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FY2018 Annual Report · Canon
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CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018

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TABLE  OF  CONTENT S

Strategy

  1  Financial Highlights

  2  To Our Shareholders

  9  Business Strategy

Business Segment/
Corporate Structure

 18  At a Glance

 20  Research & Development

 22  Production

 24  Sales & Marketing

 26  ESG

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

90   Schedule II Valuation and  
Qualifying Accounts

91   Management’s Report on Internal 

Control Over Financial Reporting

92   Reports of Independent Registered 

Public Accounting Firm

Cover Photo:
Canon Medical’s 320-row  
detector, Aquilion ONE™
Achieves high-quality, wide-area, and high-
speed imaging with low radiation exposure. 
Used widely for diagnosis of cerebral aneu-
rysms and cancer.

Corporate Data

 94  Transfer and Registrar’s Office

 94  Shareholder Information

 95  Major Consolidated Subsidiaries

FINAN C IAL HIG HL IGHTS

Millions of yen
(except per share amounts)

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

2018

2017

Change (%)

2018

 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

¥ 3,951,937

¥ 4,080,015

342,952

362,892

252,755

321,605

353,884

241,923

¥ 

234.09

¥ 

222.88

234.08

222.88

¥ 4,899,465

¥ 5,198,291

 Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity

¥ 2,827,602

¥ 2,870,630

-3.1

+6.6

+2.5

+4.5

+5.0

+5.0

-5.7

-1.5

$ 35,603,036

3,089,658

3,269,297

2,277,072

$ 

2.11

2.11

$ 44,139,324

$ 25,473,892

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 JPY111=U.S.$1, the approximate exchange rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market as of December 

28, 2018, 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

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

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

ROE/ROA (%)

300

200

100

0

10

8

6

4

2

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Basic 

Diluted

ROE 

ROA

1

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TO OUR  SHARE HOL DERS

FUJIO MITARAI
Chairman & CEO
Canon Inc.

Canon will further promote a grand strategic 
transformation by accelerating reforms.

2

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Performance in 2018

The global economy in 2018 was on a moderate recovery track 

for both interchangeable-lens digital cameras and digital 

overall, including signs of a steady economic recovery in the 

compact cameras. Unit sales of inkjet printers decreased due 

U.S., despite a serious rise in trade friction between the U.S. 

to a shrinking market for consumer products, despite solid 

and China, as well as a slowdown in the Chinese economy.

sales of large-format printers. In the Medical System Business 

Against this backdrop, Canon strived to improve business 

Unit, sales increased due to an expansion of overseas demand, 

performance through such measures as pursuing efficiency in 

mainly in emerging economies, despite restrained purchasing 

all areas, ranging from R&D to production, sales and service, 

in Japan. In the Industry and Others Business Unit, although 

based on our corporate portfolio that comprises new busi-

sales slowed for flat panel display (“FPD”) lithography equip-

nesses—commercial printing, network cameras, medical and 

ment and OLED panel manufacturing equipment, unit sales 

industrial equipment—and Canon’s traditional core businesses 

of semiconductor lithography equipment grew significantly. 

including office equipment and cameras.

Meanwhile, sales of network cameras enjoyed robust growth 

With regard to conditions in each business, in the Office 

thanks to market expansion.

Business Unit, unit sales of office multifunction devices 

Consequently, consolidated net sales for 2018 decreased by 

(“MFDs”) grew mainly for color models, largely due to such 

3.1% year on year to ¥3,951.9 billion, and the gross profit ratio 

factors as increased demand in emerging markets. As for 

was 46.4%. Operating profit increased by 6.6% year on year 

laser printers, although hardware sales were strong, sales 

to ¥343.0 billion, while net income attributable to Canon Inc. 

of consumables remained at the same level as the previous 

increased by 4.5% year on year to ¥252.8 billion. The full-year 

year. In the Imaging System Business Unit, the digital camera 

dividend is ¥160 per share, comprising an interim dividend of 

market continued to shrink, and sales declined significantly 

¥80 per share and a year-end dividend of ¥80 per share.

Cash Dividend (Yen)

160

80

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

3

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Excellent Global Corporation Plan

Phase I
1996–2000

Phase II
2001–2005

Phase III
2006–2010

Phase IV
2011–2015

Phase V
2016–2020

To strengthen its finan-
cial structure, Canon 
transformed its mindset 
to a focus on total 
optimization and profit-
ability. The Company 
introduced various 
business innovations, 
including the selection 
and consolidation of 
business areas, and 
reform activities in such 
areas as production and 
development.

Aiming to become  
No. 1 in all major 
business areas, 
Canon focused on 
strengthening product 
competitiveness along 
with the changing times 
stepping up efforts to 
digitalize its products. 
The Company also 
conducted structural re-
forms across all Canon 
Group companies 
around the world.

Canon moved ahead 
with such growth 
strategies as enhancing 
existing businesses and 
expanding into new 
areas while also thor-
oughly implementing 
supply chain manage-
ment and IT reforms.

Responding to weak-
ness in the global 
economy, Canon revised 
its management policy 
from a strategy target-
ing expansion of scale 
to a strategy aimed at 
further strengthening 
its financial structure. 
While actively pursu-
ing M&A activities, the 
Company restructured 
its business at a founda-
tional level to introduce 
new growth engines for 
future expansion.

From 
Phase I to 
Phase IV
1996–2015

Canon launched the Excellent Global 

to B2B. We subsequently reinforced and expanded our rap-

Corporation Plan in 1996, and has 

idly growing network camera business by making Milestone 

strengthened its management base 

Systems (“Milestone”) a subsidiary in 2014, followed by 

through each of the plan’s five-year initia-

Axis Communications (“Axis”) in 2015. Additionally, Canon 

tives, from Phase I to Phase IV.

Nanotechnologies, formerly Molecular Imprints, became a 

During Phase I, we stressed thorough cash-flow manage-

subsidiary in 2014, and we are accelerating the development 

ment and significantly boosted productivity through the 

of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing equipment 

introduction of our cell production system, along with other 

that uses nanoimprint lithography, which will make it pos-

measures. In Phase II, we stepped up efforts to digitalize our 

sible to achieve both miniaturization and cost reductions for 

copying machines and camera offerings, while building the 

semiconductor devices.

foundation for a robust financial structure. During Phase III, 

As a manufacturer, Canon strives unceasingly to achieve 

we actively carried out M&A activities, and welcomed Océ to 

production reforms and thorough cost reductions. At the 

the Group in 2010, clearing the way for a move into the com-

same time, we stay on top of opportunities to add excellent 

mercial printing market, which has shown growth potential.

companies to the Group, in order to shift our focus towards 

As the markets for our core businesses—such as cameras 

changing growth markets, with the aim of unlocking new 

and office equipment—were maturing, during Phase IV, 

growth potential.

which began in 2011, we promoted diversification via the 

lateral expansion of our existing businesses—such as the 

Cinema EOS System and commercial photo printers—while 

also accelerating our M&A strategy. In this manner, we set 

a clear direction for shifting our focus for growth from B2C 

4

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Excellent Global Corporation Plan

STRATEGIES

1 Establish a new production 

system to achieve a 
cost-of-sales ratio of 45%

KEY STRATEGIES

1

2

3

4

5

Establish a new production system to achieve a 
cost-of-sales ratio of 45%

Reinforce and expand new businesses while 
creating future businesses

Restructure our 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

Phase V 
2016–2020

Under the Excellent Global Corporation 

Plan’s Phase V, the most recent five-year 

initiative that started in 2016, Canon is re-

sponding to the weakened growth potential 

of the product portfolio that has supported 

our development thus far under the basic policy of “embracing 

the challenge of new growth through a grand strategic trans-

formation.” In 2020, the final year of Phase V, Canon aims to 

achieve net sales of ¥5 trillion, a cost-of-sales ratio of 45% or 

less, an operating profit ratio of 15% or more, a net income ratio 

of 10% or more and a shareholder’s equity ratio of 70% or more 

(based on exchange rates of US$1 = ¥125 and €1 = ¥135).

In 2018, we worked to enhance our business performance by 

thoroughly improving efficiency in all areas, ranging from R&D to 

production, sales and service, based on our corporate portfolio 

that comprises new businesses—commercial printing, network 

cameras, medical and industrial equipment—and Canon’s tradi-

tional core businesses including office equipment and cameras.

Explanations regarding the progress of the key strategies of 

Phase V, as well as our future course of action, are presented  

as follows.

Aiming to boost productivity through automated camera 
production.

In order to ensure the profit growth potential of our exist-
ing businesses in maturing markets, we aim to achieve 
a cost-of-sales ratio of 45% through ongoing efforts of 
expanding market share through the development of 
Dantotsu products (unrivalled products with extraordinary 
features), and cost reduction initiatives beginning upstream 
in the manufacturing process.

With regard to the development of Dantotsu products, 

we will accurately identify customer needs, and  
incorporate the latest technologies, such as the cloud,  
IoT, and AI, in order to introduce products that dominate 
the competition.

In order to reduce costs across the entire Canon Group, 

we are making advances in assembly automation and 
robotization, promoting cost-efficient design starting at 
the development stage and pursuing in-house production 
of machinery, equipment and key components. In-house 
production is expected to yield such benefits as reduced 
lead times, improved inventory levels and lower distribu-
tion costs. Meanwhile, we will actively provide guidance 
to our key suppliers on improving quality and cost in 
order to minimize external costs. Furthermore, we will 
strive to create a new cost structure through the use of 
common components and generic parts across several 
business divisions.

5

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGIES

STRATEGIES

2 Reinforce and expand new businesses 

while creating future businesses

3 Restructure the global sales network in 

accordance with market changes

The network camera market continues to expand. (Fukuoka, Japan)

Canon China launched its own e-commerce site. The use of an 
independent platform has enabled an analysis of customer trends in 
greater detail.

Through M&A, Canon has established four new businesses 
and is laying a foundation to ensure their development as 
future growth drivers.

In the commercial printing business, we seek to build a 
foundation for commercial printing centered on Océ, and 
to establish a product system to handle high-variety, short-
lot printing that realizes high image quality. In network 
cameras, we will strive to enhance and expand related soft-
ware, while continuing to make inroads into a wide range 
of fields including crime prevention and disaster monitor-
ing. The medical business will enhance sales performance 
and the competitiveness of its products for diagnostic 
equipment and explore the potential to expand operations 
into additional fields. In the industrial equipment business, 
Canon will accelerate development of next-generation 
OLED panel manufacturing equipment and pursue devel-
opment of new types of industrial equipment.

In addition, there is room for significant improvements 
in manufacturing costs within these new businesses. We 
aim to bring these costs down through the establishment 
of a new production system that will make possible a cost-
of-sales ratio of 45%. Each business will also implement 
thorough and strict standards for quality control that are 
expected of B2B businesses.

Amid the dramatic changes in the purchasing behavior 
of customers that has accompanied the development of 
the internet, Canon is pursuing major reforms of sales 
channels at all four of its regional sales headquarters.
Canon Marketing Japan is shifting from a product-
oriented organization to one with business units for 
each customer segment and a company-wide support 
structure. In the Americas, Canon U.S.A. is strengthen-
ing partnerships with dealers based on a four-region 
management system. In Europe, the Middle East and 
Africa (“EMEA”), we have completed organizational 
restructuring at our regional headquarters and have em-
barked upon reforms at sales companies in each country. 
In addition, we are working to strengthen our business 
in regions where future economic growth is expected 
through such actions as establishing a local subsidiary in 
Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, in Asia, Canon China has established its 
own e-commerce site, an independent platform that en-
ables analysis of customer trends in greater detail.

In Australia, we are working together with Group 

companies on structural reforms.

6

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

STRATEGIES

STRATEGIES

4 Enhance R&D capabilities 

through open innovation

5 Complete the Three Regional 

Headquarters management system 
capturing world dynamism

The Research Frontiers Institute is a global research consortium led 
by IBM. Canon provides young technicians to the institute to con-
duct R&D with a view to commercializing new technologies. (IBM 
Research, Almaden Research Center, United States)

R&D on high-speed cut-sheet inkjet printers. (Océ, Netherlands)

Canon is moving away from a policy of self-sufficiency 
and building an R&D system that actively utilizes external 
technologies and expertise, through such measures as 
promoting joint and contract research with universities and 
research institutions in Japan and abroad.

Meanwhile, as development grows increasingly competi-
tive worldwide, we are revising the support system for our 
business divisions by limiting R&D to technologies deemed 
highly necessary for future success in order to promote 
faster, more efficient development. In addition, we remain 
open to new M&A in all regions as we seek promising 
technologies that can be nurtured by Canon.

With global headquarters in Japan, the United States and 
Europe, Canon aims to establish a system that promotes 
global development through diversification by leveraging 
the unique features of each region.

In the United States, a country at the forefront of medi-

cal research, Canon U.S.A.’s Healthcare Optics Research 
Laboratory is collaborating on research with Massachusetts 
General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In 
the near future, we anticipate practical applications for an 
ultra-miniature endoscope that enables real-time examina-
tion of such areas as the interiors of joints and paranasal 
cavities, as well as a guided needle insertion system that 
assists with the insertion of needles in patients by guiding a 
needle to a precise position and depth.

In Europe, our collaboration with Océ has enabled us 
to develop UV curable flatbed printers capable of printing 
on wood, metal, glass and other materials in addition to 
paper. We have also recently entered the package printing 
industry where we are pursuing technological innovation.

7

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Key Challenges for 2019

In Conclusion

Canon views 2019 as a year of transformation, becom-

With Japan entering a new era of its traditional calendar, 

ing a company that achieves productivity on par with other 

2019 will mark the start of a new age and a significant turn-

excellent global corporations in all areas, from R&D to pro-

ing point for the country. Similarly, for Canon, we will enter 

duction, sales and service. We will undertake the following 

a new era in which great change is required to obtain new 

key challenges based on the theme, “Accelerating our grand 

growth potential in the face of evolving times.

strategic transformation through dramatic improvements in 

The global economy in 2019 is marked by concerns re-

productivity.”

garding the growing impact of trade friction between the 

The first challenge is to reinforce our existing businesses. 

United States and China. In order to respond swiftly to rapid 

We will utilize such technologies as the cloud, IoT and AI 

changes in the business environment, chaotic political and 

to advance the development of Dantotsu products that 

economic situations, dramatic advances in such technolo-

dominate the competition. We will also promote product 

gies as AI and also to create a strong corporate structure for 

design that is suited to automation, thereby strengthening 

continued growth, Canon will work as one to forge a path 

our assembly automation capabilities and pursue in-house 

toward further growth under Phase V of the Excellent Global 

production of equipment and key components on a company-

Corporation Plan.

wide basis.

We look forward to your continued understanding  

The second challenge is to strengthen and expand new 

and support.

businesses. We will accomplish this through concentrated in-

vestments in commercial printing, network cameras, medical 

and industrial equipment, the four businesses Canon views as 

the pillars to its future success.

The third challenge is to reform our R&D system to reflect 

changes in industry and society. We will categorize devel-

opment themes into those related to the reinforcement of 

existing businesses, those aimed at commercialization in the 

near future and development for the mid to long term. We 

will organize an appropriate framework for each in order to 

improve development productivity. In addition, we will expand 

and enhance our global search for startup companies pos-

sessing advanced technologies and new business models that 

show promise for significant growth.

8

Fujio Mitarai
Chairman & CEO
Canon Inc.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018B U S I N E S S
S T R A T E G Y

EXISTING  BUSINESS  

1 0

NEW BUSINESS  

1 2

   MEDICAL   .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .... ..  12

   NE TWO RK  CAMERAS   .. .. ... ...  14

   COMMERCIAL  PRI NT ING   ... ...  16

   INDUSTRIAL EQ UIPMENT  ... ..  17

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

9

EXIST IN G B USIN ESS

A

We seek to further expand market share and 
continually reinforce profitability

10

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Multifunction Devices (“MFDs”)

mount and realized even high image quality. We aim to keep 

Sales of Office MFDs were driven by the imageRUNNER 

adding attractive new products to our camera lineup in order 

ADVANCE Third Generation 2nd Edition series, which enables 

to maintain our leading market share and boost profitability.

compatibility with external cloud services, and the imageRUN-

NER C3020 series, which continued to perform strongly, 

Inkjet Printers

mainly in emerging markets. Amid demands from users for 

For inkjet printers, demand is growing for large-refillable ink 

enhanced security due to growing risks of information leaks 

tank models in emerging markets, and sales were solid for 

from IT equipment connected to networks, we will work to 

the imagePROGRAF TX series of large format inkjet printers, 

expand sales by successively introducing new models that in-

which are suitable for outputting CAD drawings and posters. 

corporate industry-leading security features.

For large-refillable ink tank models, we aim to grow faster than 

Laser Printers

the entire market, stepping up already active investment into 

sales in emerging markets. In addition, at the end of 2018 we 

In laser MFDs and laser printers, Canon introduced new prod-

introduced the WG7000 series, Canon’s first A3 inkjet MFD 

ucts that achieve low power consumption, compact body 

with an in-line printhead, and are aiming to cultivate new 

designs, and high productivity. Going forward, we will focus 

users by targeting small and medium-sized businesses that pri-

on raising the proportion of sales attributable to medium- and 

oritize high-speed, low-cost, and high-volume printing.

high-speed models, where higher print volumes are expected, 

while continuing to pursue sales promotional activities in co-

Lithography Equipment

operation with our OEM partners, with the aim of improving 

Semiconductor devices are becoming increasingly diversified 

overall profitability and further increasing our market share.

as a result of the rapid spread of IoT and an increase in auto-

Cameras

motive applications. In this environment, we aim to further 

expand the market share of Canon’s semiconductor lithogra-

Canon maintained the global top share of the interchange-

phy equipment by responding to the wide-ranging needs of 

able-lens digital camera market thanks to the popularity of 

our customers. The television market has seen flat-screen tele-

new mirrorless camera models such as the EOS M50 (EOS 

visions spread, and is expected to demand expansion for large 

Kiss M in Japan). In digital compact cameras, sales of the 

high-resolution panels. We aim to tap demand for higher 

PowerShot G-series and other high-value-added products were 

definition by leveraging the strengths of our proprietary 

brisk. Moreover, the full-frame EOS R mirrorless camera that 

single-shot exposure system with which our FPD lithography 

went on sale in the second half of 2018 has newly adopted RF 

equipment can efficiently produce large panels.

A.  When used with our newly developed RF lenses, the Canon 
EOS R mirrorless camera featuring a 35mm full-frame CMOS 
sensor delivers high image quality and powers of expression.

B.  Our MFDs are equipped with robust security features and 
make working with documents a breeze. By connecting to 
the cloud and other networks, they contribute to the im-
provement of productivity and the implementation of flexible 
working styles.

B

11

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018NEW BUSI NESS — ME D ICAL

A

Aiming to Expand Business Domains to Healthcare IT and 
In-vitro Diagnostics, with a Core Focus on Diagnostic Imaging

12

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Sustainable Growth Expected in the 
Healthcare Business

reconstruction technology, which was designed using deep 

learning. Installation of the leading-edge AI technology of AiCE 

In 1940, shortly after its founding, Canon succeeded in develop-

in a high-precision CT scanner and area detector CT refines 

ing Japan’s first indirect X-ray camera, and has used its camera 

the scanner’s capabilities by maximizing the performance of its 

and optical technologies, along with its image processing 

resolution capabilities, while achieving image reconstruction in 

technologies to develop products such as digital radiography 

shorter times, and with lower radiation dosages.

equipment and ophthalmic equipment. Amid an increasing 

In addition, in 2018 we also commenced sales of the 

global population and the graying of society, mainly in de-

Vantage Orian, the first Canon brand MRI system. This prod-

veloped countries, in December 2016, we welcomed Canon 

uct provides a high-level response to advanced clinical needs 

Medical Systems (“Canon Medical”) to the Group in order to 

through high-image-quality technology. At the same time, 

advance our medical equipment business to the next stage. 

the Vantage Orian makes a significant contribution to hospital 

Canon Medical, which holds the top market share in Japan and 

management through new technology that achieves major 

the fourth highest share worldwide* in X-ray computed tomog-

reductions in scanning time, and through its energy- and 

raphy (“CT”) systems, provides diagnostic imaging equipment 

space-saving design. We are also working to achieve higher 

including CT, magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) systems, 

performance, greater compactness, and lighter weight for our 

diagnostic ultrasound systems, and diagnostic X-ray systems, as 

diagnostic ultrasound system, Aplio i-series, which covers a 

well as in-vitro diagnostic systems and healthcare IT solutions, in 

wide range of clinical fields.

more than 150 countries and regions around the world.

Meanwhile, Canon is also focusing on healthcare IT, which 

Canon aims to expand its business domains to healthcare IT 

provides high-value-added medical information systems 

and in-vitro diagnostics, with a core focus on diagnostic imaging.

that consolidate and analyze vast amounts of data, includ-

* Based on in-house research

ing medical images and patient information, and on in-vitro 

diagnostics, which evaluate a patient’s health condition by an-

Actively Introducing New Canon Brand Products 
that Incorporate the Latest Technologies

alyzing blood and other substances, and which is expected to 

see a substantial growth in demand in the future. In addition, 

Canon Medical focuses on initiatives using AI and IoT, in order to 

we will accelerate business expansion by leveraging the syner-

realize more efficient healthcare at optimal costs, and to provide 

gies between Canon and Canon Medical, based on our policy 

high-value-added solutions that maximize patient outcomes. 

of cultivating the medical business as a third business pillar 

As part of these efforts, Canon Medical led the world in de-

following printing and cameras, including entry into business 

veloping Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine image (“AiCE”)

fields outside of the area of diagnostic equipment.

A.  Canon Medical’s next-generation 3-Tesla MRI scanner, the 

Vantage Galan™ 3T, maximizes high-resolution imaging per-
formance while minimizing space requirements and energy 
consumption. The device also employs noise-reduction tech-
nology to provide greater comfort to patients.

B.  Canon Medical’s Aplio™ i-series of diagnostic ultrasound 
systems harness iBeam technology to send and receive 
detailed and uniform ultrasound beams at all depths and 
at high density. This technology delivers crystal-clear and 
high-definition images with little noise. (National Cancer 
Center, Japan)

B

13

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018NEW BUSI NESS — NE TWORK CAME RAS

A

Aiming to be the Global Leader in 
Network Visual Solutions

14

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

The Growing Network Camera Market

Amid a rising awareness of security issues worldwide, the 

Expanding and Strengthening the Solutions 
Business

shift from analog surveillance cameras to network cameras is 

The development of video analysis software harnessing AI 

advancing. At the same time, as we quickly approach the IoT 

technology holds the key to future growth in the network 

era in which everything connects to the Internet, the network 

camera market.

camera market is exhibiting dramatic growth and changes, 

Canon has commercialized video analysis software that 

highlighted by the fact that the recordings captured by net-

can count the number of people in a video, deduce personal 

work cameras are not only used for security purposes, but 

attributes (gender and age), and apply silhouettes to moving 

also beginning to be utilized in the areas of manufacturing 

people in order to protect their privacy. Furthermore, in 2018 

and marketing.

Canon welcomed to the Group Israel-based BriefCam, which 

Canon expanded its network camera business to solutions 

develops and markets video analysis software using video 

market in 2013, based on technologies cultivated in camera 

synopsis technology. BriefCam’s Video Synopsis® technology, 

development. It then welcomed to the Group Sweden-based 

which enables reviewing several hours of recorded video in 

Axis, which boasts around 90,000 partners worldwide, and 

a few minutes, is used by law enforcement agencies, public 

Denmark-based Milestone, a global leader in video manage-

transportation organizations, healthcare and educational in-

ment software, in order to establish a structure through which 

stitutions, and major corporations in more than 40 countries 

Canon can expand its network camera business in a compre-

and regions around the world.

hensive way.

By incorporating high-quality, high-resolution video from 

With the market still developing, Canon’s network camera 

network cameras into image analysis software to analyze 

business continued to perform strongly in 2018. Axis tapped 

the movement of people and objects, there is potential 

demand to further boost sales, while Canon launched sales of 

for this technology to be utilized in a wide range of solu-

the ME20F-SHN, an ultra-high-sensitivity network camera that 

tions business, for example, the monitoring of sports events 

uses their proprietary CMOS sensor technology to capture 

or production sites, or marketing at commercial facilities. 

images clearly even at night or in darkness. Wide-angle and 

Through collaboration with the new Group Companies, 

telephotographic monitoring even in an environment with 

Axis, Milestone, and BriefCam, Canon aims to become a 

low-illumination is made possible with the ME20F-SHN be-

global leader in the field of network visual solutions by fusing 

cause it can incorporate a variety of EF lenses used in Canon’s 

cutting-edge technologies such as imaging, network image 

single-lens reflex cameras.

processing, video management, and video synopsis.

