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FY2019 Annual Report · Canon
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CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

32   Financial Overview

46   Ten-Year Financial Summary

48   Consolidated Balance Sheets

49   Consolidated Statements of Income

49   Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income

50   Consolidated Statements of Equity

51   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

52   Notes to Consolidated Financial 

Statements

86   Schedule II Valuation and  
Qualifying Accounts

87   Management’s Report on Internal 

Control Over Financial Reporting

88   Reports of Independent Registered 

Public Accounting Firm

Corporate Data

 91  Transfer and Registrar’s Office

 91  Shareholder Information

 91  Major Consolidated Subsidiaries

Cover Photo:

Canon Medical’s Health Care IT Platform 
Abierto is installed at Hokkaido University 
Hospital. The platform allows to integrate 
various information of a patient such as 
patient’s history and checkup result and 
supports the decision of an appropriate 
course of treatment.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Millions of yen
(except per share amounts)

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

2019

2018

Change (%)

2019

 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

¥ 3,593,299

¥ 3,951,937

174,667

195,740

125,105

342,952

362,892

252,755

¥ 

116.93

¥ 

234.09

116.91

234.08

¥ 4,768,351

¥ 4,899,465

 Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity

¥ 2,692,595

¥ 2,827,602

-9.1

-49.1

-46.1

-50.5

-50.0

-50.1

-2.7

-4.8

$ 32,666,355

1,587,882

1,779,455

1,137,318

$ 

1.06

1.06

$ 43,348,645

$ 24,478,136

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 JPY110=U.S.$1, the approximate exchange rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market as of December 

30, 2019, 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

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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

ROE/ROA (%)

300

200

100

0

10

8

6

4

2

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Basic 

Diluted

ROE 

ROA

1

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

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

FUJIO MITARAI
Chairman & CEO
Canon Inc.

2

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Performance in 2019

Even though a gradual recovery was maintained in the US, the 

digital cameras. And despite efforts to expand our lineup of 

global economy in 2019 slowed overall as economic activity 

large-format inkjet printers and consumer products, sales of 

receded in China owing to the prolonged US-China trade fric-

inkjet printers decreased as the consumer market continued 

tion, while economic recoveries in Europe and Japan struggled 

to contract. In the Medical System Business Unit, despite 

to gain any real momentum.

signs of investments in emerging countries being pushed 

Against this backdrop, Canon strived to improve earn-

back due to the impact of an economic downturn, sales were 

ings by pursuing efficiency in all areas of business, from R&D 

boosted by the success of the various new products we’ve 

through to production and the launch and sales of new 

recently launched. In the Industry and Others Business Unit, 

products and services under a new business portfolio that 

investments in semiconductor lithography equipment for 

complements our traditional core businesses of office equip-

memory applications were subdued owing to the impact of 

ment and cameras with four new businesses: commercial 

deteriorating memory market prices. Moreover, sales fell year 

printing, network cameras, medical and industrial equipment.

on year for flat-panel display (FPD) lithography equipment 

In the Office Business Unit, unit sales of office multifunc-

and organic LED (OLED) panel manufacturing equipment as a 

tion devices (MFDs) were flat year on year. Sales were brisk 

result of companies readjusting their investments in small and 

for color models thanks mainly to the favorable reception of 

medium-sized panels. In contrast, sales of network cameras 

new products that offer considerably stronger security fea-

grew steadily, buoyed by market growth.

tures, but declined for monochrome models. Despite strong 

As a result, consolidated net sales for 2019 totaled 

sales of new laser printer products that achieve low power 

¥3,593.3 billion (–9.1% year on year) and the gross profit 

consumption, compact body designs and high productivity, 

ratio was 44.8%. Operating profit came to ¥174.7 billion 

sales overall decreased mainly because of weaker sales of low-

(–49.1% year on year), while net income attributable to 

speed machines in China where economic growth continues 

Canon Inc. was ¥125.1 billion (–50.5% year on year). The 

to stagnate. In the Imaging System Business Unit, the digital 

full-year dividend is ¥160 per share, comprising an interim 

camera market for mainly entry-class models continued to 

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

shrink and we saw a decline in sales of interchangeable-lens 

per share.

Cash Dividend (Yen)

160

80

0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

3

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Excellent Global Corporation Plan

Phase I to Phase IV   1996–2015

the Cinema EOS System, while also accelerating our M&A 

Canon launched the Excellent Global Corporation Plan in 

strategy. In this manner, we set out a clear direction for shift-

1996, and has strengthened its management base through 

ing our focus for growth from B2C to B2B. We subsequently 

each of the plan’s five-year initiatives, from Phase I through 

reinforced and expanded our rapidly growing network camera 

Phase IV.

business by making Milestone Systems (“Milestone”) a sub-

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

sidiary in 2014, followed by Axis Communications (“Axis”) 

ment and significantly boosted productivity through the 

in 2015. Additionally, Canon Nanotechnologies, formerly 

introduction of our cell production system, along with other 

Molecular Imprints, became a subsidiary in 2014, and we 

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

are accelerating the development of next-generation semi-

copying machines and camera offerings, while building the 

conductor manufacturing equipment that uses nanoimprint 

foundation for a robust financial structure. During Phase III, 

lithography, which will make it possible to achieve both minia-

we welcomed Canon Production Printing (formerly Océ) to 

turization and cost reductions for semiconductor devices.

the Group in 2010, formalizing our entry into the commercial 

As a manufacturer, Canon strives unceasingly to achieve 

printing market, which has shown to have growth potential.

production reforms and thorough cost reductions. At the 

As the markets for our core businesses—such as cameras 

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

and office equipment—were maturing, during Phase IV, which 

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

began in 2011, we promoted diversification via the lateral 

changing growth markets with the aim of unlocking new 

expansion of our existing businesses, such as the launch of 

growth potential.

Phase I
1996–2000

Phase II
2001–2005

Phase III
2006–2010

Phase IV
2011–2015

Phase V
2016–2020

To strengthen its financial 
structure, Canon trans-
formed its mindset to a 
focus on total optimiza-
tion and profitability. The 
Company introduced vari-
ous business innovations, 
including the selection 
and consolidation of 
business areas, and re-
form 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 reforms across 
all Canon Group compa-
nies around the world.

Canon moved ahead with 
such growth strategies as 
enhancing existing busi-
nesses and expanding 
into new areas while also 
thoroughly implementing 
supply chain management 
and IT reforms.

Responding to weakness 
in the global economy, 
Canon revised its man-
agement policy from 
a strategy targeting 
expansion of scale to a 
strategy aimed at further 
strengthening its financial 
structure. While actively 
pursuing M&A activities, 
the Company restructured 
its business at a founda-
tional level to introduce 
new growth engines for 
future expansion.

4

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Excellent Global Corporation Plan

STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Strategy

1

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

Phase V   2016–2020

In Phase V of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan, the five-

year stage that kicked off in 2016, we are endeavoring to 

reconsolidate our hitherto core businesses (namely, cameras 

and office equipment) guided by the basic policy of embrac-

ing the challenge of new growth through a grand strategic 

transformation. At the same time, we have accelerated the 

pace of this grand strategic transformation by working to ex-

pand and strengthen the following four new businesses that 

we believe will underpin Canon’s future: commercial printing, 

network cameras, medical and industrial equipment. Our 

medical business in particular was significantly strengthened 

by the addition of Canon Medical Systems to the Group in 

Automated camera production. (Oita Canon, Japan)

December 2016.

Explanations regarding the progress of the key strategies of 

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

as follows.

Key strategies

1 Establish a new production system  

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

2 Reinforce and expand new businesses  
while creating future businesses

3 Restructure our global sales network  
in accordance with market changes

4 Enhance R&D capabilities  
through open innovation

5 Complete the Three Regional Headquarters 

management system capturing world dynamism

Although the camera and printer markets continue to shrink, 
these existing businesses are the source of Canon’s profits and 
the foundation that allows our new businesses to grow. With 
that in mind, we aim to expand market share by launching 
new competitive products boasting standout features and 
establish a new production system to achieve a cost-of-sales 
ratio of 45% or below by making every effort to further re-
duce upstream manufacturing costs.

We are reducing costs by pursuing automated production 
and expanding in-house production of machinery, equipment 
and key components to all Group companies. For automated 
production, our development, manufacturing, and produc-
tion engineering divisions are working as one to come up 
with product designs best suited to automation. Meanwhile, 
we are also working towards in-house production of machin-
ery, equipment, and key components that include only the 
features and functions we need in order to develop easy-to-
operate, low-cost equipment.

5

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Strategy

2

Reinforce and expand new 
businesses while creating future 
businesses

Strategy

3

Restructure our global sales network  
in accordance with market changes

The network cameras are utilized at Akasaka Station. (Fukuoka, Japan)

Canon USA held an event for office equipment dealers.

Through strategic M&As, Canon has successively acquired 
good-standing companies possessing a degree of scale and 
expertise in growth fields, which has enabled us to set up 
four new pillars of business in the medical, commercial print-
ing, industrial equipment and network camera fields. We 
are currently determining the direction of development and 
expansion for these businesses and strengthening their re-
spective operations.

In the medical business we are realigning our global sales 
structure with a view to further improving our sales capabili-
ties in the US as well as in other countries and regions. In 
the commercial printing business, we are consolidating all 
products under the Canon brand, promoting further col-
laboration throughout the Group, and establishing a system 
for products and services to meet the ever-changing needs of 
digital printing. In the industrial equipment business, we are 
concentrating our resources on competitive products. And in 
the network camera business we have our sights set on ex-
panding and enhancing our offerings in the solutions domain.
The seeds of other fledgling businesses are also beginning 
to sprout, including the Free Viewpoint Video System, space-
related ventures and our materials business.

As part of reforms to our global sales network, we are fo-
cused on strengthening and expanding the solutions business 
with an emphasis on customers’ perspectives.

Under the slogan “Beyond Canon, Beyond Japan,” Canon 

Marketing Japan is developing business systems for IT ser-
vices and the finance and manufacturing sectors, as well as 
expanding its data center services. Canon U.S.A. is bolstering 
its support system for office equipment dealers and working 
hard to strengthen customer relationships by establishing 
a specialized organization for broadcasting equipment and 
other types of professional products. In Europe, too, we are 
reviewing the roles and responsibilities of the regional head-
quarters and sales companies and making every effort to 
improve sales capabilities.

Meanwhile, in China we have established a sales organi-
zation that extends across all businesses and put in place a 
system under which we can swiftly respond to inquiries from 
large corporations regarding multiple products. Elsewhere, we 
are endeavoring to intensify business operations and enhance 
management efficiency; for example, in Australia we are con-
solidating BPO service and IT service providers, while in the 
Philippines, outsourcing bases are being integrated.

6

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Strategy

4

Enhance R&D capabilities  
through open innovation

Strategy

5

Complete the Three Regional 
Headquarters management system 
capturing world dynamism

Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University.

Large-Format Printer which uses own unique UVgel technology.

As development grows increasingly competitive worldwide, 
Canon has capped its R&D spending at 7% of net sales. In 
order to carry out development activities more efficiently 
and quickly, we are pushing ahead with a selection and con-
centration approach toward our in-house R&D projects and 
stepping up our engagement in open innovation to leverage 
the technology and knowledge of organizations outside the 
Canon Group.

In 2019, Canon and Canon Medical Systems commenced 

joint research with Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell 
Research and Application (CiRA) with the aim of developing 
autologous induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Moreover, in 
2018, Canon Medical Systems made ACTmed a subsidiary. 
ACTmed aims to contribute to personalized medicine in the 
field of bioscience with a focus on providing cancer genomic 
testing services.

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

In the US, a country at the forefront of medical research, 
Canon U.S.A.’s Healthcare Optics Research Laboratory is col-
laborating on research with Massachusetts General Hospital 
and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Joint research is focused 
on the commercialization of an ultra-miniature fiber endo-
scope that enables real-time examination 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, Canon Production Printing (formerly Océ) con-
tinues to meet the ever-changing needs of digital printing 
by harnessing such technologies as UVgel technology, a 
proprietary product suitable for various types of media that 
boasts a wide color gamut and exceptional environmental 
performance, and elevated printing, which can reproduce 
unevenness on printed surfaces.

7

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Key Challenges for 2020

In Conclusion

2020 is the final year of the Excellent Global Corporation 

Ever since it was founded, Canon has passed on the spirit of 

Plan’s Phase V, which the entire Canon Group has been 

innovation through its corporate DNA. Throughout its history, 

working on since 2016. Nevertheless, with IoT, AI and other 

Canon has met the challenges of the age by continuing to 

innovations rapidly gaining increased momentum, renewed 

transform itself, create new value and evolve.

growth in the IT industry has brought major changes on in-

As society makes the leap from the IT age that began with 

dustrial structures and durable goods-based industries will 

digitalization to the IoT era, Canon now stands on the cusp of 

need to revolutionize in order to survive. With that in mind, 

its second great transformation.

our fundamental policy for 2020 is to accelerate and complete 

With the outlook for the global economy becoming 

the grand strategic transformation. To that end, our priority 

increasingly uncertain, the environment surrounding the manu-

will be to tackle the following four key challenges.

facturing industry is growing harsher by the day. It is amidst 

First, we must strengthen existing businesses. While these 

such an environment that Canon will accelerate and enhance 

businesses continue to contract, they remain a major source 

its grand strategic transformation and overcome any challenges 

of Canon’s profits and the foundation that allows our new 

before us as we aim to achieve a new era of prosperity. We 

businesses to grow. We will endeavor to further boost market 

look forward to your continued support and understanding.

share in each by developing more advanced products.

Second, we will expand new businesses, continuing to seek 

out strategic M&As, deepen collaboration within the Group 

on such matters as production methods, joint procurement, 

and the exchange of technology. In doing so, we can signifi-

cantly reduce manufacturing costs and help establish our four 

new businesses of medical, commercial printing, industrial 

equipment and network cameras as new pillars of earnings 

growth.

