guarantees for the employ-
ees 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 per-
form 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 ¥7,685 million at December 31,
2015. The carrying amounts of the liabilities recognized for
Canon’s obligations as a guarantor under those guarantees at
December 31, 2015 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,
2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
Years ended December 31
Balance at beginning of year
Additions
Utilization
Other
Balance at end of year
Millions of yen
2015
2014
¥ 11,564
18,942
(12,404)
(4,088)
¥ 14,014
¥ 10,890
15,699
(12,039)
(2,986)
¥ 11,564
Legal proceedings
Canon is involved in various claims and legal actions arising
in the ordinary course of business. Canon has recorded pro-
visions for liabilities when it is probable that liabilities have
been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably esti-
mated. Canon reviews these provisions at least quarterly and
adjusts these provisions to reflect the impact of the negotia-
tions, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other
information and events pertaining to a particular case. Based
on its experience, although litigation is inherently unpre-
dictable, 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 consoli-
dated 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, 2015 and 2014 are set forth below. The following
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 and derivative instruments which are disclosed in Note 2 and Note 17, respectively.
December 31
Millions of yen
2015
2014
Carrying
amount
Estimated
fair value
Carrying
amount
Estimated
fair value
Long-term debt, including current installments
¥(1,543)
¥(1,507)
¥(2,163)
¥(2,146)
78
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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 discounted using
current market borrowing rates for similar debt instruments
of comparable maturity. The levels are more fully described in
Note 20.
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 subjective 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, 2015 and 2014, one customer accounted
for approximately 15% and 16% of consolidated trade receiv-
ables, 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 measure-
ment date. A three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the
inputs used to measure fair value is as follows:
Level 1— Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identi-
cal assets or liabilities.
Level 2— Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabil-
ities in active markets, quoted prices for identical
or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not
active, inputs other than quoted prices that are
observable, and inputs that are derived principally
from or corroborated by observable market data by
correlation or other means.
Level 3— Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in
which one or more significant inputs or value drivers
are unobservable, which reflect the reporting entity’s
own assumptions about the assumptions that mar-
ket 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, 2015 and 2014.
December 31
Millions of yen
2015: 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
Level 3
Total
¥ —
¥ 80,870
¥ —
¥ 80,870
287
—
12
42,849
—
—
201
52
—
1,485
¥ 43,148
¥ 82,608
¥ —
¥ —
¥ 624
¥ 624
—
—
—
—
—
¥ —
¥ —
¥ —
287
201
64
42,849
1,485
¥ 125,756
¥
¥
624
624
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
79
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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
Level 3
Total
¥ —
¥ 139,240
¥ —
¥ 139,240
325
—
12
40,653
—
—
162
72
—
265
—
474
—
—
—
325
636
84
40,653
265
¥ 40,990
¥ 139,739
¥ 474
¥ 181,203
¥ —
¥ —
¥ 11,167
¥ 11,167
¥ —
¥ —
¥ 11,167
¥ 11,167
Level 1 investments are comprised principally of Japanese
equity securities, which are valued using an unadjusted quoted
market price in active markets with sufficient volume and fre-
quency of transactions. Level 2 cash and cash equivalents are
valued based on market approach, using quoted prices for iden-
tical assets in markets that are not active. Level 3 investments
are mainly comprised of corporate 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 foreign
exchange contracts. Level 2 derivatives are valued using quotes
obtained from counterparties or third parties, which are peri-
odically validated by pricing models using observable 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 corporate
bonds, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
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
2015
¥ 474
—
22
(496)
¥ —
2014
¥ 340
—
(18)
152
¥ 474
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no circumstances that required any significant assets or liabilities to
be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