A.  Fukuoka City Subway assures transportation of over 160 mil-
lion people every year. Canon’s network cameras are installed 
in various locations, including above ticket gates and train 
platforms. They not only help provide safer and more secure 
transportation services, but also contribute to improving op-
erational efficiency by facilitating the optimal deployment of 
station personnel according to the ever-changing congestion 
on platforms and stairwells.

B.  BriefCam’s software allows users to search by color, size, and 
other attributes of the condensed video recordings created, 
making it possible to efficiently extract target objects.

B

15

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018NEW BUSI NESS — CO MMERCIAL  P RINTING

The Océ ProStream 1000 continuous-feed color printer for the graphic arts market can print on offset coated paper thanks to Oce’s newly developed 
ink set and ColorGrip technology. (Océ, Germany)

Expanding Business Areas in the Commercial Printing Market, 
which is Experiencing Solid Growth due to Digitalization

Commercial Printing Market Entering a 
Period of Major Change

Expanding Beyond Commercial Printing to 
Enter Industrial Printing Domain

The adoption of digital printing is gaining traction in the com-

In 2010, Canon welcomed Océ, a Netherlands-based com-

mercial printing market for printed materials, including books, 

pany that has gained tremendous support in the commercial 

newspapers and magazines, sales promotion materials such as 

printing field in Europe and the Americas, to the Group, 

catalogs and flyers, as well as itemized statements, invoices, 

thereby expanding the Group’s digital printing potential in all 

and direct mail. This means, unlike traditional offset printing, 

areas of commercial printing, including continuous-feed, cut-

data can be printed immediately without the use of printing 

sheet, and wide-format printing.

plates. Subsequently, customers are increasingly requesting 

Going forward, in addition to building a foundation for the 

short-run production, quick turnaround and variable-data 

commercial printing business with Océ at its core, we aim to 

printing (where content is changed for each print). In the 

develop the technology capable of printing with high-image 

commercial printing industry in particular, demand for digital 

quality for a broad range of media, underpinned by a rock-

printing is growing in the graphic arts market owing to the 

solid product framework. Also as you can see from the launch 

need for high-quality printing of premium quality catalogs, 

of our first industrial-scale digital label press, Océ LabelStream 

posters, and other items.

4000 series in 2018, we are now having our sights set on en-

tering the enormous industrial printing domain as well.

16

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018NEW BUSI NESS — IN D UST RIAL E QUI PME NT

Canon Tokki produces OLED panel manufacturing equipment with unrivalled and high-level technologies, including vacuum evaporation technology for 
depositing organic materials onto panel substrates in a vacuum and automated supply lines for glass substrates. Canon Tokki continues to be the indus-
try leader with an overwhelming market share.

Supporting Cutting-Edge Manufacturing of the IoT Era with 
Canon Industrial Equipment

Semiconductor Devices and FPDs Enter 
a New Period of Growth

the conventional method of using light to engrave circuit 

patterns has reached its technological limit. The Canon 

The advent of the IoT era has resulted in an ever-increasing 

Group has therefore developed nanoimprint lithography 

demand for semiconductor devices owing to video streaming, 

technology, in which patterns are formed based on the basic 

data centers, 5G communication, AI/deep learning, and auto-

principle of pressing a mask (mold) engraved with circuit 

mated driving moving into full swing. Demand is also expected 

patterns onto the surface of a wafer coated with resin. Using 

to increase for OLED panels for foldable smartphones, high-

this innovative technology we expect to significantly reduce 

definition large televisions, and other applications. In response 

costs by simplifying the manufacturing process and hope to 

to these market conditions, the Canon Group’s industrial equip-

lower chip defect rates thanks to the etching of extremely 

ment supports leading-edge manufacturing in a wide range of 

sharp circuit patterns. Furthermore, while Canon Tokki 

fields, including semiconductors and electronic devices.

leads the world in OLED panel manufacturing equipment, 

Developing Next-Generation Manufacturing 
Equipment with Innovative Proprietary 
Technology

boasting unrivalled technology for the vacuum evapora-

tion equipment used to deposit organic material onto panel 

substrates and automated supply lines for glass substrates, 

we will pursue even greater equipment productivity, and 

The miniaturization of circuit patterns has improved semi-

accelerate the development of next-generation OLED panel 

conductor chip performance. However, it is now said that 

manufacturing equipment.

17

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018AT A G LANCE

OFFICE BUSINESS UNIT

Composition of Sales (%)

Office multifunction devices (MFDs)

Laser multifunction printers (MFPs)

45.7%

Main Products
• Office multifunction devices (MFDs)
• Laser multifunction printers (MFPs)
•  Laser printers
•  Digital continuous feed presses
• Digital sheet-fed presses
• Wide-format printers
• Document solutions

Digital sheet-fed presses (Inkjet)

Digital sheet-fed presses (Electrophotographic)

IMAGING SYSTEM BUSINESS UNIT

Composition of Sales (%)

25.5%

Main Products
• 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

Interchangeable-lens digital cameras
—Mirrorless cameras

Interchangeable-lens digital cameras
—Digital SLR cameras

Inkjet printers

Large format inkjet printers

18

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Composition of Sales (%)

MEDICAL SYSTEM BUSINESS UNIT

11.1%

Main Products
• Diagnostic X-ray systems
•  Computed tomography (CT) 

systems

•  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 

systems

• Diagnostic ultrasound systems
• Clinical chemistry analyzers
• Digital radiography systems
• Ophthalmic equipment

Computed tomography (CT) systems

Diagnostic X-ray systems

Diagnostic ultrasound systems

Digital radiography systems

Composition of Sales (%)

INDUSTRY AND OTHERS BUSINESS UNIT

20.4%

Main Products
•  Semiconductor lithography 

equipment

•  FPD (Flat panel display) lithography 

equipment

•  Vacuum thin-film deposition 

equipment

•  Organic LED (OLED) panel 
manufacturing equipment

• Die bonders
• Micromotors
• Network cameras
• Handy terminals
• Document scanners

Semiconductor lithography equipment

FPD (Flat panel display) lithography equipment

Organic LED (OLED) panel manufacturing equipment

Network cameras

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

cluded in calculation considerations.

19

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018RE SE AR CH & D EV ELOPMEN T

A

B

A. An international rugby union match was projected live in 8K resolution at Canon’s headquarters. The impressive vision made it feel like one was 
watching the game in the stadium.  B. Our newly developed ceramic material for 3D printers has the potential for application in a broad range of fields, 
including industrial equipment and healthcare.

20

2018 Top Ten U.S. Patent Holders by CompanyIBM*Samsung ElectronicsCANONIntelLG ElectronicsMicrosoftQualcommAppleFord*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 information2,7352,4742,4652,3532,3002,1605,8502,1239,1003,056Taiwan SemiconductorManufacturingCANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Canon is engaged in efforts to discover new technologies 
that will help create future businesses

R&D Expenses and Patents

of people’s lives.

Canon is bolstering R&D activities to enable the ongoing de-

New imaging solutions

velopment of innovative products and services. In 2018, R&D 

We are working on the development of a Free Viewpoint 

expenses amounted to ¥315.8 billion, and the ratio of R&D 

Video System, as an imaging solution that utilizes the imag-

expenses to net sales was 8.0%. This focus on R&D activities 

ing technology Canon has cultivated over many years. Images 

has cemented Canon’s high status in the field of intellectual 

taken by multiple high-resolution cameras placed around a 

property. In 2018, Canon was granted 3,056 patents in the 

stadium are processed in real time by an image processing 

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

computer system that renders them into high-resolution 3D 

Japanese company for a fourteenth consecutive year.

spatial data. This not only allows viewers to view images from 

various angles and viewpoints, but also produces a realistic, 

Initiatives to Establish New Businesses

immersive viewing experience, giving viewers a sense that 

Canon has a long-term perspective as it concentrates its ef-

they are really there. Canon is also working to provide high-

forts on discovering new technologies for the future.

resolution, immersive images using 8K cameras, with the aim 

Diagnostic imaging support

of creating new ways to enjoy sports and entertainment.

Canon is utilizing image processing and AI in its efforts to 

In addition, we are developing a wide-area security system 

develop technologies that will help doctors make a diag-

using software that makes it possible to detect and track a 

nosis. Currently, we are working on joint R&D with Kyoto 

specific person from multiple camera images using Canon’s 

University Hospital to support the diagnosis of lung nodules 

network cameras, and that utilizes AI to count people with 

in CT images. By using a large database of cases and machine 

high accuracy, even in situations where many people are to-

learning, the software we developed are able to infer a spe-

gether in a crowded space.

cific disease type and present the supporting evidence for the 

Materials research

suspected nodules that appear in lung CT images. We aim 

To improve the competitiveness of Canon products, we un-

to improve the quality of healthcare through our support for 

dertake research into the materials used in such areas as ink 

medical diagnosis.

Visual inspection technologies

colorant and coloring powders. With our inkjet printer ink, 

we have additionally succeeded in commercializing a magenta 

In the past, Canon has successfully worked to develop a 

dye that enhances image quality. We have also developed 

technology that utilizes AI to learn the normal appearance 

a technology for the highly accurate 3D printing of parts 

of parts and detect abnormalities automatically. Now, we are 

with complex geometries, using Canon’s proprietary ceramic 

using this technology further, to develop a technology that 

material. Canon continues to research and develop high 

automatically detects cracks in infrastructure. By using AI to 

value-added materials in order to generate various differenti-

detect cracks, etc. in high-resolution images of infrastructure 

ated products of its own.

taken by cameras equipped with Canon’s CMOS sensors, this 

technology increases the accuracy and efficiency of inspec-

tions, and is expected to contribute to the safety and security 

21

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018PR ODUC TION

A

B

C

A. Production of components for inkjet printers. We seek to raise the bar in the manufacturing of high-quality products while striving to improve pro-
duction efficiency. (Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand), Thailand)  B. Master craftsmen, who hand down skills that are indispensable to Canon’s manufacturing 
ethos.  C. At Japan’s National Skills Competition in 2018, our technicians submitted an entry in the precision instrument assembling category. Canon has 
collected prizes at this competition for fourteen successive years since 2005.

22

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Canon aims to establish a new production system that 
achieves a cost-of-sales ratio of 45% through the evolution of 
our manufacturing capabilities

Globally Optimized Production

Human Resources for Manufacturing

Canon employs a globally optimized production system in 

Canon conducts human resource training to nurture the skills 

which we determine ideal production locations based on such 

of employees at our production sites worldwide. Our programs 

factors as costs, taxes, logistics, ease of parts procurement, 

teach manufacturing techniques and craftsmanship and train 

and labor. Our aim is to leverage the strengths of each region. 

employees with leadership potential in Canon management 

In Japan, we are expanding production through automation, 

methods. Young technicians test their abilities by competing 

while in the United States and Europe, we are promoting the 

in Japan’s National Skills Competition, where they cultivate a 

localized production of consumables and other products. In 

spirit of challenge that is reflected in our manufacturing.

emerging countries, we are boosting productivity by honing 

To encourage advancement in manufacturing engineering, 

our employees’ skills. This production method of Canon has 

Canon honors our most skilled technicians by awarding them 

been expanded to include companies such as Océ and Canon 

the title of Master Craftsman, while those who contribute to 

Medical, that joined the Group in recent years.

Canon production through their skills and knowledge of as-

Automation and In-house Production

These technicians are the vanguard of Canon’s production 

Seeking to create innovative and original products, Canon is 

improvement and play the important role of passing on their 

actively pursuing in-house production of key devices and com-

expertise to the next generation.

sembly and component processing earn the title of Meister. 

ponents such as CMOS sensors, manufacturing equipment 

such as automated assembly machines and high-precision 

processing machines, as well as molding dies. To produce 

Initiatives for Environmentally Friendly 
Manufacturing and Enhanced Product Quality

high-quality products at efficient costs, we strive to maintain 

From product design and development to production, logistics, 

highly reliable automated production lines. We have been 

product use, and recycling, throughout the product’s lifecycle in 

introducing fully automated production lines for toner car-

all areas of our business, Canon is engaged in manufacturing ini-

tridges, and are currently pursuing full automation for the 

tiatives that are friendly to the global environment and minimize 

manufacturing of cameras. At Oita Canon, our primary cam-

environmental impact.

era plant, we are working to fully automate digital camera 

In addition, in order to ensure that our products are safe, can 

production through the establishment of the Techno Wing 

be enjoyed with peace of mind, and provide satisfaction to our 

R&D facility that combines Canon’s manufacturing and prod-

customers, we at Canon have established a quality management 

uct technologies.

system that incorporates mechanisms unique to Canon on top of 

At Miyazaki Canon, the construction of a new digital cam-

ISO9001 requirements. We have realized an adequate quality as-

era plant is progressing, with operations due to commence 

surance system which sufficiently responds to laws and regulations 

in August 2019. By utilizing the automation technology culti-

of countries and regions around the world, and thoroughly imple-

vated at Oita Canon, Miyazaki Canon will pursue even greater 

ment operations. We drive quality improvement on an ongoing 

efficiency as an “ideal factory.”

basis, while constantly carrying out strict evaluations using cutting-

edge testing facilities that are at the forefront of the industry.

23

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018SALES &  M ARKETING

A

B

C

A. Canon’s display at PhotoPlus 2018, the largest photography and imaging exhibition in North America that showcases all of the latest products 
and services in the industry.  B. The first Canon Business Imaging Solutions Lounge in India. Visitors can try out various B2B products such as MFDs, 
scanners, and projectors.  C. Canon opened a Customer Experience Centre in Switzerland, showing our entire business portfolio, in particular, our com-
mercial printing products and services.

24

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Accelerating growth in commercial printing, network cameras, 
medical and industrial equipment as key drivers of 
Canon’s next-generation business

Japan

Middle East, Canon Saudi Arabia was launched to support grow-

Sales in Japan amounted to ¥869.6 billion, or 22.0% of consoli-

ing demand in the region for business solutions. In September, 

dated net sales. Sales in the IT solutions business increased due 

Canon Europe used Photokina 2018 as an important platform to 

to strong IT investment by domestic companies, in response to 

engage with consumer and professional audiences and enable 

workstyle reforms and labor shortages. Meanwhile, investment 

them to get hands on with the EOS R system.

in business equipment was weak, and MFPs and other hardware 

declined. In the security business, sales of network cameras 

Asia and Oceania

and software, etc. continued to grow. In addition, regarding 

Sales in the Asia and Oceania region amounted to ¥990.5 billion, 

products for consumers, although sales of mirrorless cameras 

or 25.1% of consolidated net sales. In the B2C field, we bolstered 

increased significantly, sales of digital single lens reflex (“DSLR”) 

marketing by strengthening e-commerce, and expanded our mar-

cameras and inkjet printers decreased due to market shrinkage.

ket share. Meanwhile, in the B2B field, we strengthened sales and 

The Americas

branding for MFDs and commercial printers, and promoted the 

expansion of B2B business within the region. In particular, we intro-

Sales in the Americas amounted to ¥1,076.4 billion, or 27.2% 

duced strategic products exclusively for Asia, in order to enhance 

of consolidated net sales. In recent years, Canon has promoted 

sales capabilities and branding for MFDs in the area. We are force-

a shift to digital marketing, including improving the convenience 

fully promoting business expansion in Asia as a whole, led by India, 

of e-commerce based on customer-oriented marketing activities, 

which is experiencing remarkable growth. Furthermore, we partici-

and enhancing after-marketing efficiency. In office equipment, we 

pated in the China International Import Expo, which was held for 

are continuing to implement the regional management system 

the first time in 2018, where we presented a wide range of prod-

that was introduced last year, which organizes activities in the U.S. 

ucts and solutions in areas such as business and healthcare. We are 

into four regions. We held a nationwide summit for U.S. dealers, 

currently expanding our market share in the B2B field in China. In 

and forged even stronger relationships with our top dealers. In 

Oceania, Canon has strengthened its B2B business through M&A.

addition, in order to accelerate new, original businesses by sales 

companies, we have established an organizational structure to 

promote innovation and are strengthening R&D. Canon is moving 

ahead with the cultivation of new businesses.

Europe (Europe, Middle East, Africa)

Sales in Europe amounted to ¥1,015.4 billion, or 25.7% of con-

solidated net sales. In line with its strategy to drive an ever-deeper 

customer-centric approach, Canon Europe opened two Customer 

Composition of Sales by Region

Asia and Oceania

25.1%
¥990.5 billion

Net Sales
¥3,951.9
billion

Experience Centres in 2018 — in Switzerland and France — giv-

ing customers new opportunities to interact with Canon people, 

products and solutions. Highlighting Canon’s commitment to the 

Japan

22.0%
¥869.6 billion

The Americas

27.2%
¥1,076.4 billion

Europe

25.7%
¥1,015.4 billion

25

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018ESG

Environment

Social

E

S

G

Governance

In recent years, the ethical role of corporations has increased 

with the ideals laid out in the Sustainable Development Goals 

in importance amid wide-ranging societal expectations and 

(“SDGs”) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. As members 

responsibilities. Canon adopted kyosei as its corporate phi-

of society, high expectations are being placed on corporations. 

losophy in 1988, and since then we have worked to fulfill our 

Accordingly, we will contribute to society by leveraging our 

responsibilities to society and build solid relationships not only 

technological capabilities to create new value, resolve social 

with our customers and business partners, but also with coun-

issues, and engage in activities to preserve and protect the 

tries, communities, nature, and the global environment. The 

global environment, while continuing to be a company that 

approach we take with our corporate philosophy harmonizes 

always gives due consideration to people and society.

Environment:

Social:

Governance:

Canon’s Approach

Canon’s Approach

Canon’s Approach

Based on the Canon Environmental 
Vision, Canon is working to reduce envi-
ronmental burden throughout the entire 
product lifecycle, from procurement of 
raw materials and parts to collection 
and recycling of used products, in an 
effort to realize a society that promotes 
both enriched lifestyles and the global 
environment.

Canon makes sincere efforts to engage 
in corporate social responsibilities, in-
cluding product safety, human rights, 
labor management, and accountable 
procurement activities. In addition, as 
a good corporate citizen, we promote 
efforts such as disaster relief and sup-
port for culture, and also work to resolve 
social issues through our technology and 
business activities.

Canon maintains sound corporate gov-
ernance as part of efforts to maximize its 
shareholders’ value and become a truly 
excellent global corporation.

Key Activities

Key Activities

Key Activities

•  Contributing to a Low-Carbon Society

•  Promoting Diversity

•  Contributing to a Circular Economy

•  Addressing the Issue of Conflict 

•  Eliminating Hazardous Substances and 

Minerals

Preventing Pollution

•  Supporting Art and Culture

•  Board of Directors, Audit & Supervisory 

Board, Non-statutory Committees

•  Constructive Dialogue with 

Shareholders

•  Contributing to a Society in Harmony 

with Nature

For details, please refer to the Canon Sustainability Report.  

 https://global.canon/en/csr/report/index.html

26

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Environment

The Canon Eco Technology Park (Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan) was opened in 2018 as a hub for the Canon Group’s environmental activities. 

Canon has been working for the improvement activities with 

and those used in manufacturing processes to prevent envi-

the goal of “achieving an average improvement of 3% per 

ronmental pollution and adverse effects on people’s health. 

year in the lifecycle CO2 emissions improvement index per 

With regard to chemical substances in products, in particular, 

product,” and, over the period from 2008 to 2018, achieved 

we have built a Group-wide environmental assurance system 

an average annual improvement of 5%. As of 2018, the over-

and established in-house standards that are in line with the 

all improvement was 37.7%, compared to 2008.

most stringent regulations in the world.

Contributing to a Low-Carbon Society

Canon tracks CO2 emissions throughout the product lifecycle 

Contributing to a Society in Harmony with 
Nature

(materials and parts manufactured by supplier, activities at op-

Canon engages in various activities worldwide based on 

erational sites, distribution, and customer use) and works to 

our Biodiversity Policy, and promotes the Canon Bird Branch 

reduce emissions at each stage.

Project as a symbol of these activities. This project comprises 

Contributing to a Circular Economy

project across the entire Canon Group in an effort to conserve 

activities at our sites that focus on birds. We promote this 

To ensure more efficient use of limited resources and reduce 

and protect biodiversity.

waste, Canon is making products smaller and lighter, and 

reusing and recycling materials as much as possible. In par-

ticular, we are pursuing product-to-product recycling—in 

other words, recycling used products into new ones. Canon 

has established five reuse and recycling centers in four regions  

around the world. With the aim of achieving more advanced 

and efficient recycling, we opened the Canon Eco Technology 

Park, a reuse and recycling plant equipped with a state-of-the-

art automated recycling line.

Eliminating Hazardous Substances and 
Preventing Pollution

Lifecycle CO2 Emissions Improvement Index per Product

Improvement index
100

37.7%
Improvement

50

0

Canon thoroughly manages chemical substances in products 

2008 2009 2010 2011

2012 2013

2014 2015 2016

2017 2018

*Indexed to 2008=100

27

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Social

An interactive exhibit organized by the NCPCP and Canon using the high-resolution facsimiles of the Pine Trees (Shorin-zu byobu by Hasegawa Tohaku, one 
of Japan’s national treasures). We aim to provide the public with more opportunities to view cultural assets and experience them on a more personal level.

Diversity Promotion

Under our corporate philosophy of kyosei, Canon respects 

Art and Culture

diversity globally and actively encourages the fair hiring and 

As a company that contributes to the development of visual 

promotion of employees, regardless of gender, age, or dis-

culture, Canon engages in activities to foster the richness of 

ability. In 2012, Canon established Vital workforce and Value 

human feelings and emotions. In 2007, Canon and the Kyoto 

Innovation through Diversity (“VIVID”), a company-wide hori-

Culture Association (“NPO”) launched the Tsuzuri Project, 

zontally integrated organization to promote diversity, and in 

which is officially named the Cultural Heritage Inheritance 

2018, the President’s Meeting on Diversity Promotion was held 

Project, with the aim of preserving original cultural assets and 

for 24 Group companies in Japan. In addition to promoting 

utilizing high-resolution facsimiles. By combining Canon’s 

the active participation of female employees, which has been 

advanced digital technologies, ranging from input to image 

our focus thus far, we have expanded the target to include 

processing and output, with skills from Kyoto’s traditional 

utilization of more diverse human resources, including sexual 

craft techniques, we have produced and presented high-reso-

minorities such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender 

lution facsimiles of important Japanese cultural assets passed 

(“LGBT”) community, veteran employees, and persons with 

down from ancient times, including folding screens, fusuma 

disabilities.

(Japanese sliding doors), and handscrolls. As of March 2019, 

Socially Responsible Procurement and 
Conflict Minerals

Canon has presented 38 facsimiles of artworks.

In 2018, Canon and the National Center for the Promotion 

of Cultural Properties (“NCPCP”), part of the National 

Against the backdrop of increasingly global supply chains, a 

Institutes for Cultural Heritage, launched a joint project on the 

number of social issues relating to human rights and environ-

creation of high-resolution facsimiles of important Japanese 

mental protection have been identified. In response, Canon 

works of art using the technologies employed by the Tsuzuri 

formulated the Canon Supplier CSR Guidelines to promote 

Project as well as research and testing to develop new applica-

socially responsible procurement in partnership with suppli-

tions for such technology.

ers. To address the issues of conflict minerals in Africa, Canon 

Canon is working to support Para-sports through photography 

conducts a Reasonable Country of Origin Inquiry every year, 

as a Tokyo 2020 Gold Partner (Still Camera & Desktop Printer), by 

receives an independent assurance report from a third-party 

providing various supports such as sponsoring a graphic maga-

auditor, and discloses its findings to the U.S. Securities and 

zine that introduces Para-sports to the public and taking photos 

Exchange Commission.

of Para-sports athletes for a school educational material.

28

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Governance

At a monthly company-wide meeting of executive officers, the CEO provides updates on earnings progress and important matters to implement in the fu-
ture as a way to share crucial information.