Third, we will push structural reorganization. This involves 

reevaluating the scale of existing businesses and streamlining 

organizations and personnel in line with the transformation 

of our business portfolio. We will also pay close attention to 

changes in world affairs and how our production bases might 

be affected and work on building a global production system 

capable of flexibly adapting to changes.

And fourth, we shall boost productivity, further reducing 

costs through automation and in-house production. We will 

also aim to boost white-collar productivity by streamlining 

operations with the use of robotic process automation (RPA) 

and AI.

8

Fujio Mitarai
Chairman & CEO
Canon Inc.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019B U S I N E S S

S T R A T E G Y

EXISTING BUSINESS 

NEW BUSINESS 

10

12

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

NETWORK CAMERAS  .......................... 14

COMMERCIAL PRINTING  ...................... 16

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT  ...................... 17

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

9

EXISTING BUSINESS

We seek to further expand market share and 
continually reinforce profitability

A

10

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Multifunction Devices

Inkjet Printers

Sales have been brisk for the color models of office multi-

Canon increased its market share of the consumer-oriented 

function devices (“MFDs”) with the launch of imageRUNNER 

inkjet printer market by growing sales of large-refillable ink 

ADVANCE models offering significantly enhanced security 

tank models, particularly in emerging markets. And sales of 

features and cloud service integration. Given the growing 

the large-format imagePROGRAF PRO printer series for the 

risk of data breach due to the sophistication of cyber-attacks 

graphic arts market were brisk particularly in major countries. 

targeting IT equipment, Canon aims to expand its share of 

Canon will continue efforts to enhance its large-refillable ink 

the market for MFDs that handle various types of data by 

tank lineup and expand its share of the CAD market with the 

enhancing the functions that maximize work efficiency while 

launch of competitive products.

leveraging its industry-leading security features.

Lithography Equipment

Laser Printers

Demand is rising in the semiconductor market thanks to data 

By tapping demand for laser MFDs and laser printers in not 

centers and IoT related semiconductor devices, such as those 

only offices but other workplaces like healthcare institutions, 

used in 5G communication and autonomous driving vehicles. 

retail outlet, and customer service counters, sales have been 

Subsequently, Canon expects its semiconductor lithography 

strong for new models that offer low-power consumption, 

equipment business to grow as well. Canon also expects its 

compact body design, and high productivity. We aim to meet 

flat panel display (FPD) business to expand over the medium 

the needs in different vertical markets and make every effort 

to long-term due to growing demand in the display market for 

to boost market share with the launch of products that help 

large-screen televisions and high-definition smart phones. With 

improve productivity and streamline operations.

lithography equipment, Canon aims to establish a stable earn-

Cameras

ings structures through accurate demand forecasting backed 

up with flexible manufacturing, comprehensive cost-reduction, 

The total number of EOS-series interchangeable lens cameras 

and also by strengthen predictive maintenance services.

surpassed 100 million mark. Meanwhile, Canon-brand cam-

eras comprised approximately 70%* of the press cameras 

used by the media at the Rugby World Cup 2019™ held in 

Japan. As for mirrorless cameras, Canon successively launched 

the full-frame EOS RP and the compact and lightweight EOS 

M6 Mark II. Going forward, Canon will look to strengthen its 

EOS R System lineup with the goal of boosting its presence in 

the full-frame market and endeavor to further raise its market 

share with attractive products.

* Average of data obtained from the 8 matches of the knock out stage. Based on a 

Canon survey.

A.  Our office multifunction devices, imageRUNNER ADVANCE models, 
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 improvement of productivity and the implemen-
tation of flexible working styles.

B.  The EOS R system employs the newly developed RF mount and realizes 

even higher image quality and enhanced usability.

B

11

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019NEW BUSINESS—MEDICAL

Reinforcing Business Operations and Expanding Business  
Domains to Achieve Global Growth

A

12

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Global Business Realignment Centering on  
Canon Medical Systems

reconstruction processing. Additionally, ACTmed, a CMSC 

subsidiary, has opened a laboratory to launch a genomic 

Canon seeks to further develop and strengthen its medical 

testing service in Japan. And in the US, CMSC invested in a 

business by turning it into one of the next-generation busi-

point-of-care testing (POCT) technology company FemtoDx.

ness pillars centering on Canon Medical Systems (“CMSC”). 

Furthermore, Canon and CMSC, in collaboration with 

CMSC is actively taking steps to bolster its business operations 

Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell Research and Application 

and expand business domains.

(CiRA), are aiming to achieve low-cost and faster production 

In 2019 it signed an agreement with leading Russian 

of autologous induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

healthcare firm R-Pharm Holding regarding sales of medical 

Also, Canon has acquired a 70% stake in US-based Quality 

diagnostic imaging equipment in Russia and the establish-

Electrodynamics, LLC (“QED”), a leader in the development of 

ment of a framework with a view to localizing the production 

RF coils, a key component used in MRI equipment. Bringing 

of medical equipment there in the future. In 2020, in order 

QED into the Canon Group will accelerate the development 

to push ahead with our global realignment and consolidate 

of MRI systems at CMSC and boost their market competitive-

the medical system businesses within Japan, Canon Lifecare 

ness. The acquisition is also expected to reinforce Canon’s 

Solutions was moved from Canon Marketing Japan and incor-

medical equipment component business.

porated under the umbrella of CMSC. In overseas markets, 

the ophthalmic equipment business of Canon U.S.A., Inc. and 

its wholly-owned subsidiary Virtual Imaging, Inc., which sells 

and provides after-sales services for CXDI digital radiography 

and other X-ray systems, were moved to Canon Medical 

Systems USA, Inc. (CMSU).

Accelerate Enhancement and Expansion of Medical 
Business Through Strategic M&As

As part of the process of beefing up its new businesses, 

CMSC welcomed into the Group Switzerland-based magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRI) equipment technology developer 

Skope Magnetic Resonance Technologies AG. Skope boasts 

extensive experience and considerable knowledge on how 

to improve image quality in the areas integral to MRI, from 

magnetic field monitoring through to image acquisition and 

A.  Canon Medical’s next-generation 3-Tesla MRI scanner, the MRI scan-
ner, the Vantage Galan™ 3T, maximizes high-resolution imaging 
performance while minimizing space requirements and energy con-
sumption. The device also employs noise-reduction technology to 
provide greater comfort to patients.

B.  QED, a leading diagnostic imaging company in the development of 

RF coils which is an essential device in MRI, joined the Canon Group.

B

13

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019NEW BUSINESS—NETWORK CAMERAS

Solutions Business that Addresses Demands 
in the Smart City Era

A

14

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Network Camera Systems that Combine all of the 
Canon Group’s extensive strengths

software to analyze the movement of people.

Canon has been developing its technology for counting 

As innovation accelerates, driven by IoT and AI, network 

people in videos and in 2019 launched the Crowd People 

camera systems that can perform advanced video analytics, 

Counter for Milestone XProtect. This product can count 

including face recognition and abnormality detection, have 

thousands of people in real time through its use of enhanced 

become essential in the infrastructure for a safe and secure 

crowd counting AI that leverages deep learning.

society that constitutes the basis of a Smart City. Canon 

Canon’s network camera systems that utilize the cutting-

entered the network camera market in 2013 and thereafter 

edge video analytic technology have significant potential for 

welcomed Axis Communications (“Axis”), Milestone Systems 

use in various applications. For example, when monitoring 

(“Milestone”), and BriefCam Ltd. (“BriefCam”) into the 

cities, public facilities or stadiums, the output can be used in 

Group. These companies are leaders in the fields of network 

security planning and the efficient placement of security staff. 

cameras, video management systems, and video content ana-

They could also offer new possibilities such as understanding 

lytic software respectively.

customer traffic at event venues or stores, and verifying the 

In 2019 Canon launched a new series of network cameras 

effect of advertising. Canon aims to be a global leader in net-

that feature its proprietary Hydrophilic Coating II technology, 

work visual solutions, addressing new demands in the coming 

which ensures much clearer video monitoring during and after 

Smart City era.

rainfall. While improving the performance of network cam-

era hardware, utilizing the technology cultivated thorough 

camera development, Canon has also focused on developing 

video analytics technology that make use of AI and foster-

ing technological collaboration between Group companies. 

Canon continues to strive to deliver network camera systems 

that meet the needs of the times by combining the Group’s 

capabilities in the areas of network cameras, video manage-

ment systems, and video content analytic software.

Expanding and Strengthening  
the Solutions Business

Canon is stepping up efforts to develop new solutions busi-

nesses, combining the high-quality, high-resolution images 

captured by its network cameras with video content analytic 

A.  Canon’s high resolution network cameras are installed at Showa 

Denko Dome Oita where sports games are held frequently. The cam-
eras allow to check the site in detail if there is an incident. Canon 
contributes to creating environments where visitors can be enthusiastic 
at sporting events while still feeling safe.

B.  Milestone’s XProtect, an open platform with great extensibility, 

achieves the effective management of videos from multiple cameras.

B

15

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019NEW BUSINESS—COMMERCIAL PRINTING

Consolidating the Canon Brand and Accelerating Business  
Expansion in Response to Trends in Digitalization

The ProStream 1000 high-productivity continuous-feed color printer for the graphic arts industry can print on offset coated paper thanks to Canon’s 
newly developed ink and ColorGrip technology.

Achieving Unprecedented High-quality Images in 
Digital Printing

to become Canon Production Printing. Going forward, with 

the aim of further expanding market share, all products will 

In the so called commercial printing market which includes 

be uniformly branded under the Canon name, collaboration 

the production of books, magazines, brochures, direct 

throughout the Canon Group will be further deepened, and 

mailings, and catalogs, demand is rapidly shifting from plate-

a system for products and services that meet the diversifying 

based high-volume offset printing to high-mix, small-lot, 

needs of digital printing will be established.

quick-turnaround digital printing. In 2010, Canon Production 

Printing (formerly Océ) was added to the Canon Group. Based 

in the Netherlands, this company boasts a strong track record 

in the field of commercial printing. In 2019 Canon’s con-

tinuous feed press for the fast-growing graphic arts market 

received good reviews for its high-quality image that rivals 

offset. Going forward, Canon plans to ramp up development 

in the industrial printing field, an area expected to see even 

stronger growth in package printing.

In January 2020, Océ’s corporate name officially changed 

16

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019NEW BUSINESS—INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

Concentrating resources on high value-added businesses and 
sustaining advanced technological capabilities

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.

Focusing on development of next-generation 
manufacturing equipment with innovative 
technology

sputtering equipment essential to the production of hard disk 

drives (HDD) and LEDs, while the latter commands a large 

share of the market for die bonders, the equipment used to 

Canon Tokki is the first company to have produced OLED 

attach a semiconductor chip to a substrate.

panel manufacturing equipment in the world, and our 

And, semiconductor lithography equipment is becoming 

manufacturing capabilities in mainly vacuum evaporation 

increasingly complex in order to achieve greater miniatur-

technology establish us in a dominant position as the industry 

ization of circuit patterns, thus requiring large scale capital 

standard. OLEDs are rapidly being adopted for the next-gen-

investment. Canon is therefore developing next-generation 

eration display panels in smartphones and televisions. Canon 

semiconductor manufacturing equipment to achieve greater 

Tokki continuously improve our equipment especially focused 

circuit pattern miniaturization and significantly lower manu-

on further productivity and panel-upsizing.

facturing costs by harnessing its nanoimprint lithography 

The company is also endeavoring to drastically reduce costs 

technology, whereby patterns are formed by pressing a mask 

but at the same time accelerate development of equipment 

(mold) engraved with circuit patterns onto the surface of a 

that can achieve even higher definition and increased produc-

wafer coated with resist (photosensitizing agent).

tivity by collaborating closely with Group companies Canon 

ANELVA and Canon Machinery. The former manufactures 

17

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019AT A GLANCE

OFFICE BUSINESS UNIT

Composition of Sales (%)

Office multifunction devices (MFDs)

Laser printer based MFDs

47.4%

Main Products
• Office multifunction devices (MFDs)
• Laser printer based MFDs
•  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 (%)

Interchangeable-lens digital cameras
—Mirrorless cameras

Interchangeable-lens digital cameras
—Digital SLR cameras

22.5%

Main Products
• Interchangeable-lens digital cameras
• Digital compact cameras
• Interchangeable lenses 
• Compact photo printers 
• Inkjet printers
• Large format inkjet printers
• Commercial photo printers
• Image scanners
• Calculators

Inkjet printers

Large format inkjet printers

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.

18

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Composition of Sales (%)

MEDICAL SYSTEM BUSINESS UNIT

12.2%

Main Products
• Digital radiography systems
• Diagnostic X-ray systems
•  Computed tomography (CT) systems
•  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems
• Diagnostic ultrasound systems
• Clinical chemistry analyzers
• Ophthalmic equipment

Computed tomography (CT) systems

Diagnostic X-ray systems

Diagnostic ultrasound systems

Digital radiography systems

Composition of Sales (%)

INDUSTRY AND OTHERS BUSINESS UNIT

20.5%

Main Products
•  Semiconductor lithography equipment
•  FPD (Flat panel display) lithography equipment
•  Vacuum thin-film deposition equipment
•  Organic LED (OLED) panel manufacturing equipment
• Die bonders
• Network cameras
• Digital camcorders
• Digital cinema cameras
• Multimedia projectors
• Broadcast equipment
• Micromotors
• Handy terminals
• Document scanners

Semiconductor lithography equipment

FPD (Flat panel display) lithography equipment

Organic LED (OLED) panel manufacturing equipment

Network cameras

19

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Canon is perpetually strengthening R&D as a company possessing 
a corporate DNA that places high importance on technology to 
differentiate itself from competitors.

Canon’s crowd people counting technology utilize AI to detect and count the number of heads, making it possible to count the number of people in a 
crowd in real time.