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 / Laser printers / Digital production printing systems /
High speed continuous feed printers / Wide-format printers /
Document solutions
80
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
Imaging System Business Unit:
Interchangeable lens digital cameras / Digital compact
cameras / Digital camcorders / Digital cinema cameras /
Interchangeable lenses / Compact photo printers / Inkjet
printers / Large-format inkjet printers / Commercial photo
printers / Image scanners / Multimedia projectors / Broadcast
equipment / Calculators
Industry and Others Business Unit:
Semiconductor lithography equipment / FPD (Flat panel
display) lithography equipment / Digital radiography sys-
tems / Ophthalmic equipment / Vacuum thin-film deposi-
tion equipment / Organic LED (OLED) panel manufacturing
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 poli-
cies 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, 2015, 2014 and
2013 is as follows:
Millions of yen
2015: Net sales:
Office
Imaging
System
Industry and
Others
Corporate and
eliminations
Consolidated
External customers
Intersegment
¥ 2,108,246
2,570
¥ 1,262,667
1,168
Total
Operating cost and expenses
2,110,816
1,820,230
1,263,835
1,080,396
¥ 429,358
95,293
524,651
537,730
¥
— ¥ 3,800,271
—
(99,031)
(99,031)
6,705
3,800,271
3,445,061
Operating profit
¥ 290,586
¥ 183,439
¥ (13,079)
¥ (105,736)
¥ 355,210
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
¥ 1,020,758
86,206
73,819
¥ 452,283
52,070
38,337
¥ 332,252
45,064
24,241
¥ 2,622,480
89,987
106,733
¥ 4,427,773
273,327
243,130
2014: Net sales:
External customers
Intersegment
¥ 2,075,788
2,944
¥ 1,342,501
693
Total
Operating cost and expenses
2,078,732
1,786,675
1,343,194
1,148,593
¥ 308,963
89,802
398,765
420,566
¥
— ¥ 3,727,252
—
(93,439)
(93,439)
7,929
3,727,252
3,363,763
Operating profit
¥ 292,057
¥ 194,601
¥ (21,801)
¥ (101,368)
¥ 363,489
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
¥ 1,025,499
87,058
69,704
¥ 517,524
53,912
31,124
¥ 342,695
37,544
15,976
¥ 2,574,900
84,966
107,956
¥ 4,460,618
263,480
224,760
2013: Net sales:
External customers
Intersegment
¥ 1,993,898
6,175
¥ 1,448,186
752
Total
Operating cost and expenses
2,000,073
1,733,165
1,448,938
1,245,144
¥ 289,296
85,574
374,870
400,201
¥
— ¥ 3,731,380
—
(92,501)
(92,501)
15,593
3,731,380
3,394,103
Operating profit
¥ 266,908
¥ 203,794
¥ (25,331)
¥ (108,094)
¥ 337,277
Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
¥ 954,803
88,344
54,644
¥ 584,856
56,564
44,112
¥ 328,202
37,072
27,040
¥ 2,374,849
93,193
101,682
¥ 4,242,710
275,173
227,478
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
81
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 rea-
sonable measures applicable. Corporate expenses include cer-
tain corporate research and development expenses. 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 addi-
tions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
measured on an accrual basis.
Information about product sales to external customers by business unit for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013 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
2015
2014
2013
¥ 328,061
421,209
857,369
501,607
¥ 322,398
401,447
862,000
489,943
¥ 312,973
381,848
841,436
457,641
2,108,246
2,075,788
1,993,898
782,623
362,663
117,381
861,196
366,946
114,359
973,517
363,070
111,599
1,262,667
1,342,501
1,448,186
123,887
305,471
90,395
218,568
62,116
227,180
429,358
308,963
289,296
¥ 3,800,271
¥ 3,727,252
¥ 3,731,380
Information by major geographic area as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
Millions of yen
2015
2014
2013
¥ 714,280
1,144,422
1,074,366
867,203
¥ 724,317
1,036,500
1,090,484
875,951
¥ 715,863
1,059,501
1,124,929
831,087
¥ 3,800,271
¥ 3,727,252
¥ 3,731,380
¥ 937,716
150,105
183,451
189,588
¥ 950,719
157,748
127,700
210,650
¥ 984,231
131,660
111,609
196,305
¥ 1,460,860
¥ 1,446,817
¥ 1,423,805
Net sales:
Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Total
Long-lived assets:
Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania
Total
82
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGY
BUSINESS SEGMENT
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SECTION
CORPORATE DATA
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 busi-
ness in any individual country in which its sales in that coun-
try exceed 10% of consolidated net sales. Net sales in the
United States were ¥1,047,838 million, ¥938,411 million and
¥960,213 million for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013, respectively.
Long-lived assets represent property, plant and equipment
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, 2015, 2014 and 2013. In addition to the disclosure requirements under U.S. GAAP, Canon discloses this informa-
tion in order to provide financial statements users with useful information.