Fundamental Policy

Board of Directors

In order to establish a sound corporate governance structure 

While the focus of the organizational structure of the Board 

and continuously raise corporate value, the Company believes 

of Directors is on Representative Directors that oversee com-

that it is essential to improve management transparency and 

pany-wide business strategies or execution such as the CEO, 

strengthen management supervising functions. At the same 

COO, CFO, CTO, and Representative Directors or Executive 

time, a sense of ethics and mission held by each executive and 

Directors that oversee multiple business fields or headquarters 

employee of a company is very important in order to achieve 

functions, in order to secure sound management, an ad-

continuous corporate growth and development. Details of 

equate number of at least two or more Independent Outside 

Canon Inc.’s corporate governance structure are available 

Directors are appointed. The Board of Directors, in accordance 

on the Company’s website under “an overview of Corporate 

with laws and regulations, makes important decisions and su-

Governance at Canon Inc.”

pervises the execution of duties by officers.

(https://global.canon/en/ir/strategies/governance.html).

Except for the above, the CEO and other Representative 

Governance Structure

Fundamental Policy

Directors are active in decision making and execution, and 

under the command and supervision of the Representative 

Directors, Executive Officers that are elected through resolu-

The Company is globally expanding its businesses in various 

tion of the Board of Directors make decisions and execute 

business fields, including office equipment, consumer prod-

operations of each business field or function.

ucts, medical equipment, and industrial equipment, and aims 

The Board of Directors consists of six members, four 

to aggressively expand into new business fields in the future. 

Representative Directors from inside the Company and two 

In order to make prompt decisions in each business field, and 

Outside Directors that qualify as Independent Directors. 

make important decisions for the entire Canon Group or mat-

Additionally, at a meeting of the Board of Directors held on 

ters that straddle several business fields from a company-wide 

January 30, 2019, 40 individuals, including two females and 

perspective and at the same time secure appropriate decision 

one non-Japanese, were elected as Executive Officers that  

making and execution of operation, the Company judges the 

assumed this position from April 1, 2019.

corporate governance structure below to be effective.

*  Independent directors: Stock exchanges in Japan require listed companies to appoint out-

side directors and/or outside Audit & Supervisory Board members and to report their name. 
Outside directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members should have no possible conflict 
of interests with regular shareholders. People related to the parent company or major busi-
ness partners, consultants who receive large remunerations from the company, and their 
close relatives cannot be selected as independent directors.

29

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Governance

Audit & Supervisory Board

property of the Company and its subsidiaries. In this way, the 

As a body which is in charge of the audit of operations, 

Audit & Supervisory Board conducts strict audits of directors’ 

under the principles of autonomy, which is independent 

execution of duty, including the status of development of the 

from the Board of Directors, the Company has full-time 

internal control system.

Audit & Supervisory Board Members that are familiar with 

Procedures in the Nomination of Directors etc.

the Company’s businesses or its management structure, and 

The Company established the “Nomination and 

Independent Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members 

Remuneration Advisory Committee,” a non-statutory com-

that have extensive knowledge in specialized areas such as 

mittee, which consists of the CEO, two Independent Outside 

law, finance and accounting, and internal control. The Audit 

Directors, and one Independent Outside Audit & Supervisory 

& Supervisory Board, which is composed of these individuals, 

Board Member. At the time, Director and Audit & Supervisory 

cooperates with the Company’s accounting auditors and in-

Board Member candidates are nominated and Executive 

ternal audit division, oversees the status of duty execution of 

Officers are appointed (includes the selection of a successor 

operations and corporate assets to secure the soundness  

for the chief executive officer position), the CEO recommends 

of management.

candidates thereof from among individuals that have been 

The Audit & Supervisory Board consists of five individuals, 

recognized as having met the prescribed requirements, and 

three of which are Independent Outside Audit & Supervisory 

the Committee checks the fairness and validity of such rec-

Board Members. In accordance with auditing policies and 

ommendation prior to submission to and deliberation by the 

plans decided at Audit & Supervisory Board meetings, 

Board of Directors.

the Audit & Supervisory Board Members attend Board of 

Additionally, as for Audit & Supervisory Board Member 

Directors’ meetings, and other important gatherings such 

candidates, prior to deliberation of the Board of Directors, 

as Corporate Strategy Committee meetings. They are also 

consent of the Audit & Supervisory Board shall be acquired.

able to listen to reports from directors and employees, re-

Corporate Strategy Committee, Risk Management 

view documents related to important decisions, and conduct 

Committee, and Disclosure Committee

audits by investigating etc. the situation of businesses and 

The Company established the Corporate Strategy Committee, 

Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members  (as of April 1, 2019)

Representative Director 
Executive Vice President & CTO &
In charge of Office Business

Toshio Homma
Chief Executive of Office Imaging Products 
Operations

Representative Director
Chairman & CEO
Fujio Mitarai

Representative Director
President & COO

Masaya Maeda

Representative Director
Executive Vice President & CFO

Toshizo Tanaka
Group Executive of Finance & Accounting Headquarters
Group Executive of Public Affairs Headquarters
Group Executive of Facilities Management Headquarters

Directors

Kunitaro Saida (Outside)
Attorney

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

Audit & Supervisory Board Members

Masaaki Nakamura
Hiroaki Sato
Yutaka Tanaka (Outside)
Hiroshi Yoshida (Outside)
Koichi Kashimoto (Outside)

Note: Although this annual report is for FY2018, the above list of Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members is as of April 1, 2019.

30

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

consisting of Representative Directors and some Executive 

with improving systems to ensure reliability of financial re-

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

porting; the Compliance Subcommittee, which is tasked with 

Committee undertakes prior deliberations on important mat-

promoting corporate ethics and improving legal compliance 

ters pertaining to Canon Group strategies. Outside Directors 

systems; and the Business Risk Management Subcommittee, 

and Audit & Supervisory Board members attend Corporate 

which is charged with improving systems to manage overall 

Strategy Committee meetings and are able to express their 

business risks, including risks related to product quality and in-

own opinions.

formation leak. The Risk Management Committee verifies the 

Based on a resolution passed by the Board of Directors, 

risk management system’s improvement and implementation 

Canon set up the Risk Management Committee, which 

and reports the status to the CEO and the Board of Directors.

formulates policy and action proposals regarding improve-

In addition, the Disclosure Committee was established to 

ment of the Canon Group risk management system. The 

undertake deliberations pertaining to information disclosure, 

Risk Management Committee consists of three entities: the 

including content and timing, to ensure important corporate 

Financial Risk Management Subcommittee, which is tasked 

information will be disclosed in a timely and accurate manner.

31

Governance Structure (as of April 1, 2019)Audit & Supervisory Board5 Members(Includes 3 Independent Members)General Meeting of ShareholdersBoard of Directors6 Members(Includes 2 Independent Members)Representative DirectorsCEO and othersAccounting Auditor(Audit Firm)Executive Officers, and each General ManagerCorporate Audit CenterDisclosure CommitteeCorporate Strategy CommitteeRepresentative Directors and Executive Officers with direct control of an organizational divisionNomination and Remuneration Advisory Committee(CEO, two Independent Outside Directors, and one Independent Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member)Financial Risk ManagementSubcommitteeCompliance SubcommitteeBusiness Risk ManagementSubcommitteeRisk Management CommitteeElect/DismissElect/DismissApprove/SuperviseInstruct/OrderApprove/SuperviseElect/DismissElect/DismissAuditCooperationFinancial AuditCooperationCooperationReportAuditReportReportReportReportReportInternal AuditConsultConsultReportCooperationReportCANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Governance

Internal Audit Division

of Corporate Governance at Canon Inc.”

The Corporate Audit Center, the Company’s internal audit-

As for the opinions or demands that are obtained through 

ing arm, as an independent and specialized organization and 

dialogue with shareholders, accordingly, the department in 

in accordance with internal audit rules, conducts audits and 

charge reports to the CFO and the CFO will report important 

evaluations and provides guidance on such matters as compli-

ones to the CEO or the Board of Directors. 

ance with laws and the internal control system. Furthermore, 

Controlling Insider Information

audits of particular themes such as quality, the environ-

The Company has set the “Rules on Prevention of Insider 

ment, and information security are conducted mainly by the 

Trading,” which makes thorough control of undisclosed 

Corporate Audit Center in cooperation with each division in 

material information and provides the procedure of infor-

charge. Additionally, based on top management policy, for all 

mation disclosure. 

work processes, audits must be conducted from a specialized 

viewpoint and there are plans to increase the number of its 

members from the current 80 to strengthen auditing functions 

by enabling audits from a specialized viewpoint in each theme.

Constructive Dialogue with Shareholders

Policy

For sustainable growth and to help improve corporate value 

over a mid- to long-term perspective, the Company has con-

structive dialogue with shareholders through an ordinary 

general meeting of shareholders, corporate strategy confer-

ences, financial results conferences, and interviews with major 

institutional investors.

The Structure to Promote Dialogue

Finance & accounting (Investor Relations (“IR”)), legal affairs, 

corporate communications are responsible for working to-

gether and promoting dialogue. The Executive Vice President 

& CFO oversees the entire structure to promote dialogue.

For analysts and institutional investors, the CEO hosts a 

corporate strategy conference at the beginning of the year. 

Other than this, the CFO hosts quarterly financial results 

conferences. For individual investors, conferences are held 

when appropriate and on the Company’s official website, 

specific pages containing information about corporate strat-

egy, financial results, and financial data etc. have been set up 

using descriptions that are easy to understand. Additionally, 

the Company works for dialog with domestic and overseas 

analysts and institutional investors, arranging interview oppor-

tunities appropriately. For detail, please refer to “an Overview 

32

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018FINAN C IAL SEC TION

TABLE  OF  CO NTENTS

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

90   Schedule II Valuation and  
Qualifying Accounts

91   Management’s Report on Internal 

Control Over Financial Reporting

92   Reports of Independent Registered 

Public Accounting Firm

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

33

FINAN C IAL OVE R VIEW

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 office 
multifunction devices (“MFDs”), plain paper copying machines, 
laser printers, cameras, inkjet printers, medical equipment, 
semiconductor lithography equipment and flat-panel-display 
(“FPD”) lithography equipment. Canon earns revenues primarily 
from the manufacture and sale of these products domestically 
and internationally. Canon’s basic management policy is to 
contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the world while 
endeavoring to become a truly excellent global corporate group 
targeting continued growth and development.

Canon divides its businesses into four segments: the Office 
Business Unit, the Imaging System Business Unit, the Medical 
System Business Unit which was newly established in 2017, 
and the Industry and Others Business Unit.

Economic environment
Looking back at the global economy in 2018, the U.S. econ-
omy steadily recovered as corporate earnings and employ-
ment conditions improved. In Europe, while domestic demand 
remained firm, the rate of growth decelerated due to sluggish 
export growth. In China, the economy slowed down due to 
sluggish capital investments and a decline in consumer spend-
ing. The economies of other emerging markets also worsened, 
due to such factors as local currency depreciation. In Japan, 
the economy recovered moderately supported by continu-
ing improvements in employment conditions. As a result, the 
global economy overall continued to realize a moderate re-
covery. However, the pace of economic growth slowed down 
from the latter half of the year as a result of trade friction.

Market environment
As for the markets in which Canon operates amid these condi-
tions, office MFDs and laser printers enjoyed solid demand due to 
the shift from monochrome to color models and robust demand 
in emerging markets. The decline of the camera market contin-
ued and the market for inkjet printers was slightly below the level 
of the previous year. On the other hand, demand for medical 
equipment grew moderately. Within the Industry and Others sec-
tor, capital investment in semiconductor lithography equipment 
increased, while capital investment in organic light-emitting diode 
(“OLED”) panel manufacturing equipment faced a temporary 
slowdown. Demand for network cameras enjoyed solid growth.
The average value of the yen during the year was ¥110.43 

against the U.S. dollar, a year-on-year appreciation of ap-
proximately ¥2, and ¥130.29 against the euro, a year-on-year 
depreciation of approximately ¥4.

Summary of operations
During 2018, unit sales of office MFDs increased compared with 
the previous year due to the expanded sales of color models, 
mainly outside of Japan. Additionally, unit sales of both mono-
chrome and color laser printers increased compared with the 
previous year, supported by the steady sales of newly launched 
models. Total sales volume of interchangeable-lens digital camer-
as decreased compared with the previous year due to contraction 
of the market mainly for entry-class models. However, sales of 
mirrorless cameras increased. Looking at inkjet printers, although 
sales unit of refillable ink tank models increased in emerging 
markets, unit sales overall decreased compared with the previous 
year, due to decreasing demand in developed economies. For 
medical equipment, newly launched diagnostic ultrasound sys-
tems and Magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) systems experi-
enced solid demand, mainly outside of Japan, achieving increased 
sales compared with the previous year. For industrial equipment, 
sales of semiconductor lithography equipment increased sig-
nificantly compared with the previous year, thanks to favorable 
market conditions. However, manufacturing equipment for OLED 
panels decreased compared with the previous year mainly due 
to a slowdown in investment in OLED panels. Sales of network 
cameras increased steadily in response to the growing market. 
Under these conditions, net sales for the year decreased by 3.1% 
year on year to ¥3,951,937 million. In addition, the gross profit 
ratio dropped by 2.4 points to 46.4%. This was mainly due to 
the fact that certain costs that were recorded under operating 
expenses in the prior years have been reclassified to cost of sales 
in 2018, following the adoption of new accounting standards 
related to revenue recognitions as described in Note 15 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The reclassified 
amount for the year ended December 31, 2018 was ¥115,700 
million. Excluding the impact of this reclassification, the gross 
profit ratio increased by 0.6 points to 49.4%. Operating expenses 
decreased by 10.6% year on year to ¥1,492,602 million, thanks 
to Group-wide efforts to thoroughly manage expenses as well as 
impairment loss on goodwill of commercial printing business dur-
ing the previous year in addition to the impact of the aforemen-
tioned reclassification of figures related to the adoption of new 
accounting standards. As a result, operating profit increased by 
6.6% to ¥342,952 million. Other income (deductions) decreased 
by ¥12,339 million, mainly due to gain on securities contributed 
to the retirement benefit trust during the previous year, while 
income before income taxes increased by 2.5% year on year 
to ¥362,892 million and net income attributable to Canon Inc. 
increased by 4.5% to ¥252,755 million.

Total assets decreased by ¥298,826 million to ¥4,899,465 
million at December 31, 2018, compared to the end of previous 
year, mainly due to the decrease of cash and cash equivalents. 
Total liabilities decreased by ¥220,564 million to ¥1,881,552 
million at December 31, 2018, compared to the end of previ-
ous year, mainly due to the repayment of the long-term debt. 
Total equity decreased by ¥78,262 million to ¥3,017,913 million 
at December 31, 2018, compared to the end of previous year, 
mainly due to the increase of accumulated other comprehensive 
loss resulting from the appreciation of yen.

34

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018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 below.

Net sales and profit ratio
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 primarily 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 involved are market share 
and market environment. In addition, management considers the 
evaluation of net sales by segment to be important for the pur-
pose 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 development, Canon 
has been striving to shorten product development lead times in or-
der 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), 

income before income taxes ratio (ratio of income before in-
come taxes to net sales), and R&D expense to net sales ratio are 
considered to be KPIs by Canon. Canon is focusing on two ar-
eas 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 current business areas and to exploit opportunities in other 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

markets. Canon believes such investments will create the basis 
for future success in its business and operations.

Cash flow management
Canon also places significant emphasis on cash flow manage-
ment. The following are the KPIs relating to cash flow man-
agement that Canon’s management believes to be important. 
Inventory turnover measured in days is a KPI because it mea-

sures the efficiency of supply chain management. Inventories 
have inherent risks of becoming obsolete, physically damaged or 
otherwise decreasing significantly in value, which may adversely 
affect Canon’s operating results. To mitigate these risks, manage-
ment believes that it is crucial to continue reducing work-in-pro-
cess inventories by decreasing production lead times in order to 
promptly recover related product expenses, while balancing risks 
of supply chain disruptions by optimizing finished goods invento-
ries in order to avoid losing potential sales opportunities.

The debt to total assets ratio is also one of the KPIs. For a 
manufacturing company like Canon, it generally takes consider-
able time to realize profit from a business due to lead times re-
quired for R&D, manufacturing and sales has to be followed for 
success. Therefore, management believes that it is important to 
have sufficient financial strength. Canon will continue to reduce 
its dependency on external funds for capital investments in fa-
vor 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 sustainability. Canon 
also believes that achieving a high or rising shareholders’ equity 
ratio indicates that Canon has maintained a strong financial po-
sition or further improved its ability to fund debt obligations and 
other unexpected expenses. In the long-term, Canon’s man-
agement believes a high shareholders’ equity ratio will enable 
the company to maintain a high level of stable investments for 
its future operations and development. 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.

Net sales  (Millions of yen)
Gross profit to net sales ratio
R&D expense to net sales ratio
Operating profit to net sales ratio
Income before income taxes to net sales ratio
Inventory turnover measured in days
Debt to total assets ratio
Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio
Notes: 1.  Inventory turnover measured in days is determined by: Inventory divided by net sales for the previous six months, multiplied by 182.5. The increase of 

2017 
4,080,015
48.8%
8.2%
7.9%
8.7%
49 days
10.2%
55.2%

2016 
3,401,487
49.2%
9.0%
6.4%
7.2%
59 days
11.9%
54.2%

2015
3,800,271
50.8%
8.8%
9.0%
9.1%
47 days
0.0%
67.0%

2018 
3,951,937
46.4%
8.0%
8.7%
9.2%
56 days
8.2%
57.7%

2014
3,727,252
49.9%
8.4%
9.3%
10.3%
50 days
0.0%
66.8%

inventory turnover in 2016 was primarily due to the acquisition of Canon Medical Systems Corporation (“CMSC”) on December 19, 2016. If this factor 
were excluded, the inventory turnover would show 50 days.

2.  Canon adopted ASU No. 2017-07 from the quarter beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new presentation requirement of the service cost 

component and the other components of net benefit cost resulted in reclassification from cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses, 
and research and development expenses into other income (deductions) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014 respectively.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

35

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATA 
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accor-
dance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. 
GAAP”) and based on the selection and application of signifi-
cant 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 judg-
ment areas in the application of its accounting policies that 
currently affect its financial condition and results of operations.

Revenue recognition
Canon generates revenue principally through the sale of office, 
imaging system and medical system products, industrial equip-
ment, supplies and related services under separate contractual 
arrangements. Revenue is recognized when, or as, control of 
promised goods or services transfers to customers in an amount 
that reflects the consideration to which Canon expects to be 
entitled in exchange for transferring these goods or services.

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 ship-
ment or delivery, depending upon when the customer obtains 
controls of these products.

Revenue from sales of equipment that are sold with customer 
acceptance provisions related to their functionality including opti-
cal equipment such as semiconductor lithography equipment and 
FPD lithography equipment, and certain medical equipment such 
as Computed tomography (“CT”) systems and MRI systems, is 
recognized when the equipment is installed at the customer site 
and the agreed-upon specifications are objectively satisfied.

Most of Canon’s service revenue is generated from office 
and medical system products which is recognized over time. 
For the service contracts of office products, the customer typi-
cally pays a variable amount based on usage, a stated fixed fee 
or a stated base fee plus a variable amount which frequently 
include the provision of consumables as well as break fix ac-
tivities. The majority portion of service revenue from the office 
products is recognized as billed since invoiced amount directly 
correlates with the value to the customer of the underlying 
performance obligation to date. For the service contracts of 
medical system products, the customer typically pays a stated 
fixed fee for the stand ready maintenance service and revenue 
is recognized ratably over the contract period.

The majority of service arrangements for office products are 

executed in combination with related products. Transaction 
prices for products and services need to be allocated to each 
performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price ba-
sis where significant judgements are required. Canon estimates 
the standalone selling price using a range of prices that would 
meet the allocation objective based on all the information that 
is reasonably available including market conditions and other 
observable inputs. If transaction prices of the product or service 

contracts are not within the acceptable range then the revenue 
is subject to allocation based on the estimated standalone sell-
ing prices. Canon recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining 
a contract as an expense when related office products are sold.
Canon also provides leasing arrangement to the customers 

primarily for the sales of office products. Approximately 4% 
of total revenue is generated from these leasing arrangements 
for the year ended December 31, 2018. Revenue from the sale 
of these products under sales-type leases is recognized at the 
inception of the lease. Interest income on sales-type leases and 
direct-financing leases is recognized over the life of each re-
spective lease using the interest method. Leases not qualifying 
as sales-type leases or direct-financing leases are accounted for 
as operating leases and related revenue is recognized ratably 
over the lease term. When product leases are bundled with 
maintenance contracts, revenue is allocated based upon the 
estimated standalone selling prices of the lease and non-lease 
components. Lease components generally include product, 
financing and executory costs, while non-lease components 
generally consist of maintenance contracts and supplies.

The transaction prices that Canon is entitled to receive in 
exchange for transferring goods or services to the customer 
include certain forms of variable consideration, including 
product discounts, customer promotions and volume-based 
rebates mainly for imaging system products, which are sold 
predominantly through distributors and retailers. Canon 
includes estimated amounts in the transaction price only to 
the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumula-
tive revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty 
associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Variable 
considerations are estimated based upon historical trends and 
other known factors at the time of sale, and are subsequently 
adjusted in each period based on current information. In ad-
dition, Canon may provide a right of return on our products 
for a short time period after a sale. These rights are accounted 
for as variable consideration when determining the transaction 
price, and accordingly Canon recognizes revenue based on the 
estimated amount to which Canon expects to be entitled after 
considering expected returns.

Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmen-
tal authorities are excluded from revenues in the consolidated 
statements of income.

Allowance for doubtful receivables
Allowance for doubtful receivables is determined using a com-
bination of factors to ensure that Canon’s trade and financing 
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 cus-
tomer’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.

36

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Valuation of inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable 
value. Cost is determined by the average method for domes-
tic inventories and principally the first-in, first-out method 
for overseas inventories. Net realizable value is the estimated 
selling price in the ordinary course of business less the esti-
mated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary 
to make a sale. Canon routinely reviews its inventories for 
their salability and for indications of obsolescence to deter-
mine if inventories should be written-down to market value. 
Judgments and estimates must be made and used in con-
nection with establishing such allowances in any accounting 
period. In estimating the net realizable 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, 
except for certain assets which are depreciated by the straight-
line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Business combinations
The acquisition is accounted for using the acquisition method 
of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires 
the identification and measurement of all acquired tangible and 
intangible assets and assumed liabilities at their respective fair val-
ues, as of the acquisition date. The determination of the fair value 
of net assets acquired involves significant judgment and esti-
mates, such as future cash flow projections, appropriate discount 
and capitalization rates and other estimates based on available 
market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based 
on a number of factors including operating results, known and 
anticipated trends, as well as market and economic conditions.

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 indica-
tors of potential impairment exist. All goodwill 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 
recognizes an impairment charge in an amount equal to that 
excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that 

reporting unit. Fair value of a reporting unit is determined primar-
ily based on the discounted cash flow analysis which involves esti-
mates 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 capital, which 
considers primarily market and industry data as well as specific risk 
factors. Canon has completed its impairment test in the fourth 
quarter of 2018. The fair values of all reporting units exceeded its 
respective carrying amount, and thus no impairment charge was 
recognized as a result of 2018 impairment test. However, with 
regard to goodwill attributed to commercial printing business in-
cluded in Office Business Unit for which the impairment charge of 
¥33,912 million was recognized for the year ended December 31, 
2017, and goodwill attributed to Medical System Business Unit 
and network camera business included in Industry and Others 
Business Unit were resulted from recent acquisitions, fair values in 
excess of reported carrying values as a percentage are lower than 
other reporting units. As a result, a future reduction in cash flows 
of the related business, could trigger an impairment. The goodwill 
related to these reporting units are ¥28,066 million, ¥500,896 
million and ¥211,598 million, respectively. Intangible assets with 
finite useful lives consist primarily of software, trademarks, patents 
and developed technology, license fees and customer relation-
ships, which are amortized using the straight-line method. The 
estimated useful lives of software are from 3 years to 7 years, 
trademarks are 15 years, patents and developed technology are 
from 7 years to 17 years, license fees are 7 years, and customer 
relationships are from 11 years to 15 years, respectively.