20

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

R&D Expenses and Patents

the body. This joint research aims to realize “my iPS cells” 

Canon focuses on R&D, strengthening fundamental technolo-

using the patient’s own cells to mitigate the risk of immune 

gies and creating core competent technologies, in order to 

rejection by utilizing the core technologies of the Canon 

provide innovative products and services to society. In 2019, 

Group—optical technology, measurement technology, and 

R&D expenses amounted to ¥298.5 billion, and the ratio of 

diagnostic imaging technology—to, for example, develop a 

R&D expenses to net sales was 8.3%. This focus on R&D has 

low-cost examination method.

also cemented Canon’s leading position in the intellectual 

Developing Next-generation HDR Technology

property field. In 2019, Canon was granted 3,555 patents in 

Canon is currently developing next-generation high dynamic 

the United States, the third highest among all companies. This 

range (HDR) technology to create images that faithfully repro-

also represents a first place ranking among Japanese compa-

duce what the photographer sees with the naked eye when 

nies for 15 consecutive years.

taking a picture. In contrast to the conventional method of 

displaying images by merging consecutive exposures, Canon 

Initiatives to Establish New Businesses

has successfully displayed and printed the various brightness 

Guided by a long-term perspective, Canon focuses on discov-

information and color values that a camera records. Canon 

ering new technologies for the future.

will harness this technology and utilize the light that cameras 

New Imaging Solution

capture to record, display, and print immeasurably realistic im-

Canon is working to commercialize Free Viewpoint Video as 

ages. In this way, Canon aims to realize a whole new means 

an imaging solution that combines the imaging technologies 

of photographic expression.

developed over many years with cutting-edge technologies in 

Detecting Cracks with AI Technology

such fields as networking transmission. Visual data is captured 

Canon has developed and commercialized a service to inspect 

by high-resolution cameras installed around the stadium, 

infrastructure by harnessing image-related AI technology. 

then converted into 3D spatial data. With this data viewers 

Given the expected increase in aging bridges, tunnels, and 

can see video from any viewpoint and any angle in the sta-

other forms of infrastructure around the world, there is enor-

dium. During the Rugby World Cup 2019™ held in Japan, 

mous potential for making the inspection process much more 

Canon created and provided highlight footage from the Free 

efficient with the use of images captured by cameras. Canon’s 

Viewpoint Video for use in television sports news and online 

AI technology leverages deep learning to study and accurately 

streaming. Those video highlights featured such viewpoints 

identify surface cracks in aging infrastructures. Canon aims 

and angles as right on or above the pitch not possible with 

to help solve this societal problem by detecting cracks quickly, 

conventional cameras, effectively conveying the thrill and su-

efficiently, and nearly as precisely as visual inspections.

perb skill of each play.

Joint Research Aimed at Realizing Autologous iPS Cells

Canon and Canon Medical Systems Corporation commenced 

joint research with Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell 

Research and Application (“CiRA”) with the aim of realizing 

high-quality, autologous induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. 

iPS cells, which have the ability to differentiate into cells for 

various tissues and organs in the body, hold much promise in 

the field of regenerative medicine to restore organ and tissue 

function lost through illness or injury through such techniques 

as transplanting cells and tissues artificially cultured outside 

2019 Top Ten U.S. Patent Holders by Company

IBM*

Samsung Electronics

CANON

Microsoft

Intel

LG Electronics

Apple

Ford

Amazon

Huawei

3,555

3,088

3,022

2,809

2,491

2,467

2,425

2,424

9,261

6,492

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

21

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019PRODUCTION

Canon is a corporation that has constantly pursued the ultimate in  
manufacturing. While promoting the advancement of production-engineering, 
including the automation of product assembly, it is also working to develop 
human resources armed with outstanding technical skills.

Oita Canon is pursuing in-house production of manufacturing automated assembly machines to maintain
highly reliable automated production lines.

22

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Globally Optimized Production

To further enhance manufacturing capabilities, Canon is also 

Canon employs a globally optimized production system in 

focused on nurturing its most skilled technicians, known as 

which it determines ideal production locations based on such 

Master Craftsmen, and those who contribute to the advance-

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

ment of manufacturing with their wide-ranging skills and 

and labor. In Japan, Canon is endeavoring to reduce costs by 

knowledge in areas such as product assembly and component 

establishing mother factories that integrate development, 

processing, known as Meisters. These technicians contribute to 

procurement, production, and manufacturing processes. 

the improvement of Canon’s production technology and play 

Meanwhile, in emerging countries Canon is working to boost 

an active front line role in production by passing on the skills 

productivity in its operations by further honing the skill of its 

they have honed over the years to the next generation.

workforce as it manufactures products employing an agile 

and flexible system that leverages regional characteristics.

Initiatives for Environmentally Friendly 
Manufacturing and Enhanced Product Quality

Automation and In-house Production

From product design and development to production, logis-

Seeking to create innovative and original products, Canon is 

tics, product use, and recycling, throughout the product’s 

pursuing in-house production of key devices and components 

lifecycle in all areas of our business, Canon is engaged in 

such as CMOS sensors, manufacturing equipment such as 

manufacturing initiatives that are friendly to the global envi-

automated assembly machines and high-precision processing 

ronment and minimize environmental impacts.

machines, as well as molding dies. To produce high-quality 

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

products at efficient costs, we strive to maintain highly reliable 

can be enjoyed with peace of mind, and provide satisfaction 

automated production lines. We have been introducing fully au-

to our customers, we at Canon have established a quality 

tomated production lines for toner cartridges, and are currently 

management system that incorporates mechanisms unique to 

pursuing full automation for the manufacturing of cameras. 

Canon on top of ISO9001 requirements. We have realized an 

In 2019, Miyazaki Canon’s Takanabe factory, a new state-

adequate quality assurance system which sufficiently responds 

of-the-art production site became operational. Equipped with 

to laws and regulations of countries and regions around the 

cutting-edge facilities, the factory is pursuing efficiency in its op-

world, and thoroughly implement operations. We drive quality 

erations by harnessing the power of automation equipment and 

improvement on an ongoing basis, while constantly carrying 

robots, further strengthening collaboration with Oita Canon and 

out strict evaluations using cutting-edge testing facilities that 

Nagasaki Canon. The factory currently operates as a production 

are at the forefront of the industry.

site for cutting-edge products, including cameras and lenses.

Development of Human Resources

While the automation of product assembly frees up human 

resources, Canon is also working to empower those workers 

with new technologies and skills. Moreover, in 2018 Canon 

established the Canon Institute of Software Technology (CIST) 

to nurture digital engineers that can play an active role in soft-

ware development and production engineering, particularly 

in the area of in-house production. By further raising the skill 

levels of software engineers, Canon is strengthening its prod-

uct development capabilities.

Production of inkjet printers. We seek to raise the bar in the manu-
facturing of high-quality products while striving to improve production 
efficiency. (Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand), Thailand)

23

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019SALES & MARKETING

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

The first Canon Image Square flagship store in India. Customers can try out a broad range of products, from entry-level to professional use.

24

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Japan

Looking to strengthen its customer service capabilities, 

Sales in Japan amounted to ¥872.5 billion, or 24.3% of 

the group was pleased to receive a gold award within the 

consolidated net sales. Sales of the IT solutions business in-

customer service industry for its excellent partnership with its 

creased, as IT investment in work-style reform and to improve 

European Contact Centre. The contact centre can now handle 

work efficiency by Japanese companies remained firm. This 

many different languages across the EMEA region.

business also benefited from brisk activity surrounding busi-

Canon Europe has continued to expand its business activities 

ness PCs. Sales of laser printers also increased, largely thanks 

in the Middle East and Africa, and this year opened its first of-

to the securing of some major contracts and growth in sales 

fice and business solutions showroom in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

to certain industries. Sales of network cameras and high 

value-added businesses such as video management systems 

Asia and Oceania

and cloud services also expanded. Meanwhile, despite a 

Sales in the Asia and Oceania region amounted to ¥809.2 

higher market share for interchangeable-lens cameras, sales 

billion, or 22.5% of consolidated net sales. Canon has con-

struggled due to the impact of market contraction.

tinuously endeavored to expand sales of office multifunction 

The Americas

devices by promoting the high-quality services they offer. 

Subsequently, we recorded 51 straight months of record 

Sales in the Americas amounted to ¥1,029.1 billion, or 28.6% 

sales growth for color models. In China we established a 

of consolidated net sales. Canon U.S.A. handles market-

sales structure spanning all business divisions and vigorously 

ing operations for North, Central, and South America.  It is 

ramped up solution proposals combining multiple products. 

expanding sales of the new IVY series by targeting the ever-

Then we put a system in place to support the shift towards 

changing young customer segment. And Canon Canada is 

B2B. In Oceania, we have chalked up strong growth in our 

responding to changes in the market and tapping into new 

sales to large corporations. Moreover, BPO and IT services 

customer segments and markets by, for example, signing an 

have been brisk. In the B2C field, we are beefing up digital 

official camera supplier agreement with a professional esports 

marketing operations centering on e-commerce and strength-

team based in Toronto. In the office equipment business, 

ening sales and branding. Furthermore, by increasing the 

Canon U.S.A. is further strengthening relationships with deal-

number of Canon brand stores, we are expanding our cus-

ers by holding annual meetings with the top dealers in four 

tomer contact both online and offline.

regions of the United States. As for new businesses, the com-

pany is actively stepping up the development of this area with 

the establishment of an innovation center.

Europe (Europe, Middle East, Africa)

Sales in Europe amounted to ¥882.5 billion, or 24.6% of 

consolidated net sales. Canon Europe oversees business 

in the EMEA region—Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

Operating in approximately 120 markets, Canon is proposing 

new products and solutions tailored to customer needs while 

strengthening its sales network.

Composition of Sales by Region

Asia and Oceania

22.5%
¥809.2 billion

Net Sales
¥3,593.3
billion

In 2019, the group opened a new Customer Experience 

Centre in Istanbul to give its customers an opportunity to try 

first hand Canon’s products and solutions.

Japan

24.3%
¥872.5 billion

The Americas

28.6%
¥1,029.1 billion

Europe

24.6%
¥882.5 billion

25

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019ESG

Environment

Social

E

S

G

Governance

Canon adopted kyosei as its corporate philosophy in 1988 in 

In pursuing total optimization of management, Canon 

an effort to clarify our stance on how we fulfill our responsibili-

launched its own consolidated performance evaluation system 

ties to society and build solid relationships not only with our 

in 1997. During the period of more than 20 years since it was 

customers and business partners, but also with countries, com-

introduced, it has become as an indicator of improvement 

munities, nature, and the global environment. As a member of 

for business divisions and Group companies. The evaluation 

society, high expectations are placed on corporations. Canon 

items, which are reviewed annually in accordance with man-

therefore aims to be a company that not only gives due con-

agement policy and in line with current trends, include not 

sideration to people and society, but also contributes to society 

only financial results for each department, such as sales and 

by leveraging its technological capabilities to create new value, 

profit, but also environmental and CSR activity results.

resolve societal issues, and engage in activities to preserve and 

By having each specialist department evaluate business 

protect the global environment. These activities contribute 

divisions and Group companies, which in turn generates im-

to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 

provement, the system aims to contribute to the sustainable 

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

development of the entire Group as well as society.

Environment:

Social:

Governance:

Canon’s Approach

Canon’s Approach

Canon’s Approach

In order to leave future generations with 
a natural environment that is still abun-
dant and rich, Canon works together 
with its stakeholders to implement ini-
tiatives that help reduce environmental 
burdens with a focus on the entire prod-
uct lifecycle.

As a good corporate citizen, Canon 
works to resolve societal issues with 
technology and through our business 
activities by mainly supporting human 
rights, responsible procurement activities, 
and cultural events.

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
•  Contributing to a Circular Economy
•  Eliminating Hazardous Substances and 

•  Promoting Diversity
•  Addressing the Issue of Conflict 

Minerals

Preventing Pollution

•  Supporting Art and Culture

•  Contributing to a Society in Harmony 

with Nature

•  Board of Directors, Audit & Supervisory 

Board, Non-statutory Committees

For details, please refer to the Canon Sustainability Report.  

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

26

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Environment

Canon Automated Recycling System for Toner Cartridges (CARS-T)

Canon is working towards the goal of achieving an average improve-

those used in manufacturing processes to prevent environmental 

ment of 3% per year in the lifecycle CO2 emissions improvement 

pollution and adverse effects on people’s health. With regard to 

index per product—over the period 2008 through 2019, Canon 

chemical substances in products, in particular, we have built a 

achieved an average annual improvement of 4.7%. As of 2019, the 

Group-wide environmental assurance system and established in-

overall improvement was 40% compared to 2008.

house standards that are in line with the most stringent regulations 

Contributing to a Low-Carbon Society

in the world.

Canon tracks CO2 emissions throughout the product lifecycle 

Contributing to a Society in Harmony with Nature

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

Canon engages in various activities worldwide based on its 

tional sites, distribution, and customer use) and works to reduce 

Biodiversity Policy. As part of these activities and in an effort to 

emissions at each stage.

engage in the protection of biodiversity across the Canon Group, 

Contributing to a Circular Economy

with a focus on birds—an animal situated at the top of the eco-

To ensure more efficient use of limited resources and reduce waste, 

logical pyramid and a symbol of the cycle of life.

Canon globally runs the Canon Bird Branch Project at business sites 

Canon is designing products smaller and lighter to conserve re-

sources, and promoting the reuse and recycling of use products. 

In particular, Canon is pursuing product-to-product recycling—in 

other words, recycling used products into new ones, including the 

remanufacturing of office multifunction devices and the closed-loop 

recycling of toner cartridges. Canon currently has five recycling cen-

ters in four global regions. One of them, Canon Eco Technology Park 

in Japan, which opened in 2018, is a state-of-the-art recycling plant 

that stands at the front line in the creation of a circular economy.