Millions of yen
2015: Net sales:
External customers
Intersegment
Total
Operating cost and expenses
Operating profit
Total assets
2014: Net sales:
External customers
Intersegment
Total
Operating cost and expenses
Operating profit
Total assets
2013: Net sales:
External customers
Intersegment
Total
Operating cost and expenses
Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and
Oceania
Corporate and
eliminations
Consolidated
¥ 847,669 ¥ 1,138,830 ¥ 1,077,033 ¥ 736,739 ¥
1,765,840
21,069
106,675
911,395
(2,804,979)
— ¥ 3,800,271
—
2,613,509
2,285,780
1,159,899
1,130,099
1,183,708
1,165,218
1,648,134
1,582,113
(2,804,979)
(2,718,149)
3,800,271
3,445,061
¥ 327,729 ¥
29,800 ¥
18,490 ¥
66,021 ¥
(86,830) ¥ 355,210
¥ 969,805 ¥ 544,395 ¥ 409,357 ¥ 620,090 ¥ 1,884,126 ¥ 4,427,773
¥ 836,801 ¥ 1,033,797 ¥ 1,088,293 ¥ 768,361 ¥
1,752,378
8,738
59,493
821,600
(2,642,209)
— ¥ 3,727,252
—
2,589,179
2,245,930
1,042,535
1,018,661
1,147,786
1,135,515
1,589,961
1,522,244
(2,642,209)
(2,558,587)
3,727,252
3,363,763
¥ 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
¥ 797,501 ¥ 1,056,096 ¥ 1,124,603 ¥ 753,180 ¥
1,855,181
11,774
53,281
881,765
(2,802,001)
— ¥ 3,731,380
—
2,652,682
2,326,351
1,067,870
1,043,487
1,177,884
1,171,357
1,634,945
1,574,125
(2,802,001)
(2,721,217)
3,731,380
3,394,103
Operating profit
¥ 326,331 ¥
24,383 ¥
6,527 ¥
60,820 ¥
(80,784) ¥ 337,277
Total assets
¥ 1,152,398 ¥ 447,039 ¥ 496,549 ¥ 631,827 ¥ 1,514,897 ¥ 4,242,710
22. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On March 17, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company
approved an acquisition of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
(“TMSC”) from Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) to make TMSC
a subsidiary, and concurrently it has entered into a share transfer
agreement with Toshiba. The Company paid a total consideration
of ¥665.5 billion for a right to acquire all the ordinary shares of
TMSC, which is exercisable upon the clearance of necessary com-
petition regulatory authorities. The Company borrowed the con-
sideration through bank borrowing of ¥660 billion provisionally,
which is due on September 30, 2016. The Company plans to
make its final decision on whether to use own funds, borrowings
or a combination of both, to fund the acquisition, by that time.
Until the clearance of necessary competition regulatory
authorities is obtained, the Company does not expect to consol-
idate TMSC since it does not currently hold power over TMSC
including voting rights in the shareholders meeting of TMSC.
Under Phase V of its Excellent Global Corporation Plan, a five-
year initiative launched in 2016, the Company aims to embrace
the challenge of new growth through a grand strategic trans-
formation. With regard to reinforcing and expanding new busi-
nesses in particular, which represents one of the important
strategies to be carried out during this phase, the Company
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
83
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS / SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
intends to cultivate its health care business within the safety and
security sector as a next-generation pillar of growth.
TMSC is one of the leading global companies in the medical
equipment industry. Within the field of medical X-ray computed
tomography (CT) systems in particular, TMSC is the overwhelm-
ing market share leader in Japan and has been steadily increasing
its global market share. Through the agreement, TMSC, with its
world-class technological capabilities and global platform, will be
welcomed into the Canon Group. By maximizing the combina-
tion of both companies’ management resources, the Company
aims to solidify its business foundation for health care that can
contribute to the world.
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31
Millions of yen
2015: Allowance for doubtful receivables
Trade receivables
Finance receivables
2014: Allowance for doubtful receivables
Trade receivables
Finance receivables
2013: 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
¥ 12,122
6,276
¥ 12,730
7,323
¥ 12,970
6,908
¥ 2,180
55
¥ 878
154
¥ 1,235
212
¥ (1,745)
(1,343)
¥ (2,236)
(1,171)
¥ (4,173)
(1,278)
¥ (480)
(2,110)
¥ 750
(30)
¥ 2,698
1,481
¥ 12,077
2,878
¥ 12,122
6,276
¥ 12,730
7,323
84
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of Canon is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.
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 purposes in accordance with gener-
ally 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 rea-
sonable 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 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, 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.
Canon’s management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making
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, 2015, Canon’s internal control over financial report-
ing 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 effec-
tiveness of Canon’s internal control over financial reporting.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
85
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Canon Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Canon Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015. 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 finan-
cial 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 statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 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, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our
report dated March 30, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
March 30, 2016
86
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Canon Inc.
We have audited Canon Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria estab-
lished 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 effective internal con-
trol over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accom-
panying 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 finan-
cial 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 effectiveness of internal
control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. 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 reliability 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 main-
tenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the com-
pany; (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 assurance regarding pre-
vention 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 con-
ditions, 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, 2015, 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, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015, and our
report dated March 30, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
March 30, 2016
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
87
TRANSFER AND
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
SHAREHOLDER
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 30, 2016, 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
88
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
MAJOR CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
(As of December 31, 2015)
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 Financial Services, 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 Italia S.p.A.
Canon (China) Co., Ltd.
Canon Hongkong Co., Ltd.
Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Canon India Pvt. Ltd.
Canon Australia Pty. Ltd.
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.
Axis Communications AB
Océ-Technologies B.V.
Océ Printing Systems G.m.b.H.
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 Prachinburi (Thailand) Ltd.
Canon Business Machines (Philippines), Inc.
Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Research & Development
Canon Research Centre France S.A.S.
Canon Information Systems Research Australia Pty. Ltd.
CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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CANON INC.
30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
©Canon Inc. 2016 PUB.BEP025-02 0916