Income tax uncertainties
Canon considers many factors when evaluating and estimat-
ing income tax uncertainties. These factors include an evalu-
ation 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 un-
certainties 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 de-
termines 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 

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

37

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATAFINANCIAL OVERVIEW

benefit obligations that are recognized based on actuarial 
valuations. 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 expens-
es. 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 2018, Canon estimat-
ed a weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit 
obligations of 0.6% for Japanese plans and 2.4% for foreign 
plans and a weighted-average expected long-term rate of 
return on plan assets of 2.9% for Japanese plans and 4.4% for 
foreign plans. In estimating the discount rate, Canon uses avail-
able information about rates of return on high-quality fixed-in-
come government and corporate bonds currently available and 
expected to be available during the period to the maturity of 
the pension benefits. Canon establishes the expected long-term 
rate of return on plan assets based on management’s expecta-
tions of the long-term return of the various plan asset catego-
ries in which it invests. Management develops expectations with 
respect to each plan asset category based on actual historical 
returns and its current expectations for future returns.

Decreases in discount rates lead to increases in actuarial 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

Net sales

Products and Equipment
Services

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

Note: See note to KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Sales
In the current business term, the world economy seemingly 
mounted a gradual recovery on the whole, yet decelerated in 
the latter half largely due to adverse effects of trade friction. 
In such an environment, although each of Canon Group’s 
businesses endeavored to expand sales particularly with 
respect to new products, Canon’s consolidated net sales in 
2018 totaled ¥3,951,937 million, a decrease of 3.1% from 
the previous year largely due to adverse effect of a shrinking 
market. The adoption of the new revenue standard required 
the reconsideration of the scope of performance obligations 
related to service contracts, which has resulted in a change in 

38

pension benefit obligations which, in turn, could lead to an 
increase in service cost and amortization cost through amortiza-
tion of actuarial gain or loss, a decrease in interest cost, and vice 
versa. For 2018, a decrease of 50 basis points in the discount 
rate increases the projected benefit obligation by approximately 
¥94,366 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 2018, a change of 50 basis points 
in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would 
cause a change of approximately ¥4,657 million in net periodic 
benefit cost. Canon multiplies 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 be-
tween 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 benefit 
obligations) of its pension plans in its consolidated balance 
sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
Please refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Millions of yen

2018
3,951,937
3,194,724

2016

2017

change

change
-3.1% 4,080,015 +19.9% 3,401,487
-9.3% 3,521,156 +17.9% 2,986,188
415,299
558,859 +34.6%
216,425
321,605 +48.6%
244,651
353,884 +44.6%
150,650
241,923 +60.6%

757,213 +35.5%
+6.6%
342,952
+2.5%
362,892
+4.5%
252,755

9

6

3

0

300

200

100

0

400

300

200

100

0

Return on Sales (%)

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Office Business Unit

Imaging System

Business Unit

Medical System

Business Unit

Industry and Others

Business Unit

Eliminations

Japan

Americas

Europe

Asia and Oceania

Increase in Property,

Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)

Working Capital Ratio

Return on Canon Inc.

Shareholders’ Equity (%)

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

12

9

6

3

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

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

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018classification of revenues between the products and service 
revenues. As a result, net sales of products and equipment 
totaled ¥3,194,724 million, a year-on-year decrease of 9.3%, 
while net sales of services totaled ¥757,213 million, a year-on-
year increase of 35.5%. For further information, please refer 
to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Overseas operations are significant to Canon’s operating 
results and generated 78.0% of total net sales in 2018. 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 fluc-
tuations 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 ¥110.43 

against the U.S. dollar, a year-on-year appreciation of ap-
proximately ¥2, and ¥130.29 against the euro, a year-on-year 
depreciation of approximately ¥4. The effects of foreign 
exchange rate fluctuations positively affected net sales by 
approximately ¥1,024 million in 2018. This favorable impact 
consisted of approximately ¥17,800 million of unfavorable 
impact for the U.S. dollar denominated sales and favorable 
impact of ¥22,534 million for the euro denominated sales, 
and unfavorable impact of ¥3,710 million for other foreign 
currency denominated sales.

Cost of sales
Cost of sales principally reflects the cost of raw materials, parts 
and labor used by Canon in the manufacture of its products. 
A portion of the raw materials used by Canon is 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 ratios of cost of sales to net 
sales for 2018 and 2017 were 53.6% and 51.2%, respectively.

Gross profit
Canon’s gross profit in 2018 decreased by 7.8% to ¥1,835,554 
million from 2017. The gross profit ratio also dropped by 2.4 
points to 46.4%. This was mainly due to the fact that certain 
costs that were under operating expenses have been reclassified 
under cost of sales following the adoption of new accounting 
standards related to revenue recognitions as described in Note 
15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The 
reclassified amount for the year ended December 31, 2018 was 
¥115,700 million. Excluding the impact of this reclassification, 
the gross profit ratio increased by 0.6 points to 49.4%.

Operating expenses
The major components of operating expenses are payroll, R&D, 
advertising expenses and other marketing expenses. Operating 
expenses decreased by 10.6% year on year to ¥1,492,602 
million, thanks to Group-wide efforts to thoroughly manage 
expenses as well as impairment loss on goodwill of commercial 
printing business during the previous year in addition to the 
impact of the aforementioned reclassification of figures related 
to the adoption of new accounting standards.

Operating profit
Operating profit in 2018 increased by 6.6% from 2017 to a 
total of ¥342,952 million. The ratio of operating profit to net 
sales increased by 0.8 points to 8.7% from 2017.

Other income (deductions)
Other income (deductions) for 2018 was ¥19,940 million, a 
decrease of ¥12,339 million from 2017 mainly due to gain on 
securities contributed to the retirement benefit trust during 
the previous year.

Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes in 2018 was ¥362,892 million, an 
increase of 2.5% from 2017, and constituted 9.2% of net sales.

Return on Sales (%)

Return on Sales (%)

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)

Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)

2018

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

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

Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania

Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania

2014
2016

2015
2017

2016
2018

2017

2018

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

39

5,000

5,000

4,000

4,000

3,000

3,000

2,000

2,000

1,000

1,000

0

0
2015

2014

9

6

3

0

9

6

3

0

5,000

5,000

4,000

4,000

3,000

3,000

2,000

2,000

1,000

1,000

0

0

2014

2015

2016

2014

2017

2015

2018

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016
2014

2017
2015

2016
2018

2017

9

6

3

0

400

300

200

100

0

9

6

3

0

400

300

200

100

0

200

200

100

100

0

0

Increase in Property,

Increase in Property,

Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)

Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)

300

300

Working Capital Ratio

Working Capital Ratio

Return on Canon Inc.

Return on Canon Inc.

Shareholders’ Equity (%)

Shareholders’ Equity (%)

12

12

2014

2015

2016

2014

2017

2015

2018

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2014

2017

2015

2018

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2014

2017

2015

2018

2016

2017

2018

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

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

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

2014

2015

2016

2014

2017

2015

2018

2016

2017

2018

2009

2010

2009

2011

2010

2012

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2015

2014

2016

2015

2017

2016

2018

2017

2018

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATAFINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Income taxes
Income taxes in 2018 decreased by ¥1,874 million from 2017. 
The effective tax rate for 2018 was 26.5%, 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 2018 in-
creased by 4.5% to ¥252,755 million, which represents 6.4% 
of net sales.

Segment information
Canon divides its businesses into four segments: the Office 
Business Unit, the Imaging System Business Unit, the Medical 
System Business Unit which was newly established in 2017, 
and the Industry and Others Business Unit.
The Office Business Unit mainly includes Office MFDs / Laser 
MFPs / Laser printers / Digital continuous feed presses / Digital 
sheet-fed presses / 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 Medical System Business Unit mainly includes Digital 
radiography systems / Diagnostic X-ray systems / CT systems / 
MRI systems / Diagnostic ultrasound systems / Clinical chemis-
try analyzers / Ophthalmic equipment
The Industry and Others Business Unit mainly includes 
Semiconductor lithography equipment / FPD (Flat panel dis-
play) lithography equipment / Vacuum thin-film deposition 
equipment / Organic LED (OLED) panel manufacturing equip-
ment / Die bonders / Micromotors / Network cameras / Handy 
terminals / Document scanners

Sales by segment
Within the Office Business Unit, unit sales of office MFDs 
increased from the previous year, thanks to expanded sales of 
such color models as the imageRUNNER ADVANCE Gen3 2nd 
Edition series, which enhances convenience through compat-
ibility with external cloud services, and the imageRUNNER 
C3020 series of strategic models for emerging markets. As for 
laser printers, sales of hardware increased from the previous 
year, supported by steady sales mainly of new models that 
achieve low power consumption, compact body designs and 
high productivity. Sales of consumables remained at the same 
level as the previous year. These factors resulted in total sales 

for the business unit of ¥1,807,301 million, a year-on-year 
increase of 0.1%, while income before income taxes increased 
by 17.3% year on year to ¥229,187 million partly due to im-
pairment loss on goodwill during the previous year. 

Within the Imaging System Business Unit, although unit 
sales of interchangeable-lens digital cameras decreased over-
all compared with the previous year due to shrinking market, 
Canon maintained the top share of the overall interchangeable-
lens digital cameras market, mainly in key countries in Europe 
and the Americas as well as in Japan and China. In mirrorless 
cameras, sales were strong for such new models as the EOS 
R, Canon’s first mirrorless camera equipped with a full-frame 
sensor, and the entry-class EOS Kiss M. As for digital compact 
cameras, although unit sales decreased compared with the 
previous year amid the shrinking market, sales of such high-
value-added models as the PowerShot G-series enjoyed solid 
demand. For inkjet printers, unit sales of refillable ink tank mod-
els increased significantly in emerging markets. However, unit 
sales decreased overall compared with the previous year, mainly 
due to the shrinking market in developed economies. For large 
format inkjet printers, the imagePROGRAF TX series, which is 
suitable for outputting CAD drawings and poster designs, gar-
nered high praise from the market and enjoyed solid sales. As a 
result, sales for the business unit decreased by 11.3% year on 
year to ¥1,008,165 million, while income before income taxes 
decreased by 31.1% year on year to ¥121,254 million.

Within the Medical System Business Unit, sales increased due 
to such newly launched products as the Alphenix-series of next-
generation diagnostic X-ray systems and the Vantage Orian, a 
high-image-quality MRI system incorporating leading-edge tech-
nology. As a result, sales for the business unit increased by 0.3% 
year on year to ¥437,578 million, while income before income 
taxes increased by 31.0% year on year to ¥29,479 million.
In the Industry and Others Business Unit, unit sales of 
semiconductor lithography equipment increased from the 
previous year due to increasing demand for memory devices 
used in data centers. However, for FPD lithography equipment 
and OLED panel manufacturing equipment, sales decreased 
compared with the previous year mainly due to a temporary 
slowdown in investment in OLED panels. As for network cam-
eras, Axis enjoyed solid sales amid increasing market demand. 
Consequently, sales for the business unit increased by 1.6% 
year on year to ¥805,211 million, while income before income 
taxes increased by 60.7% year on year to ¥67,607 million.
Intersegment sales of ¥106,318 million are eliminated 
from total sales for the four segments, and are described as 
“Eliminations”.

40

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018SALES  BY  SEGMENT

Office

Imaging System

Medical System
Industry and Others
Eliminations

  Total

SALES  BY  GEOGRAPHIC  AREA

Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania

  Total

Millions of yen

2018

change

2017

change

2016

1,807,301

+0.1%

1,804,782

+3.4% 1,745,996

1,008,165

-11.3%

1,136,188

+3.7% 1,095,289

437,578
805,211
(106,318)

+0.3%
+1.6%
—

436,187
792,850
(89,992)

—
+22.6%
—

—
646,483
(86,281)

3,951,937

-3.1%

4,080,015

+19.9% 3,401,487

Millions of yen

2018

869,577
1,076,402
1,015,428
990,530

change

-1.7%
-2.8%
-1.3%
-6.5%

2017

change

2016

884,828 +25.2%
1,107,515 +14.9%
1,028,415 +12.6%
1,059,257 +29.6%

706,979
963,544
913,523
817,441

3,951,937

-3.1%

4,080,015 +19.9%

3,401,487

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

Sales by geographic area
Please refer to the table of sales by geographic area in Note 22 
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In Japan, net sales decreased by 1.7% from the previous 
year mainly owing to the decline in sales of interchangeable-
lens digital cameras and compact digital cameras.

In Americas, despite solid sales of network cameras, net 
sales decreased by 2.8% from the previous year mainly owing 
to the negative effect of the yen’s appreciation and the decline 
in sales of interchangeable-lens digital cameras and compact 
digital cameras.

In Europe, net sales decreased by 1.3% from the previous 
year mainly owing to the decline in sales of interchangeable-
lens digital cameras and compact digital cameras.

In Asia and Oceania, net sales decreased by 6.5% from 

the previous year mainly owing to the decline in sales of 
interchangeable-lens digital cameras, compact digital cameras, 
manufacturing equipment for OLED panels which is sold by 
Canon Tokki, and manufacturing equipment for FPD.

Income before income taxes by segment
Please refer to the table of segment information in Note 22 of 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income before income taxes for the Office Business Unit in 
2018 increased by 17.3% from the previous year to ¥229,187 
million, as impairment loss on goodwill incurred during the 
previous year.

Income before income taxes for the Imaging System 
Business Unit in 2018 decreased by 31.1% from the previ-
ous year to ¥121,254 million, owing to shrinking market for 
interchangeable-lens digital cameras.

Income before income taxes for the Medical System 

Business Unit in 2018 increased by 31.0% from the previous 
year to ¥29,479 million, mainly due to cost reduction and 
favorable sales of diagnostic X-ray systems and MRI systems.
Income before income taxes for the Industry and Others 
Business Unit in 2018 increased by 60.7% from the previous 
year to ¥67,607 million, thanks to strong sales of semiconduc-
tor lithography equipment and network cameras.

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 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by ¥201,169 million 
to ¥520,645 million in fiscal 2018 compared to the previ-
ous year. Canon’s cash and cash equivalents are primarily 

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

41

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATAFINANCIAL OVERVIEW

denominated in Japanese yen and in U.S. dollars, with the 
remainder denominated in other currencies. 

¥136,094 million. The Company paid dividends in fiscal 2018 
of ¥160.00 per share.

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by 

¥225,264 million to ¥365,293 million in fiscal 2018 compared 
to the previous year due to increase of capital used for opera-
tions and income tax paid. 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 2018, cash inflow from cash received from cus-
tomers decreased due to sales deterioration. There were no 
significant changes in Canon’s collection rates. Cash outflow for 
payments for parts and materials increased due to an increase 
of inventory level resulting from sales decline. Cash outflow for 
payments for income taxes increased due to an increase in tax-
able income in fiscal 2017.

Net cash used in investing activities increased by ¥30,605 mil-
Return on Sales (%)
lion to ¥195,615 million in fiscal 2018 mainly due to an increase 
9
in payment for acquisitions of businesses.

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

5,000

5,000

5,000

4,000

Canon defines “free cash flow” as cash flows from operating 
activities less cash flows from investing activities. For fiscal 2018, 
free cash flow decreased by ¥255,869 million to ¥169,678 mil-
6
lion as compared with ¥425,547 million for fiscal 2017.
Note:  “Free cash flow” is non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial 

3,000

3,000

4,000

4,000

3,000

To the extent Canon relies on external funding for its liquid-
ity and capital requirements, it generally has access to various 
funding sources, including the issuance of additional share 
capital, issuance of corporate bond or 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.

Short-term loans (including the current portion of long-term 
debt) decreased by ¥801 million to ¥38,527 million at December 
31, 2018 compared with ¥39,328 million at December 31, 
2017. Long-term debt (excluding the current portion) decreased 
by ¥131,276 million to ¥361,962 million at December 31, 2018 
compared with ¥493,238 million at December 31, 2017 thanks 
to the repayment for long-term loans.

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)
Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)
Canon’s long-term debt mainly consists of bank borrowings 

and lease obligations. 

5,000

5,000

In order to facilitate access to global capital markets, Canon 

4,000

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.

3,000

3,000

4,000

3

0

1,000

2,000

2,000

1,000

2,000

1,000

2018

Measures” section for the explanation and the reconciliation to the 
reported GAAP measure.

2,000
Office Business Unit
As of February 28, 2019, Canon’s debt ratings are: Moody’s: 
Imaging System
Business Unit
Canon’s management places importance on cash flow man-
Aa3 (long-term); S&P: AA- (long-term), A-1+ (short-term); and 
Medical System
agement and frequently monitors this indicator. Furthermore, 
R&I: AA+ (long-term). Canon does not have any rating down-
Business Unit
Canon’s management believes that this indicator is significant in 
grade triggers that would accelerate the maturity of a material 
Industry and Others
0
Business Unit
0
understanding Canon’s current liquidity and the alternatives of 
amount of its debt. A downgrade in Canon’s credit ratings or 
Eliminations
2016
2016
2014
2018
2018
2017
use in financing activities because it takes into consideration its 
outlook could, however, increase the cost of its borrowings.
operating and investing activities and believes that such indica-
Canon’s management policy in recent periods to optimize 
tor is beneficial to an investor’s understanding. Canon refers to 
inventory levels is intended to maintain an appropriate balance 
this indicator together with relevant U.S. GAAP financial mea-
among relevant imperatives, including minimizing working 
sures shown in its consolidated statements of cash flows and 
capital, avoiding undue exposure to the risk of inventory ob-
consolidated balance sheets for cash availability analysis.
solescence, and maintaining the ability to sustain sales despite 
the occurrence of unexpected disasters.

Office Business Unit
Imaging System
Business Unit
1,000
Medical System
Business Unit
Industry and Others
Business Unit
Eliminations

Office Business Unit
Imaging System
Business Unit
1,000
Medical System
Business Unit
Industry and Others
Business Unit
Eliminations

0
2017

0
2017

2014
2018

2018

2016

2014

2015

2015

2014

2014

2017

2017

2016

2015

2014

2015

2017

2018

2016

2015

2,000

0

Net cash used in financing activities totaled ¥354,830 mil-
lion in fiscal 2018, mainly resulting from the dividend payout 
of ¥178,159 million, the repayment for long-term loans of 

Canon’s total inventory turnover ratios were 56, 49, and 
59 days at the end of the fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, 

Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)

1,000

Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania

0

Japan

Americas

Europe

Japan

Americas

Europe

Asia and Oceania

Asia and Oceania

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

12

9

6

3

0

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

Increase in Property,
Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)
3.0

Working Capital Ratio

300

200

100

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

Working Capital Ratio

Working Capital Ratio

Return on Canon Inc.
Shareholders’ Equity (%)

Return on Canon Inc.
Shareholders’ Equity (%)

Return on Canon Inc.

Shareholders’ Equity (%)

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

12

9

6

3

12

9

6

3

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

0
2017

2018

2014

2015

0
2016

2017
2014

2018
2015

2016

0
2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

0
2017

2018

2014

2015

0
2016

2014
2017

2015
2018

2016

0
2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

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

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

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

42

400

300

200

100

0

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2009

2010

2011

2012

2009

2013

2010

2014

2011

2015

2012

2009

2016

2013

2010

2017

2014

2011

2018

2015

2012

2016

2013

2017

2014

2018

2015

2016

2017

2018

Return on Sales (%)

Return on Sales (%)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

Increase in Property,

Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)

9

6

3

0

300

200

100

0

400

300

200

100

0

9

6

3

0

300

200

100

0

400

300

200

100

0

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018respectively. The inventory turnover in 2018 was reflecting 
the foregoing circumstances. The inventory turnover in 2016 
was primarily impacted by acquisition of CMSC on December 
19, 2016. If this factor were excluded, the inventory turnover 
would show 50 days.

Increase in property, plant and equipment on an accrual 
basis in 2018 amounted to ¥159,316 million compared with 
¥147,542 million in 2017 and ¥171,597 million in 2016. For 
2019, Canon projects its increase in property, plant and equip-
ment will be approximately ¥175,000 million.

Employer contributions to Canon’s worldwide defined benefit 
pension plans were ¥35,044 million in 2018, ¥50,628 million 
in 2017 and ¥14,575 million in 2016. Employer contributions 
to Canon’s worldwide defined contribution pension plans were 
¥19,570 million in 2018, ¥18,979 million in 2017, and ¥17,603 
million in 2016. In addition, employer contributions to the mul-
tiemployer pension plan of certain subsidiaries were ¥4,452 mil-
lion in 2018, ¥4,165 million in 2017 and ¥3,482 million in 2016.
Working capital in 2018 decreased by ¥102,642 million 
to ¥1,020,527 million, compared with ¥1,123,169 million 
in 2017 and ¥1,116,379 million in 2016. 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 
liabilities) for 2018 was 1.99 compared to 2.01 for 2017 and 
to 2.14 for 2016.

Return on assets (net income attributable to Canon Inc. 
divided by the average of total assets) was 5.0% in 2018, 
compared to 4.7% in 2017 and 3.1% in 2016.

Return on Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity (net income at-
tributable to Canon Inc. divided by the average of total Canon 
Inc. shareholders’ equity) was 8.9% in 2018 compared with 
8.6% in 2017 and 5.2% in 2016.

The debt to total assets ratios were 8.2%, 10.2% and 
11.9% as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respec-
tively. Canon had short-term loans and long-term debt of 
¥400,489 million as of December 31, 2018, ¥532,566 mil-
lion as of December 31, 2017 and ¥613,139 million as of 
December 31, 2016.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We have reported our financial results in accordance with U.S. 
generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). In ad-
dition, we have discussed our results using the combination of 
two GAAP cash flow measures, Net cash provided by operat-
ing activities and Net cash used for investing activities, which 
we refer to as “Free Cash Flow” which is non-GAAP measure. 
We believe this measure is beneficial to an investor’s under-
standing on Canon’s current liquidity and the alternatives of 
use in financing activities because it takes into consideration 
its operating and investing activities.

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures and 

the most directly comparable measures calculated and pre-
sented in accordance with GAAP are set forth on the follow-
ing table.

FREE CASH FLOW

Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities

Free cash flow

Millions of yen

2018

2017

365,293
(195,615)

590,557
(165,010)

169,678

425,547

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 its employees, affiliates 
and other companies. The guarantees for the employees are 
principally made for their housing loans. The guarantees for 
affiliates and other companies are made for their lease obliga-
tions and bank loans to ensure that those companies operate 

with less financial risk.

Canon would have to perform under a guarantee if the 
borrower defaults on a payment within the contract terms. 
The contract terms are 1 year to 30 years in case of employ-
ees with housing loans, and 1 year to 7 years in case of af-
filiates and other companies with lease obligations and bank 
loans. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments 
Canon would have had to make in the event of default is 
¥4,458 million at December 31, 2018. The carrying amounts 
of the liabilities recognized for Canon’s obligations as a guar-
antor under those guarantees at December 31, 2018 were 
not significant.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

43

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATAFINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Return on Sales (%)

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The following summarizes Canon’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2018.

9

6

3

Total

Less than 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than 5 years

Payments due by period

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

360,000
4,602
115,084

—
2,640
29,817

360,000
1,443
41,239

—
509
23,730

—
10
20,298

Millions of yen

Contractual obiligations:
  Long-term debt:

  Loan from the banks
  Other debt

  Operating lease obligations
  Purchase commitments for: 

  Property, plant and equipment
  Parts and raw materials
  Other long-term liabilities:

  Contribution to defined benefit pension plans

  Total

54,905
120,344

54,905
120,344

32,400

687,335

32,400

240,106

—
—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—

402,682

24,239
Increase in Property,
Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)

20,308

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.

300

Canon provides warranties of generally less than one year 

against defects in materials and workmanship on most of 
its consumer products. Estimated product warranty related 
costs are established at the time revenue are recognized and 
are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 
Estimates for accrued product warranty costs are primarily 
based on historical experience, and are affected by 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. As of December 
31, 2018 accrued product warranty costs amounted to 
¥17,318 million.

At December 31, 2018, commitments outstanding for the 

purchase of property, plant and equipment were approxi-
mately ¥54,905 million, and commitments outstanding for 
the purchase of parts and raw materials were approximately 
¥120,344 million, both for use in the ordinary course of its 
business. Canon anticipates that funds needed to fulfill these 
commitments will be generated internally through operations.
During 2019, Canon expects to contribute ¥13,089 million 
to its Japanese defined benefit pension plans and ¥19,311 mil-
lion to its foreign defined benefit pension plans.

Canon’s management believes that current financial re-
sources, 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.