Eliminating Hazardous Substances and  
Preventing Pollution

Lifecycle CO2 Emissions Improvement Index per Product

Improvement index
100

40.0%
Improvement

50

0

Canon thoroughly manages chemical substances in products and 

2008 2009 2010 2011

2012 2013

2014 2015 2016

2017

2018

2019

*Indexed to 2008=100

27

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Social

Canon produced high-resolution facsimiles of 13 original paintings including “Six Tamagawa Rivers” above, by Katsushika Hokusai in the collection of 
the Freer Gallery. Many people visited the exhibition held at the Sumida Hokusai Museum in the summer of 2019.

Diversity Promotion

conducts a yearly country of origin survey into the minerals it 

Under our corporate philosophy of kyosei, Canon respects 

uses, receives an assurance report from a third-party auditor, 

globally and actively encourages the fair hiring and promo-

and disclose the findings to the US Securities and Exchange 

tion of employees, regardless of gender, age, or disability. In 

Commission. Canon is committed to the non-use of conflict min-

2012, Canon established Vital workforce and Value Innovation 

erals that are a source of funds for armed insurgents.

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

integrated organization mainly tasked with supporting the 

Art and Culture

advancement of female employees, the participation of male 

As a company that contributes to the development of visual 

employees in child rearing, and helping employees skillfully bal-

culture, Canon engages in activities to foster the richness of 

ance work and nursing care. As an example, since 2012 VIVID 

human feelings and emotions. In 2007, Canon and Kyoto 

has run a female leadership training course that aims to nurture 

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

female candidates for managerial positions. Accordingly, the 

which is officially named the Cultural Heritage Inheritance 

number of female managers at Canon increased from 58 in 

Project, with the aim of preserving original cultural assets and 

2011 to 127 in 2019. Canon is also taking steps to stamp out 

utilizing high-resolution facsimiles. By combining Canon’s 

workplace discrimination towards persons with disabilities as 

advanced digital technologies, ranging from input to image 

well as sexual minorities, including members of the lesbian, gay, 

processing and output, with skills from Kyoto’s traditional craft 

bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT”) community.

techniques, Canon has produced and presented high-resolu-

Socially Responsible Procurement and  
Conflict Minerals

tion facsimiles of important Japanese cultural assets, including 

folding screens, Japanese sliding doors and handscrolls. As of 

March 2020, Canon has presented 51 facsimiles of artworks.

Against the backdrop of increasingly global supply chains,  

Furthermore, at the time of the Rugby World Cup 2019™, 

a number of societal issues relating to human rights and envi-

Canon helped instill excitement about the event by providing 

ronmental protection have been identified. Canon encourages 

local governments around Japan with wall galleries exhibiting the 

responsible procurement activities in partnership with its 

intensity of rugby in photographs. Canon is working to support 

suppliers based on the Canon Supplier CSR Guidelines. Working 

Para-sports through photos as an Olympic and Paralympic Games 

to further enhance CSR in the supply chains, Canon joined the 

Tokyo 2020 Gold Partner (Still Camera & Desktop Printer) by taking 

Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) in 2019. Additionally, Canon 

photos of Para-sports athletes for a school educational material.

28

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019STRATEGY

BUSINESS SEGMENT/
CORPORATE STRUCTURE

FINANCIAL SECTION

CORPORATE DATA

Governance

For all company executive officers, the CEO provides updates on earnings progress, reports on key initiatives, and shares other 
important information.

Fundamental Policy

Additionally, there are 38 Executive Officers, including two 

In order to establish a sound corporate governance structure 

females and one non-Japanese as of April 1, 2020.

and continuously raise corporate value, the Company believes 

that it is essential to improve management transparency and 

Audit & Supervisory Board

strengthen management supervising functions.

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

Governance Structure

Board of Directors

under the principles of autonomy, which is independent 

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

Audit & Supervisory Board Members that are familiar with 

While the focus of the organizational structure of the Board 

the Company’s businesses or its management structure, and 

of Directors is on Representative Directors that oversee com-

Independent Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members 

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

that have extensive knowledge in specialized areas such as 

COO, CFO, CTO, and Representative Directors or Executive 

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

Directors that oversee multiple business fields or headquarters 

& Supervisory Board, which is composed of these individu-

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

als, cooperates with the Company’s accounting auditors and 

equate number of at least two or more Independent Outside 

internal audit division, oversees the status of duty execution 

Directors are appointed. The Board of Directors, in accordance 

of operations and corporate assets to secure the soundness 

with laws and regulations, makes important decisions and su-

of management.

pervises the execution of duties by officers. 

The Audit & Supervisory Board consists of five individuals, 

Except for the above, the CEO and other Representative 

three of which are Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members, 

Directors are active in decision making and execution, and 

including two designated as Independent Directors and Audit & 

under the command and supervision of the Representative 

Supervisory Board Members.

Directors, Executive Officers that are elected through resolu-

tion of the Board of Directors make decisions and execute 

operations of each business field or function. Currently, 

the Board of Directors consists of six members, four 

Representative Directors from inside the Company and two 

Independent Outside Directors.

29

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Governance

Procedures in the Nomination of Directors etc.

systems; and the Business Risk Management Subcommittee, 

The Company established the “Nomination and 

which is charged with improving systems to manage overall 

Remuneration Advisory Committee,” a non-statutory com-

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

mittee, which consists of the CEO, two Independent Outside 

formation leak. The Risk Management Committee verifies the 

Directors, and one Independent Outside Audit & Supervisory 

risk management system’s improvement and implementation 

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

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

Board Member candidates are nominated and Executive 

In addition, the Disclosure Committee was established to 

Officers are appointed (includes the selection of a successor 

undertake deliberations pertaining to information disclosure, 

for the chief executive officer position), the CEO recommends 

including content and timing, to ensure important corporate 

candidates thereof from among individuals that have been 

information will be disclosed in a timely and accurate manner.

recognized as having met the prescribed requirements, and 

the Committee checks the fairness and validity of such rec-

Internal Audit Division

ommendation prior to submission to and deliberation by the 

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

Board of Directors.

ing arm, as an independent and specialized organization and 

Additionally, as for Audit & Supervisory Board Member 

in accordance with internal audit rules, conducts audits and 

candidates, prior to deliberation of the Board of Directors, 

evaluations and provides guidance on such matters as compli-

consent of the Audit & Supervisory Board shall be acquired.

ance with laws and the internal control system. Furthermore, 

audits of particular themes such as quality, the environ-

Corporate Strategy Committee, Risk Management

ment, and information security are conducted mainly by the 

Committee, and Disclosure Committee

Corporate Audit Center in cooperation with each division in 

The Company established the Corporate Strategy Committee, 

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

consisting of Representative Directors and some Executive 

work processes, audits must be conducted from a specialized 

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

viewpoint and there are plans to increase the number of its 

Committee undertakes prior deliberations on important mat-

members from the current 80 to strengthen auditing functions 

ters pertaining to Canon Group strategies. Outside Directors 

by enabling audits from a specialized viewpoint in each theme.

and Audit & Supervisory Board members attend Corporate 

Strategy Committee meetings and are able to express their 

own opinions.

Based on a resolution passed by the Board of Directors, 

Canon set up the Risk Management Committee, which 

formulates policy and action proposals regarding improve-

ment of the Canon Group risk management system. The 

Risk Management Committee consists of three entities: the 

Financial Risk Management Subcommittee, which is tasked 

with improving systems to ensure reliability of financial re-

porting; the Compliance Subcommittee, which is tasked with 

promoting corporate ethics and improving legal compliance 

Details of Canon Inc.’s corporate governance structure are available on the Company’s website under “an overview of Corporate Governance at Canon Inc.”  

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

30

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019F I N A N C I A L 

S E C T I O N

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

31

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Financial Overview  ............................... 32

Ten-Year Financial Summary  ................. 46

Consolidated Balance Sheets  ................ 48

Consolidated Statements of Income  ..... 49

Consolidated Statements of  
Comprehensive Income  ........................ 49

Consolidated Statements of Equity  ....... 50

Consolidated Statements of 
Cash Flows  .......................................... 51

Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements  ............................ 52

Schedule II Valuation and  
Qualifying Accounts  ............................. 86

Management’s Report on Internal 
Control Over Financial Reporting  .......... 87

Reports of Independent 
Registered Public Accounting Firm  ....... 88

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

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

OVERVIEW
Canon is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of 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 and the Industry and Others Business Unit.

Economic environment
Looking back at the global economy in 2019, the U.S. economy 
continued to grow thanks to solid consumer spending based on 
the strong employment environment and changes in monetary 
policy, despite signs of a slowdown in manufacturing indus-
tries. The European economy was soft amid sluggish exports 
and concerns over the U.K. leaving the EU. As for the Chinese 
economy, despite holding discussions with the United States on 
trades and reaching an agreement in the first stage, the rate 
of economic growth dropped due to decreases in exports and 
capital investment caused by prolonged trade friction with the 
United States. As for other emerging markets, economic growth 
slowed due to sluggish external demand and weak pricing of 
natural resources. In Japan, while the employment situation 
remained strong, the economic recovery was modest due to 
a drop in manufacturing activity caused by sluggish external 
demand. On a global basis, the economic slowdown continued.

Market environment
Amid these conditions, in the markets in which Canon oper-
ates, demand for office MFDs was in line with the previous 
year, despite solid demand for color models, and due to lower 
demand for monochrome models. As for laser printers, demand 
decreased due to the impact of economic slowdowns in China 
and other countries. The market for cameras continued to 
shrink. Demand for inkjet printers continued to shrink in devel-
oped markets and remained sluggish in emerging markets due 
to economic slowdowns. On the other hand, although demand 
for medical equipment continued to recover in Japan, overall 
demand was in line with the previous year, mainly owing to cur-
rency depreciation and economic slowdowns in some emerging 
markets. While customers continued efforts to restrain capital 

investment in the industrial equipment market, demand for 
network cameras continued to expand.

The average value of the yen for the year was ¥109.03 
against the U.S. dollar, a year-on-year appreciation of ap-
proximately ¥1, and ¥122.03 against the euro, a year-on-year 
appreciation of approximately ¥8.

Summary of operations
In 2019, overall unit sales of office MFDs increased slightly com-
pared with the previous year, despite a decline in monochrome 
models, and thanks to market exceeding growth in color models. 
As for laser printers, although sales for new models were strong, 
overall unit sales decreased compared with the previous year, due 
to slowdowns in sales of low-speed models. While Canon firmly 
maintained the top market share position, overall unit sales of 
interchangeable-lens digital cameras decreased compared with 
the previous year, owing to the shrinking market. Looking at ink-
jet printers, despite expanding sales of refillable ink tank models, 
overall unit sales decreased compared with the previous year. 
With regard to medical equipment, although domestic sales re-
mained solid thanks to a strengthened product lineup, worldwide 
sales grew only slightly due to a first-quarter slowdown in over-
seas sales. As for industrial equipment, sales of lithography equip-
ment and Organic LED (OLED) panels manufacturing equipment 
decreased compared with the previous year due to efforts to 
restrain capital investment in semiconductor memory and small- 
and medium-size display panels. On the other hand, sales of net-
work cameras increased steadily thanks to their broadening use 
in various areas. Under these conditions, net sales for the year de-
creased by 9.1% year on year to ¥3,593,299 million. In addition, 
the gross profit ratio dropped by 1.6 points to 44.8%. Operating 
expenses decreased by 3.8% year on year to ¥1,435,366 mil-
lion, thanks to the pursuit of cost efficiencies in Canon as well 
as positive effects of currency exchange fluctuation. As a result, 
operating profit decreased by 49.1% to ¥174,667 million. Other 
income (deductions) increased by ¥1,133 million, mainly due to 
currency exchange gains and losses compared with the previous 
year, while income before income taxes decreased by 46.1% 
year on year to ¥195,740 million and net income attributable to 
Canon Inc. decreased by 50.5% to ¥125,105 million. 

Total assets decreased by ¥131,114 million to ¥4,768,351 mil-
lion at December 31, 2019, compared with the end of previous 
year, mainly due to a decrease of cash and cash equivalents, and 
accounts receivables. Total liabilities decreased by ¥5,119 million to 
¥1,876,433 million at December 31, 2019, compared with the end 
of previous year, mainly due to a decrease of accounts payables 
and accrued income tax. Total equity decreased by ¥125,995 mil-
lion to ¥2,891,918 million at December 31, 2019, compared with 
the end of previous year, mainly due to the dividend payout, the re-
purchasing of treasury stock and an increase of accumulated other 
comprehensive loss resulting from the appreciation of the yen. 

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

32

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019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 trans-
actions 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, manage-
ment considers the evaluation of net sales by segment to be im-
portant for the purpose of assessing Canon’s sales performance 
in various segments, taking into account recent market trends.

Gross profit ratio (ratio of gross profit to net sales) is another KPI 

for Canon. Through its reforms of product 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 pursued cost reductions through 
enhancement of efficiency in its production. Canon believes that 
these approaches will cause improving Canon’s gross profit ratio, 
and it will continue pursuing the curtailment of product develop-
ment lead times and reductions of production costs.

Operating profit ratio (ratio of operating profit to net sales), 

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

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

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, management believes that it is crucial to continue reduc-
ing work-in-process 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 inventories 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 
position or further improved its ability to fund debt obligations 
and other unexpected expenses. In the long-term, Canon’s 
management believes a high shareholders’ equity ratio will 
enable Canon 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 
inventory turnover in 2016 was primarily due to the acquisition of CMSC on December 19, 2016. If this factor were excluded, the inventory turnover 
would show 50 days.

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

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%

2019
3,593,299
44.8%
8.3%
4.9%
5.4%
59 days
10.8%
56.5%

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

2.  The increase of the debt to total assets ratio in 2019 was primarily due to adopting new accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) 
Section A. The company includes current operating lease liability and noncurrent operating lease liability as the debt since 2019. If this factor were 
excluded, the debt to total assets ratio in 2019 is 8.6%. Please refer to Note 1 (x) for more detailed information.