200

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT,  
PATENTS AND LICENSES
Canon has started its 5-year management plan, the Excellent 
Global Corporation Plan Phase V (“Phase V”) from the year 
2016. In Phase V, our slogan is “Embrace the challenge of new 
growth through a grand strategic transformation” and there 
are three key strategies related to R&D:

100

•  Establish a new production system to achieve a cost-of-

sales ratio of 45%;

0

2018
•  Reinforce and expand new businesses while creating 

2014

2017

2016

2015

future businesses; and

•  Enhance R&D capabilities through open innovation.
Canon has been striving to implement the three R&D re-

lated strategies as follows:

•  Establish a new production system to achieve a cost-of-

sales ratio of 45%: Strengthen domestic mother factories 
by integrating design, procurement, production engi-
neering and manufacturing technology operations while 
pursuing total cost reduction by advancing production 

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

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

400

300

200

100

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

44

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Office Business Unit

Imaging System

Business Unit

Medical System

Business Unit

Industry and Others

Business Unit

Eliminations

Japan

Americas

Europe

Asia and Oceania

Working Capital Ratio

Return on Canon Inc.

Shareholders’ Equity (%)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

12

9

6

3

0

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
engineering capabilities with more sophisticated robots and 
next-generation technologies such as the IoT, big data and 
artificial intelligence.

•  Reinforce and expand new businesses while creating 

future businesses: Create and expand new businesses by 
accelerating the horizontal expansion of existing busi-
ness with the exploration of new application possibility of 
Canon’s technologies into new fields. Also, invest inten-
sively on the R&D of promising businesses areas such as 
commercial printing, network cameras and life sciences 
while actively taking advantage of M&A to accelerate the 
early expansion of these businesses.

comprehensive image processing including optical design, me-
chanical noise analysis, and thermal air flow analysis. With these 
simulation systems, Canon has succeeded in further reducing 
the need for prototypes, lowering costs and shortening product 
development lead times.

Canon believes that new products protected by the robust 
patent 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 patents in the 

United States in 2018, according to the annual ranking list, 
released by IFI CLAIMS® Patent Services.

•  Enhance R&D capabilities through open innovation: 

Construct a more open R&D system that proactively lever-
ages external technologies and knowledge to accelerate and 
improve efficiency of the R&D. Especially in our fundamental 
research and development, Canon is promoting joint and 
contract research with various partners including universi-
ties, research institutes, and startups around the world.
Canon is currently working on collaborative research with 
Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s 
Hospital to develop medical robotics and ultra-miniature endo-
scope at the Healthcare Optics Research Laboratory in Boston. 
Also, CMSC has started collaborative research on Deep Learning 
Reconstruction in MRI systems, together with Kumamoto 
University and the University of Bordeaux.

Canon has developed simulation systems covering 

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 
derivative 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 
securities and investments for trading purposes.

Maturities and fair values of such marketable securities and investments with original maturities of more than three months 

were as follows at December 31, 2018.

Debt securities

Due within one year
Fund trusts and others

Equity securities

Millions of yen

Fair value

630
1,038

13,787

15,455

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

45

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATAFINANCIAL OVERVIEW

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 curren-
cy 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 trad-
ing 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 counter-
parties will fail to meet their obligations. Most of the counter-
parties are internationally recognized financial institutions and 

selected by Canon taking into account their financial condi-
tion, and contracts are diversified across a number of major 
financial institutions.

Canon’s international operations expose Canon to the risk 

of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Canon uses 
foreign exchange contracts to manage certain foreign currency 
exchange exposures principally from the exchange of U.S. dol-
lars and euros into Japanese yen. These contracts are primarily 
used to hedge the foreign currency exposure of forecasted 
intercompany sales and intercompany trade receivables which 
are denominated in foreign currencies. In accordance with 
Canon’s policy, a specific portion of foreign currency exposure 
resulting from forecasted 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 ex-
change transactions existing at December 31, 2018. All of the foreign exchange contracts described in the following table have a 
contractual maturity date in 2019.

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

108,126
857

101,356
1,235

21,023
513

230,505
2,605

24,025
(158)

2,807
(11)

3,984
(59)

30,816
(228)

Canon expects that fair value changes and cash flows result-

ing from reasonable near-term changes in interest rates will 
be immaterial. Accordingly, Canon believes interest rate risk 
is insignificant. See also Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments 

designated as cash flow hedges, including foreign currency 
exchange contracts associated with forecasted intercompany 
sales, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss). These amounts are 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 comprehensive 
income (loss) at year-end are expected to be recognized in 
earnings over the next twelve months. Canon excludes the 
time value component from the assessment of hedge ef-
fectiveness. Changes in the fair value of a foreign currency 
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 ineffective-
ness. From the quarter beginning January 1, 2019, Canon will 
adopt ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): 
Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. 
After the adoption of this guidance, gains and losses resulting 
from derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow 
hedges associated with forecasted intercompany sales, which 
are currently included in other income (deductions) in the con-
solidated statements of income, will be included in net sales.

The amount of the hedging ineffectiveness was not material 
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The 
amounts of net losses excluded from the assessment of hedge 
effectiveness (time value component) which was recorded in 
other income (deductions) were ¥682 million, ¥332 million 
and ¥311 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 
2017 and 2016, respectively.

Canon has entered into certain foreign currency exchange 

contracts to manage its foreign currency exposures. These 
foreign currency exchange contracts have not been designated 
as hedges. Accordingly, the changes in fair values of these 
contracts are recorded in earnings immediately.

LOOKING FORWARD
Under the corporate philosophy of kyosei—living and working 
together for the common good—Canon’s basic management 
policy is to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the 
world while endeavoring to become a truly excellent global 
corporation targeting continued growth and development.
Based on this basic management policy, Canon launched 
the Excellent Global Corporation Plan in 1996 and, from Phase 
I through to Phase IV, has worked to strengthen its manage-
ment base and improve corporate value. In 2016, under the 
slogan “Embracing the challenge of new growth through a 
grand strategic transformation,” Canon embarked on a new 
five-year initiative: Phase V of the Excellent Global Corporation 
Plan. Under this plan, Canon aims to facilitate growth through 
structural transformation by reinforcing existing businesses 

46

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018and taking steps to cultivate and strengthen new businesses.
The global economy is expected to continue to slow down 
from the latter half of 2018 and overall, there are concerns of 
further economic slowdown occurring as a result of intensify-
ing trade friction.

In the businesses in which Canon is involved, for office 
MFDs, color models are expected to grow steadily. Overall de-
mand for laser printers is expected to remain at the same level 
as that of the previous year, supported by the trend of shifting 
from monochrome to color models and increasing demand 
in emerging markets. For interchangeable-lens digital cam-
eras, while demand for interchangeable-lens digital cameras 
equipped with full-frame sensors is expected to grow steadily, 
overall demand is expected to decrease. Projections for digi-
tal compact cameras indicate continued market contraction, 
centered mainly on low-priced models. With regard to inkjet 
printers, demand is expected to continue to decrease slightly 
from the previous year. 

As for the medical equipment market, demand is expected 

to remain firm, mainly outside of Japan, with increasing 
demand in emerging markets and increased demand for ad-
vanced medical care in the United States and Europe. Looking 
at industrial equipment, as for the semiconductor lithography 
equipment, while demand for automotive devices is expected 
to increase, capital investment is expected to slow down for 
memory devices. For FPD lithography equipment and OLED 
panel manufacturing equipment, capital investment in small- 
and medium-size display panels is expected to continue to 
slow down. As for network cameras, demand is expected to 
continue expanding for high-spec models and image analysis 
software due to the growing use of network cameras for a 
widening range of applications.

The Canon Group recognizes the Business Term in 2019 

as a year for achieving transformation into an enterprise 
wielding high productivity on par with other excellent global 
corporations in every field of business ranging from R&D to 
production, sales and service, underpinned by a new busi-
ness portfolio containing four additional new business areas 
(commercial printing, network cameras, medical system, and 
industrial equipment). Accordingly, we will work to address 
the following key challenges under the theme, “Accelerate 
Grand Strategic Transformation to achieve fundamental 
improvements in productivity.”

(1) Revitalizing existing businesses 

•  We promote efforts to strengthen development of 

DANTOTSU products that overwhelm competitors, making 
extensive use of cloud, AI and IoT technologies.

•  We will enhance assembly automation by turning out 

product designs suitable to automation, and promote in-
house production of equipment and key parts throughout 
the Group.

•  We will make quality and cost improvements by strength-

ening procurement functions and collaborating with 
suppliers, and promote in-house production and standard-
ization of parts.

(2) Bolstering and expanding new businesses 

•  In commercial printing, our aims involve drawing up 

comprehensive strategy for all printing-related businesses, 
building platforms for the commercial printing business 
centered on Océ, and establishing product structures 
geared to high-resolution and high-mix, small-lot printing.

•  With network cameras, we will enhance and upgrade 
related software, and promote expansion into a wide 
range of fields beyond crime prevention and disaster 
monitoring applications.

•  In the medical field, we will enhance our product 

strengths and sales capabilities with respect to diagnostic 
equipment, and will explore possibilities for expanding our 
business into areas besides diagnostic equipment.

•  With industrial equipment, we will accelerate development 
of next-generation OLED panel manufacturing equipment 
and promote development of new industrial equipment.
(3)  Reforming R&D operation in anticipation of industrial 

and social changes  
•  We will take an approach to the theme of development, 
grouped into the three areas of: 1. initiatives related to 
enhancing existing businesses, 2. initiatives aiming to 
commercialize opportunities in the near future, and 3. 
initiatives over the medium to long term. Accordingly, we 
will strive to improve development productivity by forming 
a development framework that is tailored to those three 
areas of focus.  

•  We will expand and enhance our worldwide research into 
start-up companies that have substantial potential for 
growth drawing on their cutting-edge technologies and 
new business models.

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 
foreign currency transactions designed to reduce financial risks 
from changes in foreign currency exchange rates; and inven-
tory risk due to shifts in market demand.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

47

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATA9

6

3

0

300

200

100

0

400

300

200

100

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Increase in Property,

Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Return on Sales (%)

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)

TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

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

2016

2017

2018

2014

Net sales:
2015
  Domestic
  Overseas
  Total

  Percentage of previous year

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
  Percentage of sales

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

Working Capital Ratio

3.0

2.5

2.0

Long-term debt, excluding current installments
Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity
Total assets

1.5

Per share data:

1.0
 Net income attributable to Canon Inc.  
  shareholders per share:
0.5
  Basic
0
  Diluted
2014
  Dividend per share
  Stock price:

2018

2016

2015

2017

  High
  Low

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

0

12

9

6

3

0

869,577
3,082,360
3,951,937
96.9%

252,755
6.4%

58,729
315,842
175,771
159,316

361,962
2,827,602
4,899,465

234.09
234.08
160.00

4,395
2,877

1,000

Millions of yen (except per share amounts)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014
884,828
3,195,187
4,080,015
119.9%

2016

2018

2017
706,979
2,694,508
3,401,487
89.5%

241,923
5.9%

150,650
4.4%

Return on Canon Inc.
Shareholders’ Equity (%)

61,207
333,371
189,712
147,542

58,707
306,537
199,133
171,597

Japan
Americas
Europe
2015
Asia and Oceania

714,280
3,085,991
3,800,271
102.0%

220,209
5.8%

80,907
332,678
223,759
195,120

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2018

Thousands of U.S. dollars 

(except per share amounts)

724,317

3,002,935

3,727,252

99.9%

254,797

6.8%

79,765

311,896

213,739

182,343

715,863

3,015,517

3,731,380

107.2%

230,483

6.2%

86,398

307,500

223,158

188,826

720,286 

2,759,502 

3,479,788 

97.8%

694,450 

2,862,983 

3,557,433 

96.0%

695,749 

3,011,152 

3,706,901 

115.5%

224,564 

6.5%

83,134 

296,281

211,973 

270,457 

248,630 

7.0%

81,232 

308,900

210,179 

226,869 

246,603 

6.7%

94,794 

317,286

232,327 

158,976 

702,344

2,506,857

3,209,201

78.4%

131,647

4.1%

78,009

306,128

277,399

216,128

$  7,834,027

27,769,009

35,603,036

96.9%

2,277,072

6.4%

529,090

2,845,423

1,583,523

1,435,279

493,238
2,870,630
5,198,291

611,289
2,783,129
5,138,529

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 

3,368 

2,551,132 

3,930,727 

4,131 

2,645,782 

3,983,820 

4,912

$  3,260,919

2,688,109

3,847,557

25,473,892

44,139,324

222.88
222.88
160.00

2014

2015

2016

137.95
137.95
150.00

2017

2018

4,472
3,218

3,656
2,780

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 

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

$ 

2.11

2.11

1.44

39.59

25.92

Average number of common shares in thousands
Number of employees

1,079,753
195,056

1,085,439
197,776

1,092,071
197,673

1,092,018
189,571

1,112,510

191,889

1,147,934

194,151

1,173,648 

196,968 

1,215,832 

198,307 

1,234,817 

197,386 

1,234,482

168,879

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

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

48

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions of yen (except per share amounts)

869,577

3,082,360

3,951,937

96.9%

252,755

6.4%

58,729

315,842

175,771

159,316

884,828

3,195,187

4,080,015

119.9%

241,923

5.9%

61,207

333,371

189,712

147,542

706,979

2,694,508

3,401,487

89.5%

150,650

4.4%

58,707

306,537

199,133

171,597

714,280

3,085,991

3,800,271

102.0%

220,209

5.8%

80,907

332,678

223,759

195,120

Net sales:

  Domestic

  Overseas

  Total

  Percentage of previous year

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

  Percentage of sales

Advertising

Research and development expenses

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Increase in property, plant and equipment

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity

 Net income attributable to Canon Inc.  

  shareholders per share:

Total assets

Per share data:

  Dividend per share

  Stock price:

  Basic

  Diluted

  High

  Low

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2018

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

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

254,797
6.8%

79,765
311,896
213,739
182,343

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

230,483
6.2%

86,398
307,500
223,158
188,826

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

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

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

224,564 
6.5%

83,134 
296,281
211,973 
270,457 

248,630 
7.0%

81,232 
308,900
210,179 
226,869 

246,603 
6.7%

94,794 
317,286
232,327 
158,976 

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

131,647
4.1%

78,009
306,128
277,399
216,128

$  7,834,027
27,769,009
35,603,036
96.9%

2,277,072
6.4%

529,090
2,845,423
1,583,523
1,435,279

361,962

2,827,602

4,899,465

493,238

2,870,630

5,198,291

611,289

2,783,129

5,138,529

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 

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

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

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

$  3,260,919
25,473,892
44,139,324

234.09

234.08

160.00

4,395

2,877

222.88

222.88

160.00

4,472

3,218

137.95

137.95

150.00

3,656

2,780

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 

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

$ 

2.11
2.11
1.44

39.59
25.92

Average number of common shares in thousands

Number of employees

1,079,753

195,056

1,085,439

197,776

1,092,071

197,673

1,092,018

189,571

1,112,510
191,889

1,147,934
194,151

1,173,648 
196,968 

1,215,832 
198,307 

1,234,817 
197,386 

1,234,482
168,879

Notes: 1.  U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of U.S.$1 = JPY111, the approximate exchange rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market as of 

December 28, 2018.

2.  Canon  adopted  ASU  No.  2017-07  from  the  quarter  beginning  January  1,  2018.  The  adoption  of  the  new  presentation  requirement  of  the  service  cost 
component and the other components of net benefit cost resulted in reclassification from cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses, 
and research and development expenses into other income (deductions) for the years ended December 31 from 2017 to 2009 respectively.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

49

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATA 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONS OLI DATE D B AL ANCE  SHEE T S

Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
December 31, 2018 and 2017

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)
Short-term investments (Note 2)
Trade receivables, net (Notes 3 and 15)
Inventories (Notes 4 and 15)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Notes 6, 15 and 18)

Total current assets

Noncurrent receivables (Note 19)
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, 15 and 19)
Other current liabilities (Notes 5, 15 and 18)

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, excluding current installments (Notes 9 and 20)
Accrued pension and severance cost (Note 11)
Other noncurrent liabilities (Note 12)

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 19)
Equity:
Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity:

Common stock

Authorized 3,000,000,000 shares; issued 1,333,763,464 shares in 2018 and 2017

Additional paid-in capital
Legal reserve (Note 13)
Retained earnings (Note 13)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 14)
Treasury stock, at cost; 254,013,641shares in 2018 and 254,007,681shares in 2017

Total Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

50

Millions of yen

2018

2017

520,645
956
612,953
611,281
304,346

2,050,181
18,230
42,556
1,090,992
391,021
908,511
397,974

721,814
1,965
650,872
570,033
287,965

2,232,649
35,444
48,320
1,126,620
420,972
936,722
397,564

4,899,465

5,198,291

38,527
352,489
41,264
321,137
276,237

1,029,654
361,962
382,789
107,147

39,328
380,654
77,501
330,188
281,809

1,109,480
493,238
365,582
133,816

1,881,552

2,102,116

174,762
404,389
67,116
3,508,908
(269,071)
(1,058,502)

2,827,602
190,311

174,762
401,386
66,879
3,429,312
(143,228)
(1,058,481)

2,870,630
225,545

3,017,913

3,096,175

4,899,465

5,198,291

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018CONS OLI DATE D S TAT EMENTS O F  I N C O M E

Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

Net sales (Note 15)

Products and Equipment
Services

Cost of sales (Notes 5, 8, 11, 15 and 19)

Products and Equipment
Services

Gross profit

Operating expenses (Notes 1, 5, 8, 11, 15, 16, 19 and 21):

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Impairment losses on goodwill

Operating profit

Other income (deductions):

Interest and dividend income
Interest expense
Other, net (Notes 1, 2, 11, 14 and 18)

Income before income taxes

Income taxes (Note 12)

Consolidated net income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

Net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per share (Note 17):

Basic
Diluted

Cash dividends per share

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2016

3,194,724
757,213
3,951,937

3,521,156
558,859
4,080,015

2,986,188
415,299
3,401,487

1,762,171
354,212
2,116,383
1,835,554

1,176,760
315,842
—
1,492,602
342,952

1,875,581
213,880
2,089,461
1,990,554

1,301,666
333,371
33,912
1,668,949
321,605

1,574,679
154,810
1,729,489
1,671,998

1,149,036
306,537
—
1,455,573
216,425

6,604
(797)
14,133
19,940
362,892

96,150
266,742

13,987
252,755

234.09
234.08
160.00

6,012
(818)
27,085
32,279
353,884

98,024
255,860

13,937
241,923

Yen

222.88
222.88
160.00

4,762
(1,061)
24,525
28,226
244,651

82,681
161,970

11,320
150,650

137.95
137.95
150.00

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

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 (loss)

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Canon Inc.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2018
266,742

(93,146)
(141)
488
(30,570)
(123,369)
143,373
6,918
136,455

Millions of yen

2017
255,860

47,090
(9,362)
2,588
21,207
61,523
317,383
18,807
298,576

2016
161,970

(107,666)
997
(2,948)
(70,355)
(179,972)
(18,002)
1,745
(19,747)

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

51

CONS OLI DATE D S TAT EMENTS O F  E Q U I TY

Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

Common 
stock

Additional 
paid-in  
capital

Legal  
reserve

Retained 
earnings

Millions of yen

Accumulated 
other  
comprehensive
income (loss)

Total
Canon Inc. 
shareholders’ 
equity

Non- 
controlling 
interests

Treasury  
stock

Total
equity

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

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 (loss)

Repurchases and reissuance of treasury stock

27

258

(163,810)

1,269

(1,269)

285
(163,810)

—

(5,270)

(4,077)
1,047

(4,985)
(163,810)
(4,077)
1,047
—

150,650

150,650

11,320

161,970

(101,257)

(101,257)

(6,409)

(107,666)

1,196

(2,924)
(67,412)

1,196

(199)

997

(2,924)
(67,412)

(19,747)

(24)
(2,943)

(2,948)
(70,355)

1,745

(18,002)

(1)

(13)

(14)

(14)

Balance at December 31, 2016

174,762

401,385

66,558

3,350,728

(199,881)

(1,010,423) 2,783,129

211,493

2,994,622

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 (loss)

Repurchases of treasury stock
Reissuance of treasury stock

1

(162,887)

321

(321)

1
(162,887)

—

(1)

(4,814)
60

—
(162,887)
(4,814)
60
—

241,923

241,923

13,937

255,860

44,168

(9,767)

2,562
19,690

44,168

2,922

47,090

(9,767)

405

(9,362)

2,562
19,690

26
1,517

2,588
21,207

298,576

18,807

317,383

(131)

(50,036)
1,978

(50,036)
1,847

(50,036)
1,847

Balance at December 31, 2017

174,762

401,386

66,879

3,429,312

(143,228)

(1,058,481) 2,870,630

225,545

3,096,175

Cumulative effects of accounting standard 
 update—adoption of ASU No.2014-09
Cumulative effects of accounting standard 
 update—adoption of ASU No. 2016-01
Equity transactions with noncontrolling 
 interests and other
Dividends to Canon Inc. shareholders
Dividends to noncontrolling interests
Transfers 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 (loss)

Repurchases of treasury stock
Reissuance of treasury stock

(106)

5,343

(5,343)

3,003

(4,200)

(178,159)

237

(237)

(106)

—

(76)

—

(182)

—

(1,197)
(178,159)

—

(36,518)

(5,558)

(37,715)
(178,159)
(5,558)
—

252,755

252,755

13,987

266,742

(89,823)

(141)

488
(26,824)

(89,823)

(3,323)

(93,146)

(141)

—

(141)

488
(26,824)

—
(3,746)

488
(30,570)

136,455

6,918

143,373

0

(25)
4

(25)
4

(25)
4

Balance at December 31, 2018

174,762

404,389

67,116

3,508,908

(269,071)

(1,058,502) 2,827,602

190,311

3,017,913

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

52

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018CONS OLI DATE D S TAT EMENTS O F  C A S H  FL O WS

Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

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 of affiliated companies
Impairment losses on goodwill (Notes 8 and 21)
Gain on securities contributed to retirement benefit trust (Note 2)
Deferred income taxes
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables
(Increase) decrease in inventories
Increase (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 (Note 6)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed assets (Note 5)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets (Note 5)
Purchases of securities
Proceeds from sale and maturity of securities
Decrease in time deposits, net
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (Note 7)
Other, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt (Note 9)
Repayments of long-term debt (Note 9)
Increase (decrease) in short-term loans, net (Note 9)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid
Repurchases and reissuance of treasury stock
Other, net

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2016

266,742

255,860

161,970

251,554
5,726
(1,414)
—
—
(11,849)
(17,724)
(61,755)
(31,212)
(35,284)
2,541
(17,738)
15,706

365,293

(191,399)
9,634
(2,311)
1,615
401
(13,346)
(209)

261,881
6,935
(1,196)
33,912
(17,836)
(17,603)
3,563
2,967
4,951
46,296
18,503
522
(8,198)

590,557

(189,484)
26,444
(2,220)
970
3,373
(6,557)
2,464

250,096
5,203
(890)
—
—
7,188
(4,155)
6,156
56,844
(16,456)
(5,256)
5,489
34,094

500,283

(206,971)
6,177
(84)
1,181
15,414
(649,570)
(3,272)

(195,615)

(165,010)

(837,125)

439
(136,094)
2,501
(37,942)
(178,159)
(21)
(5,554)

1,570
(126,578)
5,628
—
(162,887)
(50,034)
(8,163)

610,552
(856)
(80,580)
(4,993)
(163,810)
(14)
(4,607)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(354,830)

(340,464)

355,692

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

(16,017)

(201,169)

721,814

520,645

6,538

91,621

(22,270)

(3,420)

630,193

633,613

721,814

630,193

Supplemental disclosure for cash flow information:

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest
Income taxes

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

749
131,616

1,026
71,473

738
76,714

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

53

NOTES T O  CONSOL ID ATED F INA N C I A L  STATE ME N T S

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, medical 
system products and industry and other products. Office prod-
ucts consist mainly of office multifunction devices (“MFDs”), 
laser multifunction printers (“MFPs”), laser printers, digital 
continuous feed presses, digital sheet-fed presses, 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 print-
ers, large format inkjet printers, commercial photo printers, 
image scanners, multimedia projectors, broadcast equipment 
and calculators. Medical system products consist mainly of 
digital radiography systems, diagnostic X-ray systems, comput-
ed tomography (“CT”) systems, magnetic resonance imaging 
(“MRI”) systems, diagnostic ultrasound systems, clinical chem-
istry analyzers and ophthalmic equipment. Industry and other 
products consist mainly of semiconductor lithography equip-
ment, FPD (Flat panel display) lithography equipment, vacuum 
thin-film deposition equipment, organic LED (“OLED”) panel 
manufacturing equipment, die bonders, micromotors, network 
cameras, handy terminals and document scanners. 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 deal-
ers in their geographic area. Further segment information is 
described in Note 22.

Canon sells laser printers on an OEM basis to HP Inc.; such 
sales constituted 13.6%, 13.1% and 14.8% of consolidated 
net sales for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016, respectively, and are included in the Office Business Unit.
Canon’s manufacturing operations are conducted primarily 
at 30 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 
standards of Japan. Foreign subsidiaries maintain their books 
of account in conformity with financial accounting standards 
of the countries of their domicile.

Certain adjustments and reclassifications have been incorpo-

rated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements 
to conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 
(“U.S. 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 consoli-
dated subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries. All significant 
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

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

(e) Translation of Foreign Currencies
Assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries located 
outside Japan with functional currencies other than Japanese 
yen are translated into Japanese yen at the rates of exchange 
in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items 
are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during 
the year. Gains and losses resulting from translation of finan-
cial statements are excluded from earnings and are reported in 
other comprehensive income (loss).

Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transac-
tions, including foreign exchange contracts, and translation 
of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
included in other income (deductions) in the consolidated 
statements of income. Foreign currency exchange gains and 
losses were net losses of ¥6,044 million, ¥9,775 million and 
¥2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016, respectively.

(f) Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments acquired with original maturities 
of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. 
Certain debt securities with original maturities of less than three 
months, classified as available-for-sale securities of ¥70,500 mil-
lion at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are included 
in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets.

(g) Investments
Investments consist primarily of time deposits with original 
maturities of more than three months, debt and equity securi-
ties and investments in affiliated companies.

Canon classifies investments in debt securities as available-
for-sale securities. Canon does not hold any trading securities 
which are bought and held primarily for the purpose of sale 
in the near term, or any held-to-maturity securities. Canon 

54

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018reports investments with maturities of less than one year as 
short-term investments.

inventories and principally by the first-in, first-out method for 
overseas inventories.

Available-for-sales debt securities and equity securities with 

readily determinable fair value that are not accounted for 
under the equity method are recorded at fair value which is 
determined based on quoted market prices, projected dis-
counted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appropri-
ate. The changes in fair value are recognized in net income 
for equity securities and in other comprehensive income for 
available-for-sales debt securities.

Available-for-sale debt securities are regularly reviewed for 
other-than-temporary declines in the carrying 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 market 
value. For available-for-sale securities for which the declines 
are deemed to be other-than-temporary and there is no intent 
to sell, the impairment are separated into the amount related 
to credit loss, which is recognized in earnings and the amount 
related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehen-
sive income (loss). For available-for-sale securities for which the 
declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary and there is 
an intent to sell, the impairments in their entirety are recog-
nized in earnings. Canon recognizes an impairment loss to the 
extent by which the cost basis of the investment exceeds the 
fair value of the investment.

Canon measures non-marketable equity securities without 

readily determinable fair value at cost, minus impairment, if 
any, plus or minus changes resulting from observables price 
changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar 
investment of the same issuer.

Realized gains and losses are determined by the average 

cost method and reflected in earnings.

Investments in affiliated companies over which Canon 
has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not 
hold a controlling financial interest, are accounted for by the 
equity method.

(h) Allowance for Doubtful Receivables
Allowance for doubtful trade and finance receivables is main-
tained for all customers based on a combination of factors, in-
cluding aging analysis, macroeconomic conditions and histori-
cal 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 bank-
ruptcy 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 net realizable 
value. Cost is determined by the average method for domestic 

(j) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and 
acquired intangible assets subject to amortization, are re-
viewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circum-
stances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not 
be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is 
measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset 
and the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected 
to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the 
asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an 
impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the 
carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the as-
set. 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 as-
sets 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. All goodwill is as-
signed to the reporting unit or units that benefit from the syn-
ergies arising from each business combination. If the carrying 
amount assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value 
of the reporting unit, Canon recognizes an impairment charge 
in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount 
of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

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 7 years, trademarks are 15 years, 
patents and developed technology are from 7 years to 17 
years, license fees are 7 years, and customer relationships are 
from 11 years to 15 years, respectively. Certain costs incurred 
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 

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

55

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 estimat-
ed 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 liabilities are 
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable 
income in the years in which those temporary differences are 
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax 
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in 
income in the period that includes the enactment date. Canon 
records a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets 
to the amount that is more likely than not realizable.

Canon recognizes the financial statement effects of tax 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 common 
shares outstanding during each year. Diluted net income at-
tributable 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, imaging system and medical system products, indus-
trial equipment, supplies and related services under separate 
contractual arrangements. Revenue is recognized when, or as, 
control of promised goods or services transfers to customers 

in an amount that reflects the consideration to which Canon 
expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring these goods 
or services. For further information, please refer to Note 15.

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

(s) Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising ex-
penses were ¥58,729 million, ¥61,207 million and ¥58,707 
million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016, respectively.

(t) Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs totaled ¥54,844 million, ¥52,953 
million and ¥44,296 million for the years ended December 31, 
2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are included in selling, 
general and administrative expenses in the consolidated state-
ments 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 
liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Canon uses and designates certain derivatives as a hedge 
of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to 
be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability 
(“cash flow” hedge). Canon formally documents all 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 qualifies 
as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive 
income (loss), until earnings are affected by the variability in 
cash flows of the hedged item. Gains and losses from hedg-
ing ineffectiveness are included in other income (deductions). 
Gains and losses related to the components of hedging instru-
ments excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness 
are included in other income (deductions).

Canon also uses certain derivative financial instruments 
which are not designated as hedges. The changes in fair val-
ues of these derivative financial instruments are immediately 
recorded in earnings.

Canon classifies cash flows from derivatives as cash flows 

from operating activities in the consolidated statements of 
cash flows.

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

56

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018(w) Recent Accounting Guidance

Recently adopted accounting guidance
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 
2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 
606) Section C – Background Information and Basis for 
Conclusions, which is a new accounting standard related 
to revenue from contracts with customers, as amended. 
(Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606) 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. Canon 
adopted this standard from the quarter beginning January 
1, 2018 with modified retrospective method of adoption to 
contracts that were not completed as of the adoption. The 
cumulative-effects to the retained earnings and the impact 
on the consolidated result of operations for the year ended 
December 31, 2018 from the adoption of this standard were 
not material. For further information, please refer to Note 15.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial 

Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and 
Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which 
addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presen-
tation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This guidance 
includes the requirement that equity investments that do not re-
sult in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity 
method be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value 
recognized in net income. Canon adopted this standard from 
the quarter beginning January 1, 2018, and Canon recognized 
a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings of ¥5,343 
million as of January 1, 2018 for the unrealized gains, net of 
tax, on available-for-sale equity securities previously recognized 
in accumulated other comprehensive income.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income 

Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-entity Transfers of Assets other than 
Inventory, which requires an entity to recognize the income tax 
consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than 
inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amend-
ments in this guidance eliminate the exception for an intra-
entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. Two common 
examples of assets included in the scope of this guidance are 
intellectual property and property, plant, and equipment. The 
amendments in this guidance should be applied on a modified 
retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment 
directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period 
of adoption. Canon adopted this standard from the quarter 
beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance 
did not have a material impact on its consolidated results of 
operation and financial condition.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, 

Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving 
the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic 
Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires an entity to disag-
gregate the service cost component from the other components 

of net benefit cost and present it in the same line item or items 
as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by 
the pertinent employees during the period. The other compo-
nents of net benefit cost are required to be presented separately 
from the service cost component, such as in other income (de-
ductions) in the income statement. The amendments also allow 
only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization 
(for example, as a cost of internally manufactured inventory). 
The amendments were to be applied retrospectively for the 
presentation of the service cost component and the other com-
ponents of net benefit cost, and prospectively for the capitaliza-
tion of the service cost component of net benefit cost. Canon 
adopted this guidance from the quarter beginning January 1, 
2018. The adoption of the new presentation requirement of the 
service cost component and the other components of net ben-
efit cost resulted in reclassification of ¥2,137 million and ¥1,835 
million from cost of sales, ¥4,419 million and ¥4,161 million 
from selling, general and administrative expenses and ¥3,318 
million and ¥6,445 million from research and development 
expenses into other income (deductions) for the years ended 
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Please refer to Note 
11 for additional information. The adoption of the capitalization 
of the service cost component of net benefit cost did not have 
a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and 
financial condition.

Recently issued accounting guidance not yet adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases 
(Topic 842) Section A – Leases: Amendments to the FASB 
Accounting Standards Codification, which requires lessees to 
recognize most leases on their balance sheets but recognize 
expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to the 
current guidance. For lessors, the standard modifies the clas-
sification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct 
financing leases. FASB also modified the definition of lease. 
Additionally, the guidance expands qualitative and quantitative 
disclosures related to lease. The guidance is effective for annual 
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Canon 
applies the guidance from the quarter beginning after January 
1, 2019. Canon applies the package of practical expedients that 
allows us not to reassess whichever any existing contracts at 
or expired contracts prior to the adoption date are or contain 
leases, lease classification and whichever initial direct costs quali-
fy for capitalization, in addition to short term lease exception. 
Canon also adopts the transition method which no restatement 
of comparative periods and no reassessment of land easements 
not previously accounted for as a lease that exist at or expired 
prior to the adoption date are required. The right of use assets 
for operating leases recognized at January 1, 2019 is ¥125,649 
million almost same as the lease obligations and are included in 
noncurrent assets and liabilities in the accompanying consolidat-
ed balance sheets. Canon does not expect the adoption of this 
guidance such as the modification the definition of lease and 
the changes in lessor accounting to have material impact on its 
consolidated results of operation.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

57

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, 

Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements 
to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends existing 
guidance to simplify the application of the hedge accounting 
in certain situations and enable an entity to better portray the 
economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in 
its financial statements. This guidance eliminates the require-
ment to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, 
and requires an entity to present the earnings effect of the 
hedging instrument in the same income statement line item 
which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. The 
amendments in this guidance should be applied on a modified 

retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment 
directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period 
of adoption. This guidance is effective for Canon from the 
quarter beginning January 1, 2019. Gains and losses resulting 
from derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow 
hedges associated with forecasted intercompany sales, which 
are currently included in other income (deductions) in the con-
solidated statements of income, will be included in net sales 
after the adoption of this guidance. Canon does not expect 
other material impacts from the adoption on its consolidated 
results of operation and financial condition.

2.  INVESTMENTS

The cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and fair value for available-for-sale debt securities and equity 
securities included in short-term investments and investments by major security type at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

December 31

Millions of yen

2018: Current:

Corporate bonds

Millions of yen

2017: Current:

Corporate bonds

Noncurrent:

Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Fund trusts*
Equity securities*

Cost

630

630

Cost

1,222

1,222

305
640
122
10,965

12,032

Gross unrealized  
holding gains

Gross unrealized  
holding losses

Fair value

—

—

—

—

630

630

Gross unrealized  
holding gains

Gross unrealized  
holding losses

Fair value

—

—

—
182
2
11,612

11,796

—

—

16
—
—
1,676

1,692

1,222

1,222

289
822
124
20,901

22,136

*  After the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, equity investments are measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in net income from the quarter 

beginning January 1, 2018.

Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities included in short-term investments in the accompanying consolidated balance 

sheet are as follows at December 31, 2018:

Due within one year

Millions of yen

Cost

630

630

Fair value

630

630

The unrealized and realized gains and losses related to debt securities were not significant for the years ended December 31, 

2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

58

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018The unrealized and realized gains and losses related to equity securities for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

Years ended December 31, 2018

Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities
Less: Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period
Unrealized gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities still held at December 31

Millions of yen

(6,092)
675
(6,767)

Gross realized gains related to equity securities were 
¥18,514 million and ¥750 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Gross realized 
losses, including write-downs for impairments that were other-
than-temporary, were ¥42 million and ¥1,032 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, Canon contrib-
uted certain marketable equity securities, not including those 
of its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, to an established 
employee retirement benefit trust, with no cash proceeds 
there on. The fair value of those securities at the time of 
contribution was ¥30,473 million. Upon contribution of those 
available-for-sale securities, the unrealized gains amounting 
to ¥17,836 million were realized and were included in “Other, 
net” in the consolidated statements of income.

The carrying amount of non-marketable equity securities 
without readily determinable fair value totaled ¥4,629 million 
at December 31, 2018. Aggregate cost of non-marketable 

equity securities accounted for under the cost method totaled 
¥3,760 million at December 31, 2017. The impairment or 
other adjustments resulting from observable price changes 
recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 
were not significant.

Time deposits with original maturities of more than three 
months are ¥326 million and ¥743 million at December 31, 
2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included in short-term 
investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Investments in affiliated companies accounted for by the 
equity method amounted to ¥21,312 million and ¥20,496 
million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
Canon’s share of the net earnings in affiliated companies ac-
counted for by the equity method, included in other income 
(deductions), were earnings of ¥1,414 million, ¥1,196 million 
and ¥890 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 
2017 and 2016 respectively.

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

2018

29,878
594,552

624,430
(11,477)

612,953

2017

37,077
627,173

664,250
(13,378)

650,872

Millions of yen

2018

393,820
165,003
52,458

611,281

2017

377,632
144,251
48,150

570,033

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

59

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

2018

272,443
1,629,927
1,793,499
67,045

3,762,914
(2,671,922)

1,090,992

2017

274,551
1,638,202
1,804,982
46,940

3,764,675
(2,638,055)

1,126,620

Depreciation expenses for the years ended December 31, 
2018, 2017 and 2016 were ¥175,771 million, ¥189,712 mil-
lion and ¥199,133 million, respectively.

Amounts due for purchases of property, plant and equip-
ment were ¥32,433 million and ¥23,432 million at December 

31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included in other 
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. 
These receivables typically have terms ranging from 1 year to 

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

December 31

Millions of yen

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

Less allowance for credit losses

Less current portion

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

Years ended December 31

Balance at beginning of year
Charge-offs
Provision
Translation adjustments and other

Balance at end of year

60

2018
351,198
12,661
(2,112)
(31,007)

330,740
(2,675)

328,065
(111,629)

216,436

2017
361,686
15,055
(2,216)
(32,286)

342,239
(2,681)

339,558
(120,186)

219,372

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2,681
(1,284)
938
340

2,675

2,325
(1,523)
1,436
443

2,681

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Canon has policies in place to ensure that its products are 
sold to customers with an appropriate credit history, and con-
tinuously monitors its customers’ credit quality based on infor-
mation including length of period in arrears, macroeconomic 
conditions, initiation of legal proceedings against customers 
and bankruptcy filings. The allowance for credit losses of fi-
nance receivables are evaluated collectively based on historical 
experience of credit losses. An additional reserve for individual 
accounts is recorded when Canon becomes aware of a cus-
tomer’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 impairment at December 31, 
2018 and 2017 are not significant.

The cost of equipment leased to customers under operat-
ing leases included in property, plant and equipment, net at 
December 31, 2018 and 2017 was ¥120,457 million and 
¥103,078 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation on 
equipment under operating leases at December 31, 2018 and 
2017 was ¥82,698 million and ¥78,307 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, 2018.

Year ending December 31:

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter

Millions of yen

Financing leases

Operating leases

127,068
98,772
66,719
37,181
14,792
6,666

351,198

9,207
6,409
2,917
1,202
317
60

20,112

Canon has a syndication arrangement to sell its entire inter-
ests in finance receivables to a third-party financial institution. 
The transactions under the arrangement are accounted for as 
sales in accordance with ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing.” 
The finance receivables sold and derecognized from its consoli-
dated balance sheet was ¥21,909 million during the year end-
ed December 31, 2018 and the amount remained uncollected 
was ¥22,956 million as of December 31, 2018. This amount 
includes uncollected finance receivables which were sold 
before 2018. Cash proceeds from the transaction are included 

in other, net under the cash flow from operating activities in 
the consolidated statement of cash flows. Canon continues to 
provide collection and administrative services for the financial 
institution. The amount associated with the servicing liability 
measured at fair value was not material as of December 31, 
2018. Canon also retains limited recourse obligations which 
cover credit defaults. The recourse obligation was not material 
as of December 31, 2018.

There were no significant transfers of finance receivables for 

the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

7. ACQUISITIONS

On March 17, 2016, Canon entered into a Shares and Other 
Securities Transfer Agreement with Toshiba Corporation and 
acquired the share options for consideration of cash to acquire 
all the ordinary shares of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation 
which was renamed as Canon Medical Systems Corporation 
(“CMSC”), as of January 4, 2018, which was exercisable upon 
the clearances of necessary competition regulatory authori-
ties. As such clearances were obtained, Canon exercised the 
share options and acquired all the ordinary shares of CMSC 
on December 19, 2016. The acquisition date was December 
19, 2016 and the purchase price was ¥665,498 million, which 
approximates the fair value at that date.

The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition 

method of accounting. Acquisition-related costs were ex-
pensed as incurred and were not material.

Under Phase V of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan, a 

five-year initiative that Canon has been implementing since 
2016, “embracing the challenge of new growth through a 
grand strategic transformation” has been set as a basic policy. 
With regard to “strengthening and growing new businesses, 
and creating future businesses,” a particularly important strat-
egy, Canon intends to develop medical system business within 
the realm of “safety and security,” as a next-generation pillar 
of growth.

CMSC is one of the leading global companies in the medical 

equipment industry. Within the field of medical X-ray com-
puted tomography systems in particular, CMSC is the over-
whelming market share leader in Japan and has been steadily 
increasing its global market share. By maximizing the com-
bination of both companies’ management resources, Canon 
aims to solidify its business foundation for medical system that 
can contribute to the world.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

61

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The purchase price allocation was based on estimated 
fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at 
acquisition date. Since the acquisition date of CMSC was 
near the balance sheet date in 2016, and CMSC is composed 
of various entities located around the world, the purchase 

price allocation was preliminary at December 31, 2016. The 
purchase price allocation was finalized in the fourth quarter 
of 2017. The certain underlying inputs for inventories and 
intangible assets have been updated during the measure-
ment period. 

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at acquisition date.

Millions of yen

Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Intangible assets
Other noncurrent assets

Total assets acquired

Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities

Total liabilities assumed

Noncontrolling interest

Net identifiable assets acquired

Goodwill

Net assets acquired

Preliminary

25,301
169,545
227,500
42,975

465,321

199,223
92,231

291,454

1,047

172,820

492,678

665,498

Measurement
Period
Adjustment

—
(1,962)
627
—

(1,335)

(877)
(1,049)

(1,926)

—

591

(591)

—

Final

25,301
167,583
228,127
42,975

463,986

198,346
91,182

289,528

1,047

173,411

492,087

665,498

Intangible assets acquired, which are subject to amortiza-
tion, mainly consist of customer relationships of ¥143,600 
million, and patents and developed technology of ¥73,000 
million. Canon has estimated the amortization period for the 
customer relationships, and patents and developed technol-
ogy to be 15 years and 10 years, respectively. The weighted 
average amortization period for all intangible assets is approxi-
mately 13 years.

Goodwill recorded is attributable primarily to expected 

synergies from combining operations of CMSC and Canon, 
such as accelerating entry into new fields, further improve-
ment in quality through shared production technology and ex-
panding business domains through the enhancement of R&D 
capabilities. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible 
for tax purposes.

Canon acquired businesses other than that described above 

during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 that 
were not material to its consolidated financial statements.

8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets subject to amortization acquired during the 
year ended December 31, 2018, including those recorded 
from businesses acquired, totaled ¥48,004 million, which pri-
marily consist of software of ¥36,859 million, and patent and 
developed technology of ¥6,109 million. The weighted aver-
age amortization periods for intangible assets in total acquired 
during the year ended December 31, 2018 are approximately 
6 years. The weighted average amortization periods for soft-
ware, and patent and developed technology acquired during 
the year ended December 31, 2018 are approximately 5 years 
and 11 years, respectively.

Intangible assets subject to amortization acquired during 
the year ended December 31, 2017, including those recorded 
from businesses acquired, totaled ¥35,112 million, which 
primarily consist of software of ¥33,437 million and customer 
relationships of ¥1,203 million. The weighted average amorti-
zation periods for intangible assets in total acquired during the 
year ended December 31, 2017 are approximately 5 years. The 
weighted average amortization periods for software and cus-
tomer relationships acquired during the year ended December 
31, 2017 are approximately 5 years and 8 years, respectively.

62

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018The components of intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

December 31

Millions of yen

Software
Customer relationships
Patents and developed technology
Trademarks
License fees
Other

2018

2017

Gross carrying  
amount

Accumulated  
amortization

Gross carrying  
amount

Accumulated  
amortization

362,130
156,679
123,831
44,449
16,071
19,319

722,479

244,188
27,263
36,029
12,062
6,461
9,859

335,862

342,322
162,832
121,886
48,823
13,565
18,592

708,020

217,654
22,463
27,085
9,890
6,375
8,136

291,603

Aggregate amortization expense for the years ended 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was ¥75,783 million, 
¥72,169 million and ¥50,963 million, respectively. Estimated 
amortization expense for intangible assets currently held for the 
next five years ending December 31 is ¥68,730 million in 2019, 
¥54,115 million in 2020, ¥46,067 million in 2021, ¥37,158 

million in 2022, and ¥31,202 million in 2023.

Intangible assets not subject to amortization other than 

goodwill at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were not significant.
For management reporting purposes, goodwill is not al-
located 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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

Years ended December 31
Millions of yen

2018: Goodwill -gross

Accumulated impairment losses

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

Goodwill -gross
Accumulated impairment losses

Balance at end of year

Years ended December 31
Millions of yen

2017: Balance at beginning of year*3

Goodwill acquired during the year
Transfer*1
Impairment loss*2,3
Translation adjustments and other*3

Balance at end of year

Office

135,125
(22,069)

113,056
—
(5,966)

127,860
(20,770)

107,090

Office

124,993
857
—
(21,721)
8,927

113,056

Imaging  
System

52,561
—

52,561
—
(3,891)

48,670
—

48,670

Imaging  
System

49,034
236
—
—
3,291

52,561

Medical  
System

499,915
—

499,915
1,521
(540)

500,896
—

500,896

Medical  
System

—
—
499,855
—
60

499,915

Industry and  
Others

Unallocated

Total

283,577
(12,387)

271,190
6,106
(25,441)

263,513
(11,658)

251,855

Industry and  
Others

269,719
2,394
(7,177)
(12,191)
18,445

271,190

—
—

—
—
—

—
—

—

971,178
(34,456)

936,722
7,627
(35,838)

940,939
(32,428)

908,511

Unallocated*1

Total

492,678
—
(492,678)
—
—

936,424
3,487
—
(33,912)
30,723

—

936,722

*1  Canon did not complete the allocation of goodwill to the segments for impairment testing which was attributable to the acquisition of CMSC as of December 
31, 2016. Based on the realignment of Canon’s internal reporting and management structure, Canon newly established Medical System Business Unit effec-
tive at the beginning of the second quarter of 2017. Goodwill related to CMSC as well as goodwill related to certain medical business which was previously 
included in Industry and Others Business Unit have been transferred to Medical System Business Unit.

*2  After entering the commercial printing business through the acquisition of Océ N.V. in 2010, the market environment surrounding this business has become 
significantly competitive and rapid technological changes have required increasing investments into R&D. These factors resulted in lower operating margin 
than expected, which led to the decline in the estimated fair value of this business which was determined based on the income approach. As the result of the 
annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2017, it was determined that the estimated fair value of commercial printing business was less than its carry-
ing value of the reporting unit. Based on the accounting policy described in Note 1, Canon recognized an impairment charge of ¥33,912 million representing 
the excess of the carrying amount over the reporting unit’s fair value.

*3  Based on the realignment of Canon’s internal reporting and management structure, from the beginning of the third quarter of 2018, Canon has reclassified 

certain businesses from Office Business Unit to Industry and Others Business Unit. The goodwill balance at the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2017 
has been restated to reflect the transfer of ¥11,263 million in goodwill between the segments. Impairment loss of ¥12,191 million and translation adjustments 
and other of ¥928 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the reclassified business were restated from Office Business Unit to Industry and 
Others Business Unit, accordingly.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

63

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. SHORT-TERM LOANS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Short-term loans consisting of bank borrowings at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were ¥35,887 million and ¥33,398 million, 
respectively. The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were 
0.43% and 0.52%, respectively.