3.  The decrease of the Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio in 2019 was primarily due to adopting new accounting standard ASU No. 2016-
02, Leases (Topic 842) Section A. The company includes operating lease right-of-use assets in total assets since 2019. If this factor were excluded, Canon 
Inc. shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio is 57.9%. Please refer to Note 1 (x) for more detailed information.

4.  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 and 2015 respectively.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

33

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 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 fre-
quently include the provision of consumables as well as break 
fix activities. The majority portion of service revenue from 
the office products is recognized as billed since the 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 judgements are required. Canon estimates the stand-
alone selling price using a range of prices that would meet the 
allocation objective based on all the information that is reason-
ably 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 selling prices. 
Canon recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract 
as an expense when related office products are sold.

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.

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.

34

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019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.

Lease
Canon provides leasing arrangement to its customers primarily 
for the sales of office products. 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-financ-
ing leases is recognized over the life of each respective lease using 
the interest method. Leases not qualifying as sales-type leases or 
direct-financing leases are accounted for as operating leases and 
related revenue is recognized ratably over the lease term. When 
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 gener-
ally include product and financing while non-lease components 
generally consist of maintenance contracts and supplies. Some 
of the contracts include options to extend or to terminate the 
lease. Canon takes such options into account to determine the 
lease term when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise these 
options. The majority of Canon’s lease contracts do not contain 
bargain purchase options for their customers.

Business combinations
Acquisitions are 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 
primarily based on the discounted cash flow analysis which 
involves estimates of projected future cash flows and discount 
rates. Estimates of projected future cash flows are primarily based 
on Canon’s forecast of future growth rates. Estimates of discount 
rates are determined based on the weighted average cost of capi-
tal, which considers primarily market and industry data as well 
as specific risk factors. Canon has completed its impairment test 
in the fourth quarter of 2019 and determined that there were 
no reporting units that were at risk of failing the impairment test 
as the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its respective 
carrying amount. However, with regard to goodwill attributed to 
commercial printing business included in the Office Business Unit 
for which the impairment charge of ¥33,912 million was recog-
nized for the year ended December 31, 2017 and goodwill at-
tributed to the Medical System Business Unit, 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 relat-
ed to these reporting units as of December 31, 2019 are ¥27,205 
million and ¥508,907 million, respectively. 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 8 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 8 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.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

35

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATAFINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Employee retirement and severance benefit plans
Canon has significant employee retirement and severance 
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 2019, Canon estimat-
ed a weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit 
obligations of 0.5% for Japanese plans and 1.6% for foreign 
plans and a weighted-average expected long-term rate of 
return on plan assets of 3.0% for Japanese plans and 5.2% 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.

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, on a global basis, the economic 
slowdown continued. In such an environment, although each 
of Canon Group’s businesses endeavored to expand sales par-
ticularly with respect to new products, Canon’s consolidated 
net sales in 2019 totaled ¥3,593,299 million, a decrease of 
9.1% from the previous year largely due to adverse effect of 
a shrinking market as well as unfavorable currency effects of 
foreign exchange rate fluctuation. Net sales of products and 
equipment totaled ¥2,835,428 million, a year-on-year de-
crease of 11.2%, while net sales of services totaled ¥757,871 
million, a year-on-year increase of 0.1%.

36

Decreases in discount rates lead to increases in actuarial 
pension benefit obligations which, in turn, could lead to an 
increase in service cost and amortization cost through amortiza-
tion of actuarial gain or loss, a decrease in interest cost, and vice 
versa. For 2019, a decrease of 50 basis points in the discount 
rate increases the projected benefit obligation by approximately 
¥97,614 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 2019, a change of 50 basis points in the 
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would cause a 
change of approximately ¥4,995 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 between 
this expected return on plan assets and the actual return on plan 
assets. The net deferral affects future pension expense.

Canon recognizes the funded status (i.e., the difference 

between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit 
obligations) of its pension plans in its consolidated balance 
sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to an accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

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

2019
3,593,299
2,835,428
757,871
174,667
195,740
125,105

Millions of yen
2018

change
-9.1% 3,951,937
-11.2% 3,194,724
+0.1%
-49.1%
-46.1%
-50.5%

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

2017

change
-3.1% 4,080,015
-9.3% 3,521,156
558,859
321,605
353,884
241,923

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)

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

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

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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 2019Overseas operations are significant to Canon’s operating 
results and generated 75.7% of total net sales in 2019. 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 ¥109.03 

against the U.S. dollar, a year-on-year appreciation of ap-
proximately ¥1, and ¥122.03 against the euro, a year-on-year 
appreciation of approximately ¥8. The effects of foreign 
exchange rate fluctuations negatively affected net sales by ap-
proximately ¥90,729 million in 2019. This unfavorable impact 
consisted of approximately ¥19,828 million of unfavorable 
impact for the U.S. dollar denominated sales and unfavorable 
impact of ¥52,368 million for the euro denominated sales, 
and unfavorable impact of ¥18,533 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 2019 and 2018 were 55.2% and 53.6%, respectively.

Gross profit
Canon’s gross profit in 2019 decreased by 12.3% to 
¥1,610,033 million from 2018. The gross profit ratio also 
dropped by 1.6 points to 44.8%. The decrease in the gross 
profit and gross profit ratio were mainly due to a decrease in 
sales and the negative effect of appreciation of the yen against 
other foreign currencies such as U.S. dollar and the euro.

Operating expenses
The major components of operating expenses are payroll, R&D, 
advertising expenses and other marketing expenses. Operating 
expenses decreased by 3.8% year on year to ¥1,435,366 mil-
lion, thanks to the pursuit of cost efficiencies in Canon as well 
as positive effects of currency exchange fluctuation.

Operating profit
Operating profit in 2019 decreased by 49.1% from 2018 to a 
total of ¥174,667 million. The ratio of operating profit to net 
sales decreased by 3.8 points to 4.9% from 2018.

Other income (deductions)
Other income (deductions) for 2019 was ¥21,073 million, an 
increase of ¥1,133 million from 2018 mainly due to a decrease 
in foreign currency exchange losses.

Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes in 2019 was ¥195,740 million, a de-
crease of 46.1% from 2018, and constituted 5.4% 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)

2019

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

2015
2017

2016
2018

2017
2019

2018

2019

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

37

5,000

5,000

4,000

4,000

3,000

3,000

2,000

2,000

1,000

1,000

0

0
2016

2015

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

2015

2016

2017

2015

2018

2016

2019

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017
2015

2016
2018

2019
2017

2018

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

2015

2016

2017

2015

2018

2016

2019

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2015

2018

2016

2019

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2015

2018

2016

2019

2017

2018

2019

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)

2015

2016

2017

2015

2018

2016

2019

2017

2018

2019

2010

2011

2010

2012

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2015

2014

2016

2015

2017

2016

2018

2017

2019

2018

2019

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 2019 decreased by ¥39,927 million from 2018. 
The effective tax rate for 2019 was 28.7%, which was lower 
than the statutory tax rate in Japan. This was mainly due to the 
tax credit for R&D expense.

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.
As a result, net income attributable to Canon Inc. in 2019 
decreased by 50.5% to ¥125,105 million, which represents 
3.5% of net sales.

Segment information 
Canon operates four segments: the Office Business Unit, the 
Imaging System Business Unit, the Medical System Business 
Unit 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 / Interchangeable lenses / 
Compact photo printers / Inkjet printers /  
Large format inkjet printers / Commercial photo printers / 
Image scanners / Calculators

•  The Medical System Business Unit mainly includes 

Digital radiography systems / Diagnostic X-ray systems /  
CT systems / MRI systems / Diagnostic ultrasound systems / 
Clinical chemistry analyzers / Ophthalmic equipment

•  The Industry and Others Business Unit mainly includes 

Semiconductor lithography equipment /  
FPD (Flat panel display) lithography equipment /  
Vacuum thin-film deposition equipment /  
Organic LED (OLED) panel manufacturing equipment /  
Die bonders / Digital camcorders / Digital cinema cameras / 
Multimedia projectors / Broadcast equipment /  
Micromotors / Network cameras / Handy terminals / 
Document scanners

Sales by segment
Within the Office Business Unit, demand for office MFDs was 
strong for new next-generation color models that feature en-
hanced security functions. Sales of monochrome models, how-
ever, declined due to the impact of economic slowdowns in 
emerging markets. In the production printing market, sales of 
a new compact model offering high-speed and high-volume 
printing steadily increased. As a result, overall unit sales of 
MFDs increased slightly compared with the previous year. As 
for laser printers, despite strong demand for new models that 

offer low energy consumption, compact body designs, and 
high productivity, overall unit sales decreased compared with 
the previous year due to decreasing sales of low-speed mod-
els, mainly in China where the economic slowdown continued. 
Sales of consumables decreased, mainly due to the economic 
slowdown in Europe. These factors resulted in total sales for 
the business unit of ¥1,702,595 million, a year-on-year de-
crease of 5.8%, while income before income taxes decreased 
by 23.9% year on year to ¥174,297 million.

Within the Imaging System Business Unit, sales of the new 

interchangeable-lens digital cameras for advanced amateur 
DSLRs enjoyed solid growth. Also, in the growing full-frame 
mirrorless camera market, Canon benefited from sales of new 
models launched in the second half of the previous year and 
the beginning of this year. However, the interchangeable-
lens digital cameras market continued to shrink mainly for 
entry-level models and overall unit sales decreased compared 
with the previous year. As for inkjet printers, despite efforts 
to enhance the lineup in refillable ink tank models, overall 
unit sales decreased compared with the previous year, mainly 
affected by the sluggish economy in emerging markets. As a 
result, sales for the business unit decreased by 16.8% year on 
year to ¥807,414 million, while income before income taxes 
decreased by 62.1% year on year to ¥49,666 million.

Within the Medical System Business Unit, despite domestic 
sales increased steadily thanks to a recovery of demand and a 
series of newly launched products, sales in Europe remained 
sluggish in the first quarter. As a result, sales for the business 
unit increased by 0.2% year on year to ¥438,525 million, while 
income before income taxes decreased by 7.4% year on year to 
¥27,283 million due to effects of currency exchange fluctuation.
In the Industry and Others Business Unit, although capital 

investment towards semiconductor devices relevant to IoT 
business remained solid, capital investment towards memory 
devices was restrained because of the deterioration in the 
market. Additionally, as for FPD lithography equipment and 
OLED panels manufacturing equipment, sales decreased 
compared with the previous year as capital investment for 
small- and medium-size panels entered into a phase of adjust-
ment. On the other hand, sales of network cameras increased 
reflecting the growth of Axis and the contribution of relevant 
software, driven by the market’s continued expansion based 
on diversifying market needs and replacement demand. 
Consequently, sales for the business unit decreased by 12.5% 
year on year to ¥737,945 million, while income before income 
taxes decreased by 73.1% year on year to ¥15,563 million.
Intersegment sales of ¥93,180 million are eliminated 
from total sales for the four segments, and are described as 
“Eliminations”.

38

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019SALES BY SEGMENT

Office

Imaging System

Medical System
Industry and Others
Eliminations

Total

Millions of yen

2019

1,702,595

change

-5.8%

2018

change

2017

1,807,301

+0.1% 1,804,782

807,414

-16.8%

970,435

-11.7% 1,099,125

438,525
737,945
(93,180)

+0.2%
-12.5%
—

437,578
842,941
(106,318)

+0.3%
+1.6%
—

436,187
829,913
(89,992)

3,593,299

-9.1%

3,951,937

-3.1% 4,080,015

Note:  From the beginning of the first quarter of 2019, Canon has reclassified certain businesses from the Imaging System Business Unit to the Industry and Others 

Business Unit. Sales amounts for the years ended 2018 and 2017 also have been restated.

SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

Japan
Americas
Europe
Asia and Oceania

Total

Millions of yen

2019

change

2018

change

2017

872,534  +0.3%
-4.4%
-13.1%
-18.3%

1,029,078 
882,480 
809,207 

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

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

884,828
1,107,515
1,028,415
1,059,257

3,593,299 

-9.1%

3,951,937 

-3.1%

4,080,015

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 increased by 0.3% from the previous year 

mainly owing to an increase in sales of medical equipment.

In the Americas, despite solid sales of network cameras, net 
sales decreased by 4.4% from the previous year mainly owing 
to a decline in sales of interchangeable-lens digital cameras 
and compact digital cameras.

In Europe, net sales decreased by 13.1% from the previous 
year mainly owing to a decline in sales of consumables, inter-
changeable-lens digital cameras and compact digital cameras.
In Asia and Oceania, net sales decreased by 18.3% from 
the previous year mainly owing to a decline in sales of inter-
changeable-lens digital cameras, compact digital cameras, 
OLED panels manufacturing equipment which was supplied by 
Canon Tokki, and semiconductor lithography equipment.

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 
2019 decreased by 23.9% from the previous year to ¥174,297 
million, mainly due to a decline in sales of consumables.
Income before income taxes for the Imaging System 

Business Unit in 2019 decreased by 62.1% from the previous 
year to ¥49,666 million, owing to shrinking market for inter-
changeable-lens digital cameras on a global basis.

Income before income taxes for the Medical System 

Business Unit in 2019 decreased by 7.4% from the previous 
year to ¥27,283 million, mainly due to a decrease of sales in 

Europe in the first quarter.

Income before income taxes for the Industry and Others 
Business Unit in 2019 decreased by 73.1% from the previous 
year to ¥15,563 million, due to a decrease in sales of semicon-
ductor lithography equipment and OLED panels manufactur-
ing equipment.

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 ¥107,831 million 
to ¥412,814 million in fiscal 2019 compared to the previous 
year. Canon’s cash and cash equivalents are primarily denomi-
nated in Japanese yen and in U.S. dollars, with the remainder 
denominated in other currencies.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

39

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATAFINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by 

¥6,832 million to ¥358,461 million in fiscal 2019 compared to 
the previous year due to a decrease in profit, despite improv-
ing working capital mainly through inventory reduction. The 
major component of Canon’s cash inflow is cash received from 
customers, and the major components of Canon’s cash out-
flow are payments for parts and materials, selling, general and 
administrative expenses, R&D expenses and income taxes.

For fiscal 2019, 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 decreased due to a 
decrease of inventory compared with the inventory in fiscal 
2018. Cash outflow for payments for income taxes decreased 
due to a decrease in taxable income in fiscal 2018 compared 
with taxable income in fiscal 2017.

5,000

Net cash used in investing activities increased by ¥32,953 
million to ¥228,568 million in fiscal 2019 mainly due to an 
increase in payment for purchases of fixed assets.
9

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

Return on Sales (%)

Canon defines “free cash flow” as cash flows from operating 
activities less cash flows from investing activities. For fiscal 2019, 
free cash flow decreased by ¥39,785 million to ¥129,893 mil-
lion as compared with ¥169,678 million for fiscal 2018.
6
Note:  “Free cash flow” is non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial 

3,000

4,000

5,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

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

treasury stock of ¥50,012 million. The Company paid divi-
dends in fiscal 2019 of ¥160.00 per share.

To the extent Canon relies on external funding for its liquid-
ity and capital requirements, it generally has access to 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) increased by ¥3,507 million to ¥42,034 million at 
December 31, 2019 compared with ¥38,527 million at December 
31, 2018. Long-term debt (excluding the current portion) de-
creased by ¥4,622 million to ¥357,340 million at December 31, 
2019 compared with ¥361,962 million at December 31, 2018 
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 finance 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

0

1,000

2,000

2,000

1,000

1,000

2,000

2015

2019

As of February 29, 2020, Canon’s debt ratings are: Moody’s: 

2,000
Office Business Unit
Canon’s management places importance on cash flow man-
3
Imaging System
Business Unit
agement and frequently monitors this indicator. Furthermore, 
A3 (long-term); S&P: A+ (long-term), A-1 (short-term); and 
Medical System
Canon’s management believes that this indicator is significant 
R&I: AA+ (long-term). Canon does not have any rating down-
Business Unit
in understanding Canon’s current liquidity and the alternatives 
grade triggers that would accelerate the maturity of a material 
Industry and Others
0
Business Unit
0
of use in financing activities because it takes into consideration 
amount of its debt. A downgrade in Canon’s credit ratings or 
Eliminations
2017
2017
2015
2019
2019
2018
its operating and investing activities and believes that such 
outlook could, however, increase the cost of its borrowings.
indicator is beneficial to an investor’s understanding. Canon 
Canon’s management policy in recent periods to optimize 
refers to this indicator together with relevant U.S. GAAP 
inventory levels is intended to maintain an appropriate balance 
financial measures shown in its consolidated statements of 
among relevant imperatives, including minimizing working 
cash flows and consolidated balance sheets for cash availabil-
capital, avoiding undue exposure to the risk of inventory ob-
ity 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

Net cash used in financing activities totaled ¥232,590 mil-

0
2018

0
2018

2015
2019

2018

2015

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2016

2016

2018

2019

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

2,000

0

lion in fiscal 2019, mainly resulting from the dividend pay-
out of ¥171,487 million, the repurchases and reissuance of 

Canon’s total inventory turnover ratios were 59, 56, and 
49 days at the end of the fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, 

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

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

0
2018

2019

2015

2016

0
2017

2018
2015

2019
2016

2017

0
2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

0
2018

2019

2015

2016

0
2017

2015
2018

2016
2019

2017

0
2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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)

40

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

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2010

2011

2012

2013

2010

2014

2011

2015

2012

2016

2013

2010

2017

2014

2011

2018

2015

2012

2019

2016

2013

2017

2014

2018

2015

2019

2016

2017

2018

2019

Return on Sales (%)

Return on Sales (%)

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

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 2019respectively. The inventory turnover in 2019 increased due to 
sales decline.

Increase in property, plant and equipment on an accrual 
basis in 2019 amounted to ¥178,088 million compared with 
¥159,316 million in 2018 and ¥147,542 million in 2017. For 
2020, Canon projects its increase in property, plant and equip-
ment will be approximately ¥160,000 million.

Employer contributions to Canon’s worldwide defined 
benefit pension plans were ¥30,383 million in 2019, ¥35,044 
million in 2018 and ¥50,628 million in 2017. Employer con-
tributions to Canon’s worldwide defined contribution pension 
plans were ¥17,414 million in 2019, ¥19,570 million in 2018, 
and ¥18,979 million in 2017. In addition, employer contribu-
tions to the multiemployer pension plan of certain subsidiar-
ies were ¥4,321 million in 2019, ¥4,452 million in 2018 and 
¥4,165 million in 2017.

Working capital in 2019 decreased by ¥135,060 million to 
¥885,467 million, compared with ¥1,020,527 million in 2018 
and ¥1,123,169 million in 2017. Canon believes its working 
capital will be sufficient for its requirements for the foreseeable 
future. Canon’s capital requirements are primarily 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 2019 was 
1.92 compared to 1.99 for 2018 and to 2.01 for 2017.

Return on assets (net income attributable to Canon Inc. 
divided by the average of total assets) was 2.6% in 2019, 
compared to 5.0% in 2018 and 4.7% in 2017.

FREE CASH FLOW

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

Free cash flow

Return on Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity (net income at-
tributable to Canon Inc. divided by the average of total Canon 
Inc. shareholders’ equity) was 4.5% in 2019 compared with 
8.9% in 2018 and 8.6% in 2017.

The debt to total assets ratios were 10.8%, 8.2% and 
10.2% as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respective-
ly. Canon had short-term loans, current operating lease liabili-
ties, long-term debt, and noncurrent operating lease liabilities 
of ¥514,946 million as of December 31, 2019, ¥400,489 
million as of December 31, 2018 and ¥532,566 million as of 
December 31, 2017. The company includes current operating 
lease liability and noncurrent operating lease liability as debt 
since 2019 due to adopting new accounting standard ASU No. 
2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) Section A. Please refer to Note 1 
(x) for more detailed information.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We have reported our financial results in accordance with 
U.S. GAAP. In addition, we have discussed our results using 
the combination of two GAAP cash flow measures, Net cash 
provided by operating activities and Net cash used for invest-
ing activities, which we refer to as “Free Cash Flow” which is 
non-GAAP measure. We believe this measure is beneficial to 
an investor’s understanding 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 this non-GAAP financial measure and the 
most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in 
accordance with GAAP is set forth on the following table.

Millions of yen

2019

2018

358,461
(228,568)

365,293
(195,615)

129,893

169,678

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 15 years in case of employ-
ees with housing loans, and 1 year to 5 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 
¥2,987 million at December 31, 2019. The carrying amounts 
of the liabilities recognized for Canon’s obligations as a guar-
antor under those guarantees at December 31, 2019 were 
not significant.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

41

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, 2019.

9

6

3

Total

Less than 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than 5 years

Payments due by period

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

354,000
4,574
122,673

—
1,234
34,317

354,000
2,020
45,018

—
690
24,230

—
630
19,108

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

32,242

32,242

Total

662,561

216,865

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 11, 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

36,241
112,831

36,241
112,831

—
—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—

401,038

24,920
Increase in Property,
Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)

19,738

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 recorded at the time revenue is recognized and are includ-
ed in selling, general and administrative expenses. Estimates 
for accrued product warranty costs are primarily based on 
historical experience, and are affected by ongoing product fail-
ure 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, 2019 ac-
crued product warranty costs are included in accured expenses 
and amounted to ¥15,846 million.

At December 31, 2019, commitments outstanding for the 

purchase of property, plant and equipment were approxi-
mately ¥36,241 million, and commitments outstanding for 
the purchase of parts and raw materials were approximately 
¥112,831 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 ¥13,257 million 
to its Japanese defined benefit pension plans and ¥18,985 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

•  Reinforce and expand new businesses while creating 

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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 engineering and manu-
facturing technology operations while pursuing total cost 

R&D Expenses (Billions of yen)

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

400

300

200

100

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

42

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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 (%)

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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 2019reduction by advancing production engineering capabili-
ties 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 business with the explora-
tion of new application possibility of Canon’s technologies 
into new fields. Also, invest intensively on the R&D of 
promising businesses areas such as commercial printing, 
network cameras and healthcare while actively taking 
advantage of mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) to accel-
erate the early expansion of these businesses.

•  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 universities, 
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 commercialize the products such as needle-guiding 
system which is consisted of ultra-miniature endoscope, 
image-guided navigation software and robot for needle inser-
tion at the Healthcare Optics Research Laboratory in Boston. 
Also, CMSC is currently working on collaborative research 
on Deep Learning Reconstruction in MRI systems, together 
with Kumamoto University and the University of Bordeaux. 

Moreover, Canon started collaborative research with the 
Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 
to realize high-quality autologous iPS cells.

Canon has developed simulation systems covering compre-
hensive image processing including optical design, mechanical 
noise analysis, and thermal air flow analysis. With these simu-
lation 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 2019, according to the annual ranking list, 
released by IFI CLAIMS® Patent Services.

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 risk 
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, 2019.

Fund trusts and others

Equity securities

Millions of yen

Fair value

730

16,740

17,470

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

43

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, 2019. All of the foreign exchange contracts described in the following table have a 
contractual maturity date in 2020.

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

75,838
(600)

24,816
(173)

94,308
(1,451)

1,712
(16)

10,096
(172)

180,242
(2,223)

6,090
190

32,618
1

Canon expects that fair value changes and cash flows result-

Canon has entered into certain foreign currency exchange 

ing from reasonable near-term changes in interest rates will 
be immaterial. Accordingly, Canon believes interest rate risk 
is insignificant. See also Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

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 earn-
ings in the same period as the hedged items affect earnings. 
Substantially all amounts recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2019 are 
expected to be recognized in net sales over the next twelve 
months. After the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12 from the 
quarter beginning January 1, 2019, Canon includes the time 
value component in the assessment of hedge effectiveness, 
which had been previously excluded. Changes in the fair 
value of a foreign exchange contract for the period between 
the date that the forecasted intercompany sales occur and its 
maturity date are recognized in earnings.

The amount of the hedging ineffectiveness was not mate-
rial for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. 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 and ¥332 million 
for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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 
and taking steps to cultivate and strengthen new businesses.
The global economy in 2020, while a modest recovery is 
expected, uncertainty is increasing due to growing geopoliti-
cal risks and concerns of a relapse in U.S.-China trade friction. 
In addition, uncertainty about the effects of the global spread 
of the coronavirus disease “COVID-19”, which has already 

44

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019affected the global economy, has continued to increase.

(4) Industrial equipment

 We have an overwhelming share in the market of OLED 
panel manufacturing equipment for smartphones and will 
aim to increase its competitiveness further and apply it to 
the segment of large-size displays for televisions.

Recent development
The global spread of COVID-19 has had disruptive effects on 
the supply chain and operations of manufacturers, particular-
ly in Asia. As a result, Canon temporarily suspended opera-
tions in certain of Canon’s factories and has experienced 
reduced production in some of Canon’s factories. Although 
Canon expects the negative impact of COVID-19 on global 
economic and market conditions will adversely affect Canon’s 
business, the duration and extent of the further spread of 
COVID-19 remain uncertain at this time, and therefore the 
impact on results of operations remains unknown.

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.

In the businesses in which Canon is involved, overall demand 

of office MFDs is expected to increase slightly thanks to solid 
demand for color models. Demand for laser printers, however, 
is expected to be below that of last year as only a modest eco-
nomic recovery is expected. As for interchangeable-lens digital 
cameras, although demand for entry-level models is expected 
to continue to shrink, demand for mirrorless cameras is expect-
ed to remain firm, particularly for advanced amateur models, 
including models with full-frame sensors. Demand for inkjet 
printers is expected to recover moderately, mainly in emerging 
markets. As for medical equipment, solid demand is expected 
thanks, in part, to expanding demand in emerging markets to 
improve medical infrastructure. With regard to semiconduc-
tor lithography equipment, capital investment is recovering 
because the price of memory devices has bottomed out. As for 
FPD lithography equipment and OLED panels manufacturing 
equipment, a gradual rise in capital investment in small- and 
medium-size display panels is expected, as is continued solid 
investment into high-resolution, large-size display panels. As 
for network cameras, continued market expansion is expected 
due to growing demand for security and diversification in the 
way network cameras are being used.

In 2020, while securing and maintaining a high market 
share by investing into new competitive products in our exist-
ing businesses in a timely manner, and securing high profit 
margin, even amid market shrinkage, we will endeavor to 
accelerate the great strategic transformation by implementing 
the following priority measures in our new businesses to real-
ize their early expansion in terms of both sales and profit.

(1) Commercial printing and industrial printing

 Taking advantage of the trend that drives the transition 
from offset printing to digital printing, we will continue to 
expand and strengthen the business through the enhance-
ment of our product portfolio and service structure. We 
will also push forward with product development targeting 
the areas of package printing and label printing, which are 
expected to grow going forward, based on our original 
technologies.

(2) Network cameras

 By bringing together all our group strengths, we will 
endeavor to expand and strengthen our solution business 
through the integrations of cameras, video management 
software, and video analysis software.