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

December 31

Loan from the banks; bearing interest of 0.07% at December 31, 2018 and 
  0.06% at December 31, 2017*1
Other debt*2

Less current portion

Millions of yen

2018

2017

360,000
4,602

364,602
(2,640)

361,962

490,000
9,168

499,168
(5,930)

493,238

*1  Canon entered into the unsecured revolving credit facility contracts expiring in December 2021. Canon prepaid ¥130,000 million of the loan with cash flows 

generated during the year ended December 31, 2018. The outstanding loans under the credit facilities are ¥360,000 million at a floating interest of 0.07% and 
Canon has no unused credit facilities as of December 31, 2018.

*2 The other debt consisted of term-loans and capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2018 were as follows:

Year ending December 31:

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter

Millions of yen

2,640
638
360,805
427
82
10

364,602

Both short-term and long-term bank loans are primarily made 
under general agreements which provide that security and guar-
antees 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

2018

68,140

284,349

352,489

2017

81,002

299,652

380,654

11. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT AND SEVERANCE BENEFITS

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have contribu-
tory 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 contribution pension plans covering substantially all 

64

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018of their employees. CMSC temporarily participated in Toshiba 
Corporate Pension Funds (“Toshiba Funds”) after CMSC was 
acquired by Canon in 2016. In April 2018, CMSC established a 
new pension provision which provides participants an equiva-
lent level of benefits as compared to the Toshiba Funds. As 
of December 31, 2018, a majority of plan participants have 
been transferred from the Toshiba Funds into the new pension 

provision. Participants who have not transferred are still part 
of Toshiba Funds as of December 31, 2018. Canon calculated 
the projected benefit obligations for the participants with 
Toshiba Funds based on the benefit level of Toshiba Funds and 
included the proportional share of the plan assets of CMSC to 
which they have legal right in the following tables.

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
Acquisition
Plan amendments
Curtailments and settlements
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Projected benefit obligations at end of year

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Plan participants’ contributions
Benefits paid
Acquisition
Settlements
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Funded status at end of year

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2018

2017

929,630
31,241
5,419
—
(1,844)
(33,477)
—
(3,963)
—
—
927,006

735,513
(38,010)
12,651
—
(27,459)
—
—
—
682,695
(244,311)

906,007
30,889
5,689
—
11,112
(29,020)
4,239
1,149
(435)
—
929,630

667,436
47,376
43,468
—
(23,967)
1,223
(23)
—
735,513
(194,117)

423,579
7,982
8,691
1,535
(24,297)
(10,135)
—
3,257
(1,149)
(23,514)
385,949

254,020
(6,042)
22,393
1,535
(10,135)
—
(1,150)
(11,979)
248,642
(137,307)

392,086
6,962
8,691
1,644
(1,760)
(7,884)
—
(1,069)
—
24,909
423,579

224,939
14,262
7,160
1,644
(7,884)
—
—
13,899
254,020
(169,559)

Employer contributions for the year ended December 31, 2017 include contribution of equity securities to a retirement benefit 

trust. The fair value of those securities at the time of contribution was ¥30,473 million.

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

December 31

Other assets
Accrued expenses
Accrued pension and severance cost

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2018

2017

1,536
(679)
(245,168)
(244,311)

1,695
—
(195,812)
(194,117)

1,306
(992)
(137,621)
(137,307)

1,215
(1,004)
(169,770)
(169,559)

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

65

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2018 and 2017 before the effect of 

income taxes are as follows:

December 31

Actuarial loss
Prior service credit

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2018

2017

267,355
(48,392)

221,106
(57,430)

95,121
(227)

105,883
(3,638)

218,963

163,676

94,894

102,245

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

December 31

Accumulated benefit obligation

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2018

2017

893,154

894,329

371,653

402,390

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

2018

2017

2018

2017

918,736
672,889

924,536
728,724

384,167
245,554

420,383
249,609

891,204
670,826

889,652
728,724

369,215
244,826

394,840
245,247

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, 
2018, 2017 and 2016 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

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

31,241
5,419
(21,983)
(13,001)
11,900
—

30,889
5,689
(20,493)
(12,860)
14,220
(63)

29,367
8,238
(19,443)
(13,230)
10,944
—

7,982
8,691
(12,601)
(217)
5,108
—

6,962
8,691
(10,722)
(83)
5,747
—

6,816
8,792
(10,012)
85
2,185
—

13,576

17,382

15,876

8,963

10,595

7,866

Service cost component of net periodic benefit cost for 
Canon’s employee retirement and severance defined benefit 
plans is included in cost of sales and operating expenses in the 

consolidated statements of income. The components other than 
the service cost component are included in other, net of other 
income (deductions) in the consolidated statements of income.

66

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended 

December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows:

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

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

58,149
(3,963)
(11,900)
13,001
—

(15,771)
1,149
(14,220)
12,860
19

53,076
(4,734)
(10,944)
13,230
—

(5,654)
3,257
(5,108)
217
(63)

(5,300)
(1,069)
(5,747)
83
—

47,365
—
(2,185)
(85)
—

55,287

(15,963)

50,628

(7,351)

(12,033)

45,095

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

(11,887)
15,230

(57)
4,852

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

2018

0.6%
2.6%

2017

0.6%
2.6%

2018

2.4%
1.9%

2017

2.2%
1.8%

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

Years ended December 31

Discount rate
Assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

0.6% 0.7% 1.1%
2.6% 2.6% 3.0%
2.9% 3.1% 3.1%

2.2% 2.2% 3.0%
1.8% 2.1% 2.0%
4.4% 4.2% 4.4%

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 pension 
benefits to eligible participants. Taking into account the expect-
ed long-term rate of return on plan assets, Canon formulates 
a “model” portfolio comprised of the optimal combination of 
equity securities and debt securities. Plan assets are invested in 
individual equity and debt securities using the guidelines of the 

“model” portfolio in order to produce a total return that will 
match the 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 formulation of 
the “model” portfolio. Canon revises the “model” portfolio 
when and to the extent considered necessary to achieve the 
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.

Canon’s model portfolio for Japanese plans consists of three 

major components: approximately 25% is invested in equity 
securities, approximately 50% is invested in debt securities, 
and approximately 25% is invested in other investment ve-
hicles, primarily consisting of investments in life insurance 
company general accounts.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

67

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 25% is invested in debt securities, 
and approximately 40% is invested in other investment ve-
hicles, 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 

instruments, and corporate bonds. Prior to investing, Canon 
has investigated the quality of the issue, including rating, inter-
est 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 taxa-
tion systems. For each such investment, Canon has selected the 
appropriate investment country and currency.

The three levels of input used to measure fair value are more fully described in Note 21. The fair values of Canon’s pension 

plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017, by asset category, are as follows:

December 31, 2018

Millions of yen

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
Investment measured at net asset value

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

67,283
5,451

—
—
— 137,712

—
137,858
—
1,483
— 12,595
— 140,712

— 67,283
—
5,451
— 137,712

— 137,858
—
1,483
— 12,595
— 140,712

—
8,567

—
—
— 49,312

—
—
2,642
—
—
6,318
— 59,419

—
—
—
8,567
— 49,312

—
—
2,642
—
—
6,318
— 59,419

—

8,489

—

8,489

—

—

—

—

— 123,747
— 30,009
—
—
210,592 454,747

1,451

— 123,747
31,460
— 15,905
1,451 682,695

9,019
—
— 95,844
—
—
8,567 222,554

9,019
—
— 95,844
— 17,521
— 248,642

December 31, 2017

Millions of yen

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Equity securities:

Japanese companies (e)
Foreign companies
Pooled funds (f)

Debt securities:

Government bonds (g)
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Pooled funds (h)
Mortgage backed securities 
 (and other asset backed securities)

Life insurance company 
 general accounts
Other assets
Investment measured at net asset value

83,765
8,261

—
—
— 164,946

—
138,092
—
1,166
— 15,246
— 130,507

— 83,765
—
8,261
— 164,946

— 138,092
—
1,166
— 15,246
— 130,507

—

8,076

—

8,076

— 126,985

— 126,985

—
32,240

—
—
— 73,968

—
9,343
—
2,901
— 22,045
— 25,821

—

—

3

8,683

— 43,070
—
—
230,118 489,996

— 43,070
— 15,399
— 735,513

— 73,320
—
—
41,583 206,741

—
—
— 32,240
— 73,968

9,343
—
—
2,901
— 22,045
— 25,821

—

—

3

8,683

— 73,320
5,696
—
— 254,020

68

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018(a)  The plan’s equity securities include common stock of the 

Company and certain of its subsidiaries in the amounts of 
¥147 million.

(b)  These funds invest in listed equity securities consisting of 

approximately 30% Japanese companies and 70% foreign 
companies for Japanese plans, and mainly foreign compa-
nies for foreign plans.

(c)  This class includes approximately 90% Japanese govern-
ment bonds and 10% foreign government bonds for 
Japanese plans, and mainly foreign government bonds for 
foreign plans.

(d)  These funds invest in approximately 30% Japanese gov-
ernment bonds, 50% foreign government bonds, 5% 
Japanese municipal bonds, and 15% corporate bonds for 
Japanese plans. These funds invest in approximately 35% 
foreign government bonds and 65% 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 
¥381 million.

(f)  These funds invest in listed equity securities consisting of 

approximately 30% Japanese companies and 70% foreign 
companies for Japanese plans, and mainly foreign compa-
nies for foreign plans.

(g)  This class includes approximately 90% Japanese govern-
ment bonds and 10% foreign government bonds for 
Japanese plans, and mainly foreign government bonds for 
foreign plans.

(h)  These funds invest in approximately 30% Japanese 

government bonds, 45% foreign government bonds, 5% 
Japanese municipal bonds, and 20% corporate bonds for 
Japanese plans. These funds invest in approximately 70% 
foreign government bonds and 30% corporate bonds for 
foreign plans.

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

Level 1 assets are comprised principally of equity securities 
and government bonds, which are valued using unadjusted 
quoted market prices in active markets with sufficient volume 
and frequency of transactions. Level 2 assets are comprised 
principally of pooled funds that invest in equity and debt secu-
rities, corporate bonds, investments in life insurance company 
general accounts and other assets. Pooled funds are valued 
at their net asset values that are calculated by the sponsor of 
the fund and have daily liquidity. Corporate bonds are valued 
using quoted prices for identical assets in markets that are not 
active. Investments in life insurance company general accounts 
are valued at conversion value. Other assets are comprised 
principally of interest bearing cash and hedge funds.

The fair value of Level 3 asset, consisting of hedge funds, 
was ¥1,451 million at December 31, 2018. Amounts of actual 
returns on, purchases and sales of these assets during the year 
ended December 31, 2018 were not significant.

The fair values of plan assets for the participants with 

Toshiba Funds by each asset category are calculated based on 
a pro-rata basis of total plan assets of Toshiba Funds.

Contributions
Canon expects to contribute ¥13,089 million to its Japanese defined benefit pension plans and ¥19,311 million to its foreign 
defined benefit pension plans for the year ending December 31, 2019.

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

Year ending December 31:

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 – 2028

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

Millions of yen

35,604
36,896
38,524
41,775
43,119
226,704

12,077
12,214
13,221
13,927
14,562
87,006

Multiemployer pension plans
The amounts of cost recognized for the multiemployer pen-
sion plans primarily in the Netherlands for the years ended 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were ¥4,452 million, 
¥4,165 million and ¥3,482 million, respectively. The multiem-
ployer pension plan in which the subsidiaries in the Netherlands 
participated was 102% funded as of December 31, 2017. 
The collective bargaining agreements have no expiration date. 

Canon is not liable for other participating employers’ obliga-
tions 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were ¥19,570 
million, ¥18,979 million and ¥17,603 million, respectively.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

69

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. INCOME TAXES

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

Years ended December 31

2018: Income before income taxes

Income taxes:
Current
Deferred

Japanese

241,474

75,556
(6,552)
69,004

Millions of yen

Foreign

121,418

32,443
(5,297)
27,146

Total

362,892

107,999
(11,849)
96,150

2017: Income before income taxes

276,149

77,735

353,884

Income taxes:
Current
Deferred

80,225
(7,453)
72,772

35,402
(10,150)
25,252

115,627
(17,603)
98,024

2016: Income before income taxes

135,131

109,520

244,651

Income taxes:
Current
Deferred

47,687
4,126
51,813

27,806
3,062
30,868

75,493
7,188
82,681

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 31%, 31% and 
33% for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016, respectively.

The statutory income tax rate utilized for deferred tax assets 

and liabilities which are expected to be settled or realized in 
the future period is approximately 31%. The adjustments 
of deferred tax assets and liabilities for amendments to the 
Japanese tax regulations enacted on March 29, 2016 which 
have been reflected in income taxes in the consolidated 

statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2016 
were ¥3,498 million.

The United States enacted tax reform legislation (the “Tax 
Reform Legislation”) on December 22, 2017. Due to the Tax 
Reform Legislation, the federal corporate income tax rate in 
the U.S. is reduced from 35% to 21% from the fiscal year 
commencing on January 1, 2018. The adjustment to deferred 
tax assets and liabilities for the tax rate change was tax benefit 
of ¥14,563 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. 
The impacts related to other changes from the Tax Reform 
Legislation are not material.

A reconciliation of the Japanese statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate as a percentage of income before 

income taxes is as follows:

Years ended December 31

Japanese statutory income tax rate
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes*
Income of foreign subsidiaries taxed at lower 
 than Japanese statutory tax rate
Tax credit for research and development expenses
Change in valuation allowance
Effect of enacted changes in tax laws and rates on Japanese tax
Effect of enacted changes in U.S. tax laws
Other

Effective income tax rate

2018
31.0%

0.7

(3.0)

(3.4)
0.4
—
—
0.8
26.5%

2017
31.0%

3.7

(2.1)

(4.8)
1.7
—
(3.6)
1.8
27.7%

2016
33.0%

0.8

(3.0)

(3.0)
(0.8)
1.4
—
5.4
33.8%

* Expenses not deductible for tax purposes for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily consist of impairment losses on goodwill.

70

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the follow-

ing captions:

December 31

Other assets
Other noncurrent liabilities

Millions of yen

2018

160,541
(70,336)
90,205

2017

150,854
(90,010)
60,844

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 

2018 and 2017 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
Tax deductible reserve
Financing lease revenue
Intangible assets
Other

Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets

Millions of yen

2018

2017

10,739
2,361
105,933
4,690
33,738
28,015
28,549
38,683
252,708
(30,734)
221,974

(7,615)
(4,050)
(26,441)
(66,189)
(27,474)
(131,769)
90,205

11,921
4,705
98,114
5,383
33,488
30,126
29,006
38,526
251,269
(30,783)
220,486

(9,859)
(4,396)
(38,287)
(74,377)
(32,723)
(159,642)
60,844

The net changes in the total valuation allowance were a 
decrease of ¥49 million, an increase of ¥4,096 million and a 
decrease of ¥6,244 million for the years ended December 31, 
2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Based on 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 valuation allowance, at December 31, 2018.

At December 31, 2018, Canon had net operating losses which can be carried forward for income tax purposes of ¥186,114 
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

5,854
26,802
38,687
48,642
66,129
186,114

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

71

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Income taxes have not been accrued on undistributed earn-
ings 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 ¥27,278 

million for a portion of undistributed earnings of foreign 
subsidiaries of ¥1,001,310 million as of December 31, 2018 

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.

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*

2018

10,282
45
178
(17)
(1,286)
(553)

8,649

Millions of yen

2017

7,318
2,956
250
(915)
—
673

10,282

2016

6,056
2,741
—
(665)
(370)
(444)

7,318

*  The total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits presented in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets were offset by deferred tax assets in 

the amount of ¥2,043 million, ¥124 million and ¥32 million as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

The total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that 
would reduce the effective tax rate, if recognized, were 
¥8,649 million and ¥10,282 million at December 31, 2018 
and 2017, respectively.

Although Canon believes its estimates and assumptions of 
unrecognized tax benefits are reasonable, uncertainty regarding 
the final determination of tax examination settlements and any 
related litigation could affect the effective tax rate in a future 
period. Based on each of the items of which Canon is aware 
at December 31, 2018, no significant changes to the unrecog-
nized tax benefits are expected within the next twelve months.
Canon recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to 
unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes. Both interest and 
penalties accrued at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and interest 

and penalties included in income taxes for the years ended 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were not significant.

Canon files income tax returns in Japan and various for-
eign tax jurisdictions. In Japan, Canon is no longer subject to 
regular income tax examinations by the tax authority for years 
before 2017 with few exceptions. Canon is also no longer 
subject to a transfer pricing examination by the tax author-
ity for years before 2017 with few exceptions. In other major 
foreign tax jurisdictions, including the United States and the 
Netherlands, Canon is no longer subject to income tax exami-
nations by tax authorities for years before 2009 with few ex-
ceptions. The tax authorities are currently conducting income 
tax examinations of Canon’s income tax returns for years after 
2008 in some foreign tax jurisdictions.

72

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018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, 2018, 2017 and 2016 represent dividends paid out during 
those years and the related appropriations to the legal re-
serve. Retained earnings at December 31, 2018 did not reflect 
current year-end dividends in the amount of ¥86,380 million 
which were approved by the shareholders in March 2019.

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 ¥984,692 million at December 31, 2018.

Retained earnings at December 31, 2018 included Canon’s 
equity in undistributed earnings of affiliated companies account-
ed for by the equity method in the amount of ¥18,265 million.

14. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

Millions of yen

Foreign  
currency translation 
adjustments

Unrealized gains  
and losses  
on securities

Gains and  
losses on  
derivative instruments

Pension  
liability  
adjustments

Balance at December 31, 2015

87,038

14,055

(131,017)

Total

(29,742)

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, 2016

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, 2017

Cumulative effects of accounting standard 
 update—adoption of ASU No. 2016-01*

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, 2018

259

(101,350)

93

(100,998)

(13,960)

—

814

382

1,196

15,251

182

—

938

(3,862)

(2,924)

(2,742)

(1)

258

(67,511)

(167,109)

99

(67,413)

(198,430)

(3,288)

(170,139)

(199,881)

—

—

—

—

—

44,184

2,813

(1,452)

14,785

60,330

(16)

44,168

30,208

(12,580)

(9,767)

5,484

—

(5,343)

(4,200)

(89,823)

—

(94,023)

(63,815)

—

—

(141)

(5,484)

—

4,014

2,562

(180)

—

—

4,905

19,690

(3,677)

56,653

(178,740)

(143,228)

—

—

(5,343)

(4,200)

(457)

(29,909)

(120,189)

945

488

308

3,085

(26,824)

(205,564)

3,889

(125,843)

(269,071)

* Represents the impact of adopting the new accounting standard related to financial instruments. Please refer to Note 1(w) for more detailed information.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

73

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 

2016 are as follows:

Years ended December 31

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Unrealized gains and losses on securities

Gains and losses on derivative instruments

Pension liability adjustments

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

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2016

Affected line items in consolidated  
statements of income

—

—

—

—

—

(178)

37

(141)

—

(141)

1,341

(392)

949

(4)

945

3,853

(699)

3,154

(69)

3,085

(39)

12

(27)

11

(16)

(18,472)

5,727

(12,745)

165

(12,580)

5,772

(1,732)

4,040

(26)

4,014

7,005

(1,832)

5,173

(268)

4,905

139 Other, net

(46)

Income taxes

93

Consolidated net income

Net income attributable to 
 noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

—

93

282 Other, net

(94)

Income taxes

188

Consolidated net income

Net income attributable to 
 noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

194

382

(5,890) Other, net

2,049

Income taxes

(3,841) Consolidated net income

Net income attributable to 
 noncontrolling interests

(21)

(3,862) Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

(16) Other, net

164

148

(49)

Income taxes

Consolidated net income

Net income attributable to 
 noncontrolling interests

99

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

Total amount reclassified, net of 
 tax and noncontrolling interests

3,889

(3,677)

(3,288)

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

74

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018 
Tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassification adjustments, including 

Before-tax
amount

Millions of yen

Tax (expense)
or benefit

Net-of-tax
amount

amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, are as follows:

Years ended December 31

2018:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Amount arising during the year
Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
Net change during the year

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)
2017:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Amount arising during the year
Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
Net change during the year

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)
2016:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:

(93,955)
—
(93,955)

—
(178)
(178)

(586)
1,341
755

(51,789)
3,853
(47,936)
(141,314)

47,825
(39)
47,786

5,100
(18,472)
(13,372)

(2,080)
5,772
3,692

20,991
7,005
27,996
66,102

Amount arising during the year
Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
Net change during the year

(108,280)
139
(108,141)

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)

1,184
282
1,466

1,619
(5,890)
(4,271)

(95,707)
(16)
(95,723)
(206,669)

809
—
809

—
37
37

125
(392)
(267)

18,065
(699)
17,366
17,945

(708)
12
(696)

(1,717)
5,727
4,010

628
(1,732)
(1,104)

(4,957)
(1,832)
(6,789)
(4,579)

521
(46)
475

(375)
(94)
(469)

(726)
2,049
1,323

25,204
164
25,368
26,697

(93,146)
—
(93,146)

—
(141)
(141)

(461)
949
488

(33,724)
3,154
(30,570)
(123,369)

47,117
(27)
47,090

3,383
(12,745)
(9,362)

(1,452)
4,040
2,588

16,034
5,173
21,207
61,523

(107,759)
93
(107,666)

809
188
997

893
(3,841)
(2,948)

(70,503)
148
(70,355)
(179,972)

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

75

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. REVENUE

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 ship-
ment or delivery, depending upon when the customer obtains 
controls of these products.

Revenue from sales of equipment that are sold with custom-
er acceptance provisions related to their functionality including 
optical equipment such as semiconductor lithography equip-
ment and FPD lithography equipment, and certain medical 
equipment such as CT systems and MRI systems, is recognized 
when the equipment is installed at the customer site and the 
agreed-upon specifications are objectively satisfied.

Most of Canon’s service revenue is generated from office 
and medical system products which is recognized over time. 
For the service contracts of office products, the customer typi-
cally pays a variable amount based on usage, a stated fixed fee 
or a stated base fee plus a variable amount which frequently 
include the provision of consumables as well as break fix ac-
tivities. The majority portion of service revenue from the office 
products is recognized as billed since invoiced amount directly 
correlates with the value to the customer of the underlying 
performance obligation to date. For the service contracts of 
medical system products, the customer typically pays a stated 
fixed fee for the stand ready maintenance service and revenue 
is recognized ratably over the contract period.

The majority of service arrangements for office products are 

executed in combination with related products. Transaction 
prices for products and services need to be allocated to 
each performance obligation on a relative standalone sell-
ing price basis where significant judgements are required. 
Canon estimates the standalone selling price using a range of 
prices that would meet the allocation objective based on all 
the information that is reasonably available including market 
conditions and other observable inputs. If transaction prices 
of the product or service contracts are not within the accept-
able range then the revenue is subject to allocation based on 
the estimated standalone selling prices. Canon recognizes the 

incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when 
related office products are sold.

Canon also provides leasing arrangement to the customers 

primarily for the sales of office products. Approximately 4% 
of total revenue is generated from these leasing arrangements 
for the year ended December 31, 2018. Revenue from the sale 
of these products under sales-type leases is recognized at the 
inception of the lease. Interest income on sales-type leases and 
direct-financing leases is recognized over the life of each re-
spective lease using the interest method. Leases not qualifying 
as sales-type leases or direct-financing leases are accounted for 
as operating leases and related revenue is recognized ratably 
over the lease term. When product leases are bundled with 
maintenance contracts, revenue is allocated based upon the 
estimated standalone selling prices of the lease and non-lease 
components. Lease components generally include product, 
financing and executory costs, while non-lease components 
generally consist of maintenance contracts and supplies.

The transaction prices that Canon is entitled to receive in 
exchange for transferring goods or services to the customer 
include certain forms of variable consideration, including 
product discounts, customer promotions and volume-based 
rebates mainly for imaging system products, which are sold 
predominantly through distributors and retailers. Canon 
includes estimated amounts in the transaction price only to 
the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumula-
tive revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty 
associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Variable 
considerations are estimated based upon historical trends and 
other known factors at the time of sale, and are subsequently 
adjusted in each period based on current information. In ad-
dition, Canon may provide a right of return on our products 
for a short time period after a sale. These rights are accounted 
for as variable consideration when determining the transaction 
price, and accordingly Canon recognizes revenue based on the 
estimated amount to which Canon expects to be entitled after 
considering expected returns.