(3) Medical systems

 In the diagnostic imaging systems segment, which is our 
core business field, we will endeavor to strengthen the 
sales capability in overseas markets, particularly in the U.S. 
We will also aim to expand into business fields with high 
growth potential, such as healthcare IT and bioscience.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

45

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATA9

6

3

0

300

200

100

0

400

300

200

100

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Increase in Property,

Plant and Equipment (Billions of yen)

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Return on Sales (%)

Sales by Segment (Billions of yen)

Sales by Geographic Area (Billions of yen)

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

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

2017

2018

2019

2015

Net sales:
2016
  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
2015
  Dividend per share
  Stock price:

2017

2018

2019

2016

  High
  Low

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

0

12

9

6

3

0

872,534
2,720,765
3,593,299
90.9%

125,105
3.5%

46,665
298,503
170,418
178,088

357,340
2,692,595
4,768,351

116.93
116.91
160.00

3,338
2,688

1,000

Millions of yen (except per share amounts)

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015
869,577
3,082,360
3,951,937
96.9%

2017

2019

2018
884,828
3,195,187
4,080,015
119.9%

252,755
6.4%

241,923
5.9%

Return on Canon Inc.
Shareholders’ Equity (%)

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

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

Japan
Americas
Europe
2016
Asia and Oceania

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

150,650
4.4%

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

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2019

Thousands of U.S. dollars 

(except per share amounts)

714,280

3,085,991

3,800,271

102.0%

220,209

5.8%

80,907

332,678

223,759

195,120

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%

$  7,932,127

24,734,228

32,666,355

90.9%

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 

1,137,318

3.5%

424,227

2,713,664

1,549,255

1,618,982

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 

$  3,248,545

2,645,782 

3,983,820 

24,478,136

43,348,645

234.09
234.08
160.00

2015

2016

2017

222.88
222.88
160.00

2018

2019

4,395
2,877

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 

$ 

1.06

1.06

1.45

30.35

24.44

Average number of common shares in thousands
Number of employees

1,069,957
187,041

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 

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

46

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions of yen (except per share amounts)

872,534

2,720,765

3,593,299

90.9%

125,105

3.5%

46,665

298,503

170,418

178,088

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

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

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2019

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

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

220,209
5.8%

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

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%

$  7,932,127
24,734,228
32,666,355
90.9%

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 

1,137,318
3.5%

424,227
2,713,664
1,549,255
1,618,982

357,340

2,692,595

4,768,351

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 

$  3,248,545
24,478,136
43,348,645

116.93

116.91

160.00

3,338

2,688

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 

$ 

1.06
1.06
1.45

30.35
24.44

Average number of common shares in thousands

Number of employees

1,069,957

187,041

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 

Notes: 1.  U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of U.S.$1 = JPY110, the approximate exchange rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market as of 

December 30, 2019.

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 2010 respectively.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

47

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATA 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
December 31, 2019 and 2018

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)

Short-term investments (Note 2)

Trade receivables, net (Note 3)

Inventories (Note 4)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Notes 6, 14 and 17)

Total current assets

Noncurrent receivables (Note 19)

Investments (Note 2)

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

Operating lease right-of-use assets (Note 18)

Intangible assets, net (Note 7)

Goodwill (Note 7)

Other assets (Notes 6, 10 and 11)

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Short-term loans and current portion of long-term debt (Note 8)

Trade payables (Note 9)

Accrued income taxes (Note 11)

Accrued expenses (Notes 10 and 19)

Current operating lease liabilities (Note 18)

Other current liabilities (Notes 5, 14 and 17)

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, excluding current installments (Notes 8 and 20)

Accrued pension and severance cost (Note 10)

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (Note 18)

Other noncurrent liabilities (Note 11)

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 19)

Equity:

Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity:

Common stock

Millions of yen

2019

2018

412,814

1,767

559,836

584,756

286,792

520,645

956

612,953

611,281

304,346

1,845,965

2,050,181

17,135

48,361

18,230

42,556

1,089,671

1,090,992

114,418

347,921

898,661

406,219

—

391,021

908,511

397,974

4,768,351

4,899,465

42,034

305,312

18,801

324,891

31,884

237,576

960,498

357,340

368,507

83,688

106,400

1,876,433

38,527

352,489

41,264

321,137

—

276,237

1,029,654

361,962

382,789

—

107,147

1,881,552

Authorized 3,000,000,000 shares; issued 1,333,763,464 shares in 2019 and 2018

Additional paid-in capital

Legal reserve (Note 12)

Retained earnings (Note 12)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 13)

174,762

405,017

67,572

3,462,182

(308,442)

174,762

404,389

67,116

3,508,908

(269,071)

Treasury stock, at cost; 269,928,993 shares in 2019 and 254,013,641 shares in 2018

(1,108,496)

(1,058,502)

Total Canon Inc. shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

48

2,692,595

199,323

2,891,918

4,768,351

2,827,602

190,311

3,017,913

4,899,465

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Net sales (Notes 6, 14 and 17)
Products and Equipment
Services

Cost of sales (Notes 5, 7, 10 and 18)

Products and Equipment
Services

Gross profit

Operating expenses (Notes 1, 5, 7, 10, 15, 18 and 19 ):

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, 10, 13 and 17)

Income before income taxes

Income taxes (Note 11)

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 16):

Basic
Diluted

Cash dividends per share

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Millions of yen

2019

2018

2017

2,835,428
757,871
3,593,299

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

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

1,627,858
355,408
1,983,266
1,610,033

1,136,863
298,503
—
1,435,366
174,667

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

5,526
(1,038)
16,585
21,073
195,740

56,223
139,517

14,412
125,105

116.93
116.91
160.00

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

96,150
266,742

13,987
252,755

Yen

234.09
234.08
160.00

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

98,024
255,860

13,937
241,923

222.88
222.88
160.00

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 13):

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.

2019
139,517

(32,157)
—
(1,068)
(3,630)
(36,855)
102,662
16,382
86,280

Millions of yen

2018
266,742

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

2017
255,860

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

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

49

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Balance at December 31, 2016
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 13):

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
Balance at December 31, 2017
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 13):

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
Balance at December 31, 2018
Cumulative effects of accounting standard 
 update—adoption of ASU No. 2017-12
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 13):

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
Balance at December 31, 2019

Common 
stock
174,762

Additional 
paid-in  
capital
401,385

1

Legal  
reserve
66,558

Retained 
earnings
3,350,728

(162,887)

321

(321)

Millions of yen

Accumulated 
other  
comprehensive
income (loss)
(199,881)

Total
Canon Inc. 
shareholders’ 
equity

Treasury  
stock

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

Non- 
controlling 
interests
211,493

Total
equity
2,994,622

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

(131)
3,429,312

(143,228)

(106)

5,343

(5,343)

174,762

401,386

66,879

3,003

(4,200)

(178,159)

237

(237)

44,168

2,922

47,090

(9,767)

405

(9,362)

2,562
19,690
298,576
(50,036)
1,847
(1,058,481) 2,870,630

(50,036)
1,978

26
1,517
18,807

225,545

2,588
21,207
317,383
(50,036)
1,847
3,096,175

(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)

(269,071)

(122)

(424)

(89,823)

(3,323)

(93,146)

(141)

—

(141)

488
(26,824)
136,455
(25)
4
(1,058,502) 2,827,602

(25)
4

—
(3,746)
6,918

190,311

488
(30,570)
143,373
(25)
4
3,017,913

—

—

—

217
(171,487)

—

(1,813)

(5,557)

(1,596)
(171,487)
(5,557)
—

174,762

404,389

67,116

641

0
3,508,908

122

(171,487)

456

(456)

125,105

125,105

14,412

139,517

(32,043)

(32,043)

(114)

(32,157)

—

(1,073)
(5,709)

174,762

(13)
405,017

67,572

(10)
3,462,182

(308,442)

—

—

—

(1,073)
(5,709)
86,280
(50,015)
(2)
(1,108,496) 2,692,595

(50,015)
21

5
2,079
16,382

199,323

(1,068)
(3,630)
102,662
(50,015)
(2)
2,891,918

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

50

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

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 
Gain on securities contributed to retirement benefit trust 
Deferred income taxes
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables
(Increase) decrease in inventories
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes
Increase 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
(Increase) decrease in time deposits, net
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
Other, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt (Note 8)
Repayments of long-term debt (Note 8)
Increase in short-term loans, net (Note 8)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid
Repurchases and reissuance of treasury stock
Other, net

Millions of yen

2019

2018

2017

139,517

266,742

255,860

237,327
5,991
311
—
—
(6,446)
43,504
19,895
(35,509)
(22,279)
9,491
(13,722)
(19,619)

358,461

(215,671)
885
(4,907)
828
(1,511)
(8,880)
688

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

(228,568)

(195,615)

(165,010)

—
(8,678)
4,913
(1,769)
(171,487)
(50,012)
(5,557)

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

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

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(232,590)

(354,830)

(340,464)

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

(5,134)

(16,017)

(107,831)

(201,169)

6,538

91,621

520,645

412,814

721,814

630,193

520,645

721,814

Supplemental disclosure for cash flow information:

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest
Income taxes

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

888
77,654

749
131,616

1,026
71,473

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

51

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Canon Inc. and Subsidiaries

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Description of Business
Canon Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries (collectively 
“Canon”) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in 
such fields as office products, imaging system products, 
medical system products and industry and other products. 
Office products consist mainly of office multifunction devices 
(“MFDs”), laser multifunction printers (“MFPs”), laser print-
ers, digital continuous feed presses, digital sheet-fed presses, 
wide-format printers and document solutions. Imaging system 
products consist mainly of interchangeable-lens digital cam-
eras, digital compact cameras, interchangeable lenses, com-
pact photo printers, inkjet printers, large format inkjet printers, 
commercial photo printers, image scanners and calculators. 
Medical system products consist mainly of digital radiography 
systems, diagnostic X-ray systems, computed tomography 
(“CT”) systems, magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) systems, 
diagnostic ultrasound systems, clinical chemistry analyzers and 
ophthalmic equipment. Industry and other products consist 
mainly of semiconductor lithography equipment, FPD (Flat 
panel display) lithography equipment, vacuum thin-film depo-
sition equipment, organic LED (“OLED”) panel manufacturing 
equipment, die bonders, network cameras, digital camcord-
ers, digital cinema cameras, multimedia projectors, broadcast 
equipment, micromotors, handy terminals and document 
scanners. Sales are made principally under the Canon brand 
name, almost entirely through sales subsidiaries. These sub-
sidiaries are responsible for marketing and distribution, and 
primarily sell to retail dealers 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 13.0%, 13.6% and 13.1% of consolidated 
net sales for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 
2017, respectively, and are included in the Office Business Unit.
Canon’s manufacturing operations are conducted primarily 
at 29 plants in Japan and 14 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 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 ¥4,236 mil-
lion, ¥6,044 million and ¥9,775 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, 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 ¥506 million 
and ¥70,500 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respec-
tively, are included in cash and cash equivalents in the consoli-
dated 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 

52

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019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-sale 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-sale 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.

(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 50 years.

(l) Leases
As for lessor accounting, Canon provides leasing arrange-
ment to its customers primarily for the sales of office products. 
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 respective lease using the 
interest method. Leases not qualifying as sales-type leases or 
direct-financing leases are accounted for as operating leases 
and related revenue is recognized ratably over the lease term. 
When 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 and financing while 
non-lease components generally consist of maintenance 
contracts and supplies. Some of the contracts include options 
to extend or to terminate the lease. Canon takes such options 
into account to determine the lease term when it is reason-
ably certain that it will exercise these options. The majority 
of Canon’s lease contracts do not contain bargain purchase 
options for their customers.

As for lessee accounting, Canon has operating and finance 

(i) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable 
value. Cost is determined by the average method for domestic 

leases for various assets including office buildings, ware-
houses, employees’ accommodations, and vehicles. Canon 
determines if an arrangement is a lease at the inception 

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

53

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

of each contract. Some of the contracts include options to 
extend or to terminate the lease. Canon takes such options 
into accounts to determine the lease term when it is reason-
ably certain that it will exercise these options. Canon’s lease 
arrangements do not contain material residual value guaran-
tees or material restrictive covenants. As a rate implicit in the 
most of Canon’s leases cannot be determined, Canon uses 
incremental borrowing rate based on the information available 
at commencement to determine the present values of lease 
payments. Canon has lease contracts with lease and non-lease 
components, which are accounted for separately. Canon al-
locates the consideration in the lease contract to the lease and 
non-lease components based upon the estimated standalone 
prices. Costs associated with operating lease assets are recog-
nized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

(m) 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 8 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 8 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 
or obtains certain software to be sold where related costs are 
capitalized after establishment of technological feasibility.

(n) 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.

(o) 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.

(p) 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.

(q)  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.

(r) 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 14.

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

(t) Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising ex-
penses were ¥46,665 million, ¥58,729 million and ¥61,207 
million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 
2017, respectively.

54

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019(u) Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs totaled ¥51,718 million, ¥54,844 
million and ¥52,953 million for the years ended December 31, 
2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included in selling, 
general and administrative expenses in the consolidated state-
ments of income.

(v) 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, and reclassified in the same 
income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the 
hedged item is reported.

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.

(w) 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.

(x) Recent Accounting Guidance

Recently adopted accounting guidance
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“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 previous guidance. For 
lessors, the standard modifies the classification criteria and 
the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. The 
FASB also modified the definition of a lease. Additionally, this 

guidance expands the qualitative and quantitative disclosures 
related to leases. This guidance is effective for annual reporting 
periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Canon applied 
the guidance from the quarter beginning January 1, 2019. 
Canon applied the package of practical expedients that allows 
it not to reassess whether any existing contracts at or expired 
contracts prior to the adoption date are or contain leases, lease 
classification and whether initial direct costs qualify for capital-
ization, in addition to the short term lease exception. Canon 
also adopted the transition method for which no restatement 
of comparative periods and no reassessment of land ease-
ments not previously accounted for as a lease that existed at 
or expired prior to the adoption date are required. The right of 
use assets for operating leases recognized at January 1, 2019 
was ¥125,649 million. The corresponding lease liabilities were 
also recognized. The adoption of this guidance did not have 
a material impact on its consolidated results of operation. For 
further information, please refer to Notes 6 and 18.