76

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Disaggregated revenue by timing is as follows. Disaggregated revenue by business unit, product and geographic area are 

described in Note 22.

2018:

Office

Imaging  
System

Medical  
System

Industry and 
Others

Corporate and 
eliminations

Consolidated

Millions of yen

Revenue recognized at a point in time
Revenue recognized over time

Total

1,286,100
521,201
1,807,301

993,658
14,507
1,008,165

305,457
132,121
437,578

599,766
205,445
805,211

(106,318)
—
(106,318)

3,078,663
873,274
3,951,937

Revenue recognized over time includes primarily revenue 
from maintenance service in the office and medical system 
products and sales of certain industrial equipment which do 
not have alternative use and for which Canon has enforceable 
right to payment to the customers for the performance com-
pleted to date.

The adoption of the new revenue standard required the re-
consideration of the scope of performance obligations related 
to service contracts, which has resulted in a change in classi-
fication of revenues between the products and service rev-
enues. Specifically, certain revenue historically classified within 
products revenues, including consumables provided under the 
service contracts and certain outsourcing business, is currently 
classified within service revenues and cost of sales in the con-
solidated statement of income under the new revenue stan-
dard. Canon has started separating revenues and cost of sales 

into products and services in the consolidated statements of 
income starting from the quarter beginning January 1, 2018, 
including prior period’s presentation. However, prior period’s 
presentation is not retrospectively adjusted and is presented in 
accordance with the historical accounting policy. In addition, in 
conjunction with the application of the new standard, Canon 
has reclassified certain expenses related to service revenues 
from operating expenses to cost of sales in the accompanying 
consolidated statement of income. The amount reclassified 
for the year ended December 31, 2018 was ¥115,700 million. 
The reconsideration of the scope of performance obligations 
did not materially affect the timing of revenue recognition. 
The impacts of adoption of new revenue standard on Canon’s 
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 and 
the consolidated statement of income for the year ended 
December 31, 2018 were as follows.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

77

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATAMillions of yen

2018

Balance under historical 
accounting policy

Effect of  
change

As reported

612,953
611,281
304,346
397,974

657,419
614,243
253,547
397,949

4,899,465

4,896,069

321,137
276,237

319,416
274,741

1,881,552

1,878,335

3,508,908
190,311

3,017,913

3,508,704
190,336

3,017,734

(44,466)
(2,962)
50,799
25

3,396

1,721
1,496

3,217

204
(25)

179

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31

ASSETS

Trade receivables, net
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Accrued expenses
Other current liabilities

Total liabilities

Retained earnings
Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

78

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Consolidated Statement of Income

For the year ended December 31

Net sales

Products and Equipment
Services

Cost of sales

Products and Equipment
Services

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Operating profit
Income before income taxes 

Income taxes

Consolidated net income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

Millions of yen

2018

As reported

Amount under historical 
accounting policy

Effect of  
change

3,194,724
757,213

3,951,937

1,762,171
354,212

2,116,383

1,835,554
1,176,760

342,952
362,892
96,150

266,742
13,987

252,755

3,383,566
567,582

3,951,148

1,783,798
216,513

2,000,311

1,950,837
1,292,460

342,535
362,475
96,094

266,381
13,936

252,445

(188,842)
189,631

789

(21,627)
137,699

116,072

(115,283)
(115,700)

417
417
56

361
51

310

Canon recognized contract assets primarily for unbilled 
receivables mainly arising from services contracts for office 
products totaled to ¥42,915 million at the adoption date 
and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in 
the consolidated balance sheet with an offsetting impact to 
trade receivables. Contract assets at December 31, 2018 were 
¥50,799 million.

Canon typically bills to the customer when performance 
obligation is satisfied and collects the payment in relatively 
short term except for certain maintenance service of office and 
medical products and certain industrial equipment for which 
Canon occasionally receives the payment in advance from cus-
tomers. The amount received in excess of revenue recognized 
is recognized as deferred revenue until the performance obli-
gation for distinct goods or services are satisfied. Deferred rev-
enue at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were ¥123,686 million 
and ¥125,965 million, respectively, and are included in other 
current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets. Revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 

2018, which had been included in the deferred revenue bal-
ance at December 31, 2017, was ¥104,678 million.

Remaining performance obligations for products and equip-

ment at December 31, 2018 primarily arise from the sales of 
certain industrial equipment, amounting to ¥72,708 million, 
75% of which is expected to be recognized as revenue within 
one year and remaining 25% is within two years. Disclosure 
of remaining performance obligations is not required for the 
majority of service since the revenue is recognized as billed 
basis applying the right to invoice practical expedient or is 
generated from the contracts with original expected duration 
of less than one year. The portion of fixed maintenance service 
contract for office and medical products with original expected 
duration of more than one year is approximately 11% of total 
service revenue and the average remaining period for these 
fixed contracts as of December 31, 2018 is about 2 years.

Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmen-
tal authorities are excluded from revenues in the consolidated 
statements of income.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

79

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On May 2, 2018, based on the approval of the shareholders, 
the Company granted stock options to its directors and execu-
tive officers to acquire 74,000 shares of common stock. Those 
to whom stock acquisition rights are granted (the “Holder(s)”) 
shall be entitled to exercise all the stock acquisition rights 
together within 10 days (in case the last day is not a business 
day, the following business day) from after the date when they 
cease to hold any position as a director or an executive officer 
of the Company. These option awards have a 30 year exercis-
able period. The grant-date fair value per share of the stock 
options granted during the year ended December 31, 2018 
was ¥2,948.

On May 1, 2011, based on the approval of the sharehold-
ers, 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.

The compensation cost recognized for these stock options 

for the years ended December 31, 2018 was ¥218 million 
and 2017 and 2016 was nil, and it is included in selling, 
general and administrative expenses in the consolidated 
statements of income.

The fair value of the option award was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Sholes option pricing model that incor-

porates the assumptions presented below:

Year ended December 31

Expected term of option (in years)
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate

2018

6.0
23.02%
4.14%
(0.07%)

A summary of option activity under the stock option plans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 

is presented below:

Outstanding at January 1, 2016

Exercised

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

Exercised

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at December 31, 2017

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at December 31, 2018

Exercisable at December 31, 2018

Weighted-
average
exercise price

Weighted-average
remaining  
contractual  
term

Yen

4,263

—

4,500

3,990

—

Year

0.4

0.2

Shares

1,296,000

—

(693,000)

603,000

—

(603,000)

3,990

Aggregate 
intrinsic value

Millions of yen

—

—

—

—

74,000

—

—

74,000

74,000

—

1

—

—

1

1

29.3

29.3

222

222

The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2018 was ¥218 million and 2017 and 2016 was nil. 

Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was nil.

80

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 201817. 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

2018

2017

2016

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

252,755

241,923

150,650

Average common shares outstanding
Effect of dilutive securities:

Stock options

Number of shares

1,079,753,008

1,085,439,370

1,092,070,680

49,319

—

—

Diluted common shares outstanding

1,079,802,327

1,085,439,370

1,092,070,680

Net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per share:

Basic
Diluted

Yen

222.88
222.88

137.95
137.95

234.09
234.08

The computation of diluted net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per share for the years ended December 31, 

2017 and 2016 excludes outstanding stock options because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

18. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk management policy
Canon operates internationally, exposing it to the risk of 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Derivative fi-
nancial instruments are comprised principally of foreign ex-
change 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 institu-
tions 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 currency 
exchange exposures principally from the exchange of U.S. dol-
lars 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.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

81

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 re-
corded 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 compo-
nent 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 oc-
cur and its maturity date are recognized in earnings and not 
considered hedge ineffectiveness.

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, 2018 and 2017 are set forth below:

December 31

To sell foreign currencies

To buy foreign currencies

Millions of yen

2018

230,505

30,816

2017

272,563

46,168

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, 2018 and 2017.

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

December 31

Assets:

Balance sheet location

2018

2017

Fair value

Millions of yen

Foreign exchange contracts

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Liabilities:

Foreign exchange contracts

Other current liabilities

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

521

323

255

367

Fair value

Millions of yen

December 31

Assets:

Balance sheet location

2018

2017

Foreign exchange contracts

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

2,622

289

Liabilities:

Foreign exchange contracts

Other current liabilities

443

2,892

82

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018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, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

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

2018: Foreign exchange contracts

(586)

Other, net

2017: Foreign exchange contracts

(2,080)

Other, net

2016: Foreign exchange contracts

1,619

Other, net

(1,341)

(5,772)

5,890

Other, net

Other, net

Other, net

(682)

(332)

(311)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Years ended December 31

Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative

Foreign exchange contracts

Location

Other, net

2018

5,284

Millions of yen

2017

(7,932)

2016

7,018

19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Commitments
At December 31, 2018, commitments outstanding for the pur-
chase of property, plant and equipment approximated ¥54,905 
million, and commitments outstanding for the purchase of 
parts and raw materials approximated ¥120,344 million.

Canon occupies sales offices and other facilities under lease 

arrangements accounted for as operating leases. Deposits 

made under such arrangements aggregated ¥12,728 mil-
lion and ¥13,740 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively, and are included in noncurrent receivables in the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Rental expenses of 
cancelable and noncancelable operating leases amounted to 
¥49,394 million, ¥47,619 million and ¥42,714 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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, 2018 are as follows:

Year ending December 31:

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter

Total future minimum lease payments

Millions of yen

29,817
23,402
17,837
13,565
10,165
20,298

115,084

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

83

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Guarantees
Canon provides guarantees for its employees, affiliates and 
other companies. The guarantees for the employees are princi-
pally made for their housing loans. The guarantees for affili-
ates and other companies are made for their lease obligations 
and bank loans to ensure that those companies operate with 
less financial risk.

Canon would have to perform under a guarantee if the 
borrower defaults on a payment within the contract terms. 

The contract terms are 1 year to 30 years in case of employ-
ees with housing loans, and 1 year to 7 years in case of af-
filiates and other companies with lease obligations and bank 
loans. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments 
Canon would have had to make in the event of default is 
¥4,458 million at December 31, 2018. The carrying amounts 
of the liabilities recognized for Canon’s obligations as a guar-
antor under those guarantees at December 31, 2018 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, 
2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

Years ended December 31

Millions of yen

Balance at beginning of year

Additions

Utilization

Other

Balance at end of year

2018

17,452

18,870

(14,707)

(4,297)

17,318

2017

13,168

18,893

(12,957)

(1,652)

17,452

Legal proceedings
Canon is involved in various claims and legal actions arising 
in the ordinary course of business. Canon has recorded provi-
sions for liabilities when it is probable that liabilities have been 
incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. 
Canon reviews these provisions at least quarterly and ad-
justs 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 unpredict-
able, 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 reason-
ably possible range of losses from outstanding matters would 
not have a material adverse effect on Canon’s consolidated 
financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

84

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 201820.  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, 2018 and 2017 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 21, and Note 18, respectively.

December 31

Millions of yen

2018

2017

Carrying
amount

Estimated
fair value

Carrying
amount

Estimated
fair value

Long-term debt, including current installments

(364,602)

(364,570)

(499,168)

(499,126)

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 21.

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, 2018 and 2017, one customer accounted 
for approximately 12% and 8% 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.

21. 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 measurement 
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 liabili-

ties 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.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

85

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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, 2018 and 2017.

December 31
Millions of yen
2018: Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments:
Available-for-sale:

Corporate bonds

Investments:

Available-for-sale:

Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Fund trusts and others
Equity securities

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Derivatives

Total assets
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities:

Derivatives
Total liabilities

Millions of yen
2017: Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments:
Available-for-sale:

Corporate bonds

Investments:

Available-for-sale:

Government bonds
Corporate bonds

Fund trusts
Equity securities

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Derivatives

Total assets
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities:

Derivatives
Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

—

70,500

630

—
—
630
13,787

—
15,047

—
—

—

—
—
408
—

3,143
74,051

766
766

—

—

—
—
—
—

—
—

—
—

70,500

630

—
—
1,038
13,787

3,143
89,098

766
766

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

—

70,500

1,222

289
605
13
20,901

—
23,030

—
—

—

—
217
111
—

544
71,372

3,259
3,259

—

—

—
—
—
—

—
—

—
—

70,500

1,222

289
822
124
20,901

544
94,402

3,259
3,259

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 
frequency of transactions. Level 2 cash and cash equivalents 
are valued based on market approach, using quoted prices for 
identical assets in markets that are not active.

Derivative financial instruments are comprised of foreign 

exchange contracts. Level 2 derivatives are valued using 
quotes obtained from counterparties or third parties, which 
are periodically validated by pricing models using observable 
market inputs, such as foreign currency exchange rates and 
interest rates, based on market approach.

86

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
There were no assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2018. 
The following table presents the Canon’s asset that was measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consistent with the fair 
value hierarchy and related impairment charge recognized during the year ended December 31, 2017.

Year ended December 31
Millions of yen

2017: Asset:

Goodwill

Total loss

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(33,912)

—

—

29,370

29,370

Goodwill was classified as Level 3 items and valued 
based on an income approach using unobservable inputs. 
Canon performed the annual goodwill impairment test as of 
October 1, 2017, which indicated that the fair value of the 
reporting unit was less than its carrying value. Canon recog-
nized the impairment charge for the amount representing 
the excess of the carrying amount over the reporting unit’s 

fair value. The fair value for the reporting unit was mea-
sured based on the discounted cash flow method with 6.0% 
of weighted average cost of capital and estimated future 
cash flows. Future cash flows are based on management’s 
estimates of projected revenues, gross profits, operating 
expenses, a long-term growth rate, taking into consideration 
industry trends and market conditions.

22. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Canon operates its business in four segments: the Office 
Business Unit, the Imaging System Business Unit, the Medical 
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.

Based on the realignment of Canon’s internal reporting 
and management structure, from the beginning of the third 
quarter of 2018, Canon has reclassified certain businesses 
from Office Business Unit to Industry and Others Business 
Unit. Segment information for the year ended December 31, 
2018 have reflected this change. Prior period amounts also 
have been restated. Canon newly established Medical System 
Business Unit effective at the beginning of the second quar-
ter of 2017, and certain businesses included in Industry and 
Others Business Unit have been reclassified. Operating results 
for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been reclassified 
and for the year ended December 31, 2016 have not been 
restated since they have not been material. Total assets as of 
December 31, 2016 have been restated.

The primary products included in each segment are as follows:

Office Business Unit:
Office multifunction devices (MFDs) / Laser multifunction 
printers (MFPs) / Laser printers / Digital continuous feed 
presses / Digital sheet-fed presses / Wide-format printers /
Document solutions

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

Medical System Business Unit:
Digital radiography systems / Diagnostic X-ray systems / 
Computed tomography (CT) systems /
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems /
Diagnostic ultrasound systems / Clinical chemistry analyzers /
Ophthalmic equipment

Industry and Others Business Unit:
Semiconductor lithography equipment / FPD (Flat panel 
display) lithography equipment / Vacuum thin-film deposition 
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 policies 
in Note 1. While Canon previously disclosed operating profit as 
segment profit, Canon has newly adopted income before in-
come taxes as segment profit for the year ended December 31, 
2018. Due to the increase of other income (deductions) from 
the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement 
Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic 
Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, 
Canon has changed its business performance measure. Please 
refer to Note 1 (w) for more detailed information about the 
change in the accounting standard.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

87

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATANOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Information about operating results and assets for each segment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 

2016 is as follows:

Millions of yen

2018:  Net sales:

External customers
Intersegment

Total

Operating cost and expenses

Operating profit
Other income (deductions)
Income before income taxes

Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures

2017:  Net sales:

External customers
Intersegment

Total

Operating cost and expenses

Operating profit
Other income (deductions)
Income before income taxes

Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Impairment losses on goodwill
Capital expenditures

2016:  Net sales:

External customers
Intersegment

Total

Operating cost and expenses

Operating profit
Other income (deductions)
Income before income taxes

Total assets
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures

Office

Imaging  
System

Medical  
System

Industry and  
Others

Corporate and 
eliminations

Consolidated

1,804,002
3,299

1,807,301
1,586,497

220,804
8,383
229,187

923,261
64,964
48,127

1,802,542
2,240

1,804,782
1,615,521

189,261
6,108
195,369

946,213
72,346
21,721
46,769

1,743,039
2,957

1,745,996
1,583,588

162,408
7,467
169,875

947,602
76,500
71,841

1,007,365
800

1,008,165
891,210

116,955
4,299
121,254

393,004
40,541
25,796

1,135,584
604

1,136,188
962,663

173,525
2,388
175,913

387,088
41,695
—
28,508

1,094,291
998

1,095,289
953,567

141,722
2,691
144,413

391,661
47,386
25,564

437,305
273

437,578
408,739

28,839
640
29,479

247,282
9,365
7,454

434,985
1,202

436,187
414,246

21,941
564
22,505

238,824
5,212
—
8,963

—
—

—
—

—
—
—

204,755
—
—

703,265
101,946

805,211
739,665

65,546
2,061
67,607

383,568
38,582
24,091

706,904
85,946

792,850
752,122

40,728
1,339
42,067

376,064
39,736
12,191
16,620

564,157
82,326

646,483
641,082

5,401
1,658
7,059

354,602
42,872
29,694

—
(106,318)

(106,318)
(17,126)

(89,192)
4,557
(84,635)

2,952,350
98,102
95,036

—
(89,992)

(89,992)
13,858

(103,850)
21,880
(81,970)

3,250,102
102,892
—
80,529

—
(86,281)

(86,281)
6,825

(93,106)
16,410
(76,696)

3,239,909
83,338
81,280

3,951,937
—

3,951,937
3,608,985

342,952
19,940
362,892

4,899,465
251,554
200,504

4,080,015
—

4,080,015
3,758,410

321,605
32,279
353,884

5,198,291
261,881
33,912
181,389

3,401,487
—

3,401,487
3,185,062

216,425
28,226
244,651

5,138,529
250,096
208,379

Intersegment sales are recorded at the same prices used 
in transactions with third parties. Expenses not directly as-
sociated with specific segments are allocated based on the 
most reasonable measures applicable. Corporate expenses 
include certain corporate research and development expenses. 
Amortization costs of identified intangible assets resulting 
from the purchase price allocation of CMSC are also included 

in corporate expenses. Segment assets are based on those di-
rectly associated with each segment. Corporate assets primar-
ily consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, deferred 
tax assets, goodwill, identified intangible assets from acquisi-
tions and corporate properties. Capital expenditures represent 
the additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible 
assets measured on an accrual basis.

88

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018Information about sales by product to external customers for each segment for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 

2016 is as follows:

Years ended December 31

Office

Monochrome copiers
Color copiers
Printers
Others

Total
Imaging System

Cameras
Inkjet printers
Others

Total
Medical System

Diagnostic equipment

Industry and Others

Lithography equipment
Others

Total

Consolidated

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2016

280,035
403,522
702,378
418,067

287,823
405,576
702,491
406,652

289,532
386,193
664,846
402,468

1,804,002

1,802,542

1,743,039

599,578
318,382
89,405

702,598
333,721
99,265

666,868
329,066
98,357

1,007,365

1,135,584

1,094,291

437,305

434,985

—

199,722
503,543

703,265

193,113
513,791

706,904

121,090
443,067

564,157

3,951,937

4,080,015

3,401,487

Information by major geographic area as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

Net sales:
Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania

Total

Long-lived assets:

Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania

Total

Millions of yen

2018

2017

2016

869,577
1,076,402
1,015,428
990,530

3,951,937

1,046,065
129,989
169,357
136,602

1,482,013

884,828
1,107,515
1,028,415
1,059,257

4,080,015

1,081,522
141,937
174,889
149,244

1,547,592

706,979
963,544
913,523
817,441

3,401,487

1,163,374
147,129
166,734
164,007

1,641,244

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

sales. Net sales in the United States were ¥995,245 million, 
¥1,022,305 million and ¥884,083 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Long-lived assets represent property, plant and equipment 

and intangible assets for each geographic area.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

89

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATASCHEDULE  II  VA L UATION AND  Q U A L I FY I N G  A C C O U NTS

Years ended December 31

Millions of yen

2018: Allowance for doubtful receivables

Trade receivables
Finance receivables

2017:  Allowance for doubtful receivables

Trade receivables
Finance receivables

2016:  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

13,378
2,681

11,075
2,325

12,077
2,878

1,347
938

3,574
1,436

1,460
398

(2,789)
(1,284)

(1,787)
(1,523)

(1,824)
(978)

(459)
340

516
443

(638)
27

11,477
2,675

13,378
2,681

11,075
2,325

90

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018MA NA GEME NT’S  R EPOR T  ON 
INTERNAL C ON TROL  OVER  FINA N C I A L  R EP O R TI N G

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, 2018. 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, 2018, 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. This report appears in Item 18 of FORM 20-F.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

91

RE POR T  OF  INDEPEN DENT  RE GIST E R ED 
PUBLIC  ACCOU NTING FIR M

Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC
Hibiya Mitsui Tower, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 
1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku 
Tokyo 100-0006, Japan

Tel: +81 3 3503 1100
Fax: +81 3 3503 1197
ey.com

Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC

Hibiya Mitsui Tower, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 

1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku 

Tokyo 100-0006, Japan

Tel: +81 3 3503 1100

Fax: +81 3 3503 1197

ey.com

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Canon Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Canon Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 
2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts (collectively referred to as the “consolidated 
financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the 
Company at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, 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 
28, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s 
financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with re-
spect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included 
performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing pro-
cedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the 
financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well 
as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company’s auditor for SEC reporting purposes since 2004, and as its Japanese statutory auditor since 1978.

March 28, 2019

92

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018RE POR T  OF  INDEPEN DENT  RE GIST E R ED 
PUBLIC  ACCOU NTING FIR M

Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC

Hibiya Mitsui Tower, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 

1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku 

Tokyo 100-0006, Japan

Tel: +81 3 3503 1100

Fax: +81 3 3503 1197

ey.com

Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC
Hibiya Mitsui Tower, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 
1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku 
Tokyo 100-0006, Japan

Tel: +81 3 3503 1100
Fax: +81 3 3503 1197
ey.com

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Canon Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Canon Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in 
Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) 
(the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Canon Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control 
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 
consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive 
income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and schedule of valuation 
and qualifying accounts and our report dated March 28, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the ef-
fectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial 
Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a 
public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. 
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, test-
ing 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.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial re-
porting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s 
internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable 
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transac-
tions 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, projections of any 
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that 
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

March 28, 2019

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018

93

TR AN SF ER AN D 
RE GISTRAR’S  OF FICE

SHA REHOLDER
INF ORMATI ON

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.
4 New York Plaza Floor 12, New York, NY 10004, USA

American Depositary Receipts are traded on the New York
Stock Exchange (CAJ).

Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders:

March 28, 2019, in Tokyo

Further Information:

For publications or information, please contact the
Public Affairs Headquarters, Canon Inc., Tokyo,
or access Canon’s Website at
global.canon/en

94

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018MAJOR CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

(As of December 31, 2018)

Manufacturing

Canon Precision Inc.

Canon Tokki Corporation

Fukushima Canon Inc.

Canon Medical Systems Corporation

Canon Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.

Canon Components, Inc.

Canon Semiconductor Equipment Inc.

Canon Chemicals Inc.

Canon Electronics Inc.

Canon Finetech Nisca Inc.

Canon ANELVA Corporation

Nagahama Canon Inc.

Canon Machinery Inc.

Oita Canon Materials Inc.

Oita Canon Inc.

Nagasaki Canon Inc.

Miyazaki Canon Inc.

Canon Virginia, Inc.

Canon Bretagne S.A.S.

Océ-Technologies B.V.

Marketing & Other

Canon Marketing Japan Inc.

Canon System and Support Inc.

Canon IT Solutions Inc.

Canon Medical Finance  Co., Ltd.

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon Canada Inc.

Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Canon Financial Services, Inc.

Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc.

Axis AB

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.

Océ Printing Systems G.m.b.H. & Co. KG

Canon Medical Systems Europe B.V.

Milestone Systems A/S

Canon (China) Co., Ltd.

Canon Hongkong Co., Ltd.

Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Canon India Pvt. Ltd.

Canon Australia Pty. Ltd.

Axis Communications AB

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.

Canon Medical Systems Manufacturing Asia Sdn. Bhd.

Research & Development

Canon Research Centre France S.A.S.

Canon Information Systems Research Australia Pty. Ltd.

95

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2018C
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CANON INC. 

30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan

©Canon Inc. 2019 PUB.BEP028-01 0419