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 sim-
plify the application of the hedge accounting in certain situations 
and enables an entity to better portray the economic results of 
an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. 
This guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure 
and report hedge ineffectiveness, and requires an entity to pres-
ent the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same 
income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the 
hedged item is reported. Canon adopted this guidance from the 
quarter beginning January 1, 2019 with the modified retrospec-
tive method through a cumulative effect adjustment directly to 
retained earnings as of the beginning of the period. Gains and 
losses resulting from derivative financial instruments designated 
as cash flow hedges associated with forecasted intercompany 
sales, which were previously included in other income (deduc-
tions) in the consolidated statements of income, are included in 
net sales after the adoption of this guidance. The adoption of 
this guidance did not have a material impact on its consolidated 
results of operation and financial condition.

Recently issued accounting guidance not yet adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial 
Instruments – Credit Losses – (Topic 326): Measurement of 
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires entities 
to use a current expected credit loss model to measure impair-
ments of certain financial assets. Using this model will result 
in earlier recognition of losses than under the current incurred 
loss approach, which requires waiting to recognize a loss until 
it is probable of being incurred. This guidance should be ap-
plied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative 
effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the begin-
ning of the period of adoption. Canon will adopt the guidance 
from the quarter beginning January 1, 2020. Canon does not 
expect material impacts from the adoption on its consolidated 
results of operation and financial condition.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

55

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

2. INVESTMENTS

The unrealized and realized gains and losses related to equity securities for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as 
follows:

Years ended December 31

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

2019

2,148

2018

(6,092)

(76)

675

2,224

(6,767)

Gross realized gains related to equity securities were 

¥18,514 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Gross 
realized losses, including write-downs for impairments that 
were other-than-temporary, were ¥42 million for the years 
ended December 31, 2017.

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 ¥8,448 mil-
lion and ¥4,629 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively. The impairment or other adjustments resulting 

from observable price changes recorded during the year ended 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 were not significant.

The unrealized and realized gains and losses related to debt 

securities were not significant for the years ended December 
31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Time deposits with original maturities of more than three 
months are ¥1,767 million and ¥326 million at December 31, 
2019 and 2018, 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 ¥19,988 million and ¥21,312 
million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Canon’s 
share of the net earnings in affiliated companies accounted for 
by the equity method, included in other income (deductions), 
were losses of ¥311 million for the year ended December 31, 
2019, and earnings of ¥1,414 million and ¥1,196 million for 
the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

3. TRADE RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables are summarized as follows:

December 31

Notes
Accounts

Less allowance for doubtful receivables

56

Millions of yen

2019

32,952
537,243

570,195
(10,359)

559,836

2018

29,878
594,552

624,430
(11,477)

612,953

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 20194. INVENTORIES

Inventories are summarized as follows:

December 31

Finished goods
Work in process
Raw materials

Millions of yen

2019

367,332
165,399
52,025

584,756

2018

393,820
165,003
52,458

611,281

5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

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

December 31

Millions of yen

Land
Buildings
Machinery and equipment
Construction in progress
Finance lease right-of-use assets

Less accumulated depreciation

2019

273,014
1,658,270
1,802,624
77,953
4,999

3,816,860
(2,727,189)

1,089,671

2018

272,443
1,629,683
1,789,226
67,045
4,517

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

1,090,992

After the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 from the beginning 

of the first quarter of 2019, Canon has reclassified finance 
lease assets from buildings and machinery and equipment 
to finance lease right-of-use assets. Finance lease assets at 
December 31, 2018 also have been reclassified.

Depreciation expenses for the years ended December 31, 
2019, 2018 and 2017 were ¥170,418 million, ¥175,771 mil-
lion and ¥189,712 million, respectively.

Amounts due for purchases of property, plant and equip-
ment were ¥30,601 million and ¥32,433 million at December 
31, 2019 and 2018, 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. LESSOR ACCOUNTING

Lease income is included in Products and Equipment sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. Supplemental 
income statement information is as follows:

Year ended December 31

Lease income – sales-type and direct financing leases
Revenue at lease commencement
Interest income on lease receivables

Lease income – operating leases 
Variable lease income 

Millions of yen

2019

114,312
20,382 

134,694
25,403
6,216

166,313

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

57

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

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

Allowance for Credit Losses
The activities in the allowance for credit losses are as follows:

Years ended December 31

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

Balance at end of year

2019
360,146
13,070
—
(33,338)

339,878
(2,627)

337,251
(113,892)

223,359

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

330,740
(2,675)

328,065
(111,629)

216,436

Millions of yen

2019

2018

2,675
(1,653)
1,495
110

2,627

2,681
(1,284)
938
340

2,675

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 
finance receivables is evaluated collectively based on historical 

Equipment leased to customers
The cost of equipment leased to customers under operat-
ing leases included in property, plant and equipment, net at 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 was ¥116,681 million and 

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 are individually evaluated for impairment at December 
31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are not significant.

¥120,457 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation on 
equipment under operating leases at December 31, 2019 and 
2018 was ¥82,633 million and ¥82,698 million, respectively.

58

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Maturity Analysis
The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum lease payments to be received under finance leases and non-cancellable 
operating leases at December 31, 2019.

Year ending December 31:

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter

Millions of yen

Financing leases

Operating leases

128,674
100,569
68,921
39,314
16,363
6,305

360,146

9,893
6,115
3,593
1,116
401
56

21,174

Information about transferring finance receivables
Canon has syndication arrangements to sell its entire inter-
ests in finance receivables to the third-party financial institu-
tions. The transactions under the arrangements are account-
ed for as sales in accordance with ASC 860 “Transfers and 
Servicing.” The sales of finance receivables were ¥11,710 
million and ¥21,909 million for the year ended December 
31, 2019 and 2018. The amount remained uncollected were 
¥28,616 million and ¥22,956 million at December 31, 2019 
and 2018, respectively. Cash proceeds from the transactions 

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 institutions. The amount associated with the 
servicing liability measured at fair value was not material at 
December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Canon also re-
tains limited recourse obligations which cover credit defaults. 
The recourse obligation was not material at December 31, 
2019 and 2018, respectively.

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets subject to amortization acquired during the 
year ended December 31, 2019, including those recorded 
from businesses acquired, totaled ¥34,259 million, which 
primarily consist of software of ¥32,334 million. The weighted 
average amortization periods for intangible assets in total ac-
quired during the year ended December 31, 2019 are approxi-
mately 5 years. The weighted average amortization period for 
software acquired during the year ended December 31, 2019 
is approximately 5 years.

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.

The components of intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

December 31

Millions of yen

Software
Customer relationships
Patents and developed technology
Trademarks
License fees
Other

2019

2018

Gross carrying  
amount

Accumulated  
amortization

Gross carrying  
amount

Accumulated  
amortization

370,178
153,708
123,609
41,688
15,944
18,972

724,099

262,405
35,276
46,263
13,582
8,482
11,846

377,854

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

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

59

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

Aggregate amortization expense for the years ended 
December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was ¥66,909 million, 
¥75,783 million and ¥72,169 million, respectively. Estimated 
amortization expense for intangible assets currently held for 
the next five years ending December 31 is ¥58,646 million 
in 2020, ¥51,386 million in 2021, ¥42,866 million in 2022, 

¥32,678 million in 2023, and ¥27,818 million in 2024.

Intangible assets not subject to amortization other than 

goodwill at December 31, 2019 and 2018 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, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

Year ended December 31
Millions of yen

2019: 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

Year 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

Office

127,860
(20,770)

107,090
—
(2,518)

124,613
(20,041)

104,572

Office

135,125
(22,069)

113,056
—
(5,966)

127,860
(20,770)

107,090

Imaging  
System

48,670
—

48,670
—
(1,717)

46,953
—

46,953

Imaging  
System

52,561
—

52,561
—
(3,891)

48,670
—

48,670

Medical  
System

500,896
—

500,896
8,330
(319)

508,907
—

508,907

Medical  
System

499,915
—

499,915
1,521
(540)

500,896
—

500,896

Industry and  
Others

263,513
(11,658)

251,855
—
(13,626)

249,478
(11,249)

238,229

Industry and  
Others

283,577
(12,387)

271,190
6,106
(25,441)

263,513
(11,658)

251,855

Total

940,939
(32,428)

908,511
8,330
(18,180)

929,951
(31,290)

898,661

Total

971,178
(34,456)

936,722
7,627
(35,838)

940,939
(32,428)

908,511

8. SHORT-TERM LOANS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Short-term loans consisting of bank borrowings at December 
31, 2019 and 2018 were ¥40,800 million and ¥35,887 mil-
lion, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on 
short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 

2018 were 0.21% and 0.43%, respectively. Unused overdraft 
facilities at December 31, 2019 were ¥150,000 million. The 
overdraft facilities bear interest at a rate equal to a base rate 
plus a spread.

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

December 31

Loan from banks; bearing interest of 0.08% at December 31, 2019 
 and 0.07% at December 31, 2018 *1
Other debt*2

Less current portion

Millions of yen

2019

2018

354,000
4,574

358,574
(1,234)

357,340

360,000
4,602

364,602
(2,640)

361,962

*1  Canon has the unsecured revolving credit facility contracts expiring in December 2021. Canon prepaid ¥6,000 million of the loan with cash flows generated 
during the year ended December 31, 2019. The outstanding loans under the credit facilities are ¥354,000 million at a floating interest of 0.08% and Canon 
has no unused credit facilities as of December 31, 2019.

*2 The other debt consisted of term-loans and finance lease obligations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

60

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2019 were as follows:

Year ending December 31:

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter

Millions of yen

1,234
355,199
821
487
203
630

358,574

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

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

9. TRADE PAYABLES

Trade payables are summarized as follows:

December 31

Notes

Accounts

Millions of yen

2019

56,865

248,447

305,312

2018

68,140

284,349

352,489

10. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT AND SEVERANCE BENEFITS

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have contributory 
and noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering 
substantially all of their employees. Benefits payable under the 
plans are based on employee earnings and years of service. 
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries also have defined 
contribution pension plans covering substantially all of their 
employees. Canon Medical Systems Corporation (“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 provi-
sion which provides participants an equivalent level of benefits 
as compared to the Toshiba Funds. As of December 31, 2018, 

a majority of plan participants had been transferred from the 
Toshiba Funds into the new pension provision. Canon calcu-
lated the projected benefit obligations for the remaining par-
ticipants within the Toshiba Funds based on the benefit level 
of the Toshiba Funds and included the proportional share of 
the plan assets to which CMSC had a legal right in the follow-
ing tables for the remaining participants as of December 31, 
2018. In March 2019, CMSC settled the pension obligations 
attributed to the remaining participants within the Toshiba 
Funds. The loss recognized due to the settlement in the con-
solidated statement of income for the year ended December 
31, 2019 was not significant.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

61

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

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

December 31

Change in benefit obligations:

Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan participants’ contributions
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid
Plan amendments
Curtailments and settlements
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
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
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

2019

2018

2019

2018

927,006
30,903
5,074
—
15,289
(35,372)
—
(17,510)
—
925,390

682,695
54,170
12,367
—
(28,549)
(16,514)
—
704,169
(221,221)

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)

385,949
6,264
8,643
1,432
52,261
(10,863)
362
(3,608)
(816)
439,624

248,642
35,298
18,016
1,432
(10,863)
—
2,304
294,829
(144,795)

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)

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

December 31

Other assets
Accrued expenses
Accrued pension and severance cost

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2019

2018

2019

2018

1,904
(818)
(222,307)
(221,221)

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

2,342
(937)
(146,200)
(144,795)

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

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2019 and 2018 before the effect of 

income taxes are as follows:

December 31

Actuarial loss
Prior service credit

62

Japanese plans

Millions of yen

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

2019

2018

2019

2018

231,811
(36,506)

267,355
(48,392)

195,305

218,963

118,247
268

118,515

95,121
(227)

94,894

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019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

2019

2018

2019

2018

892,154

893,154

421,460

371,653

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

2019

2018

2019

2018

916,562
693,437

918,736
672,889

437,780
290,643

384,167
245,554

887,138
688,754

891,204
670,826

414,729
285,341

369,215
244,826

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, 2019, 2018 and 2017 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

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

30,903
5,074
(19,553)
(11,877)
15,247
(36)

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

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

6,264
8,643
(11,919)
(133)
4,345
(2,197)

7,982
8,691
(12,601)
(217)
5,108
—

6,962
8,691
(10,722)
(83)
5,747
—

19,758

13,576

17,382

5,003

8,963

10,595

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.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

63

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

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

December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 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

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

(19,328)
—
(15,247)
11,877
(960)

58,149
(3,963)
(11,900)
13,001
—

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

28,882
362
(4,345)
133
(1,411)

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

(5,300)
(1,069)
(5,747)
83
—

(23,658)

55,287

(15,963)

23,621

(7,351)

(12,033)

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

(8,736)
12,506

(123)
6,073

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

2019

0.5%
2.6%

2018

0.6%
2.6%

2019

1.6%
1.0%

2018

2.4%
1.9%

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

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

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

2.4% 2.2% 2.2%
1.9% 1.8% 2.1%
5.2% 4.4% 4.2%

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

Plan assets
Canon’s investment policies are designed to ensure adequate 
plan assets are available to provide future payments of 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.

64

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019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 20% is invested in debt securities, 
and approximately 45% 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, 2019 and 2018, by asset category, are as follows:

December 31, 2019

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

77,484
5,164

—
—
— 164,662

—
130,180
—
1,202
— 11,711
— 136,655

— 77,484
—
5,164
— 164,662

— 130,180
—
1,202
— 11,711
— 136,655

—
10,298

—
—
— 63,557

—
—
2,302
—
—
6,472
— 64,259

—
—
— 10,298
— 63,557

—
—
2,302
—
—
6,472
— 64,259

— 12,090

— 12,090

—

2,511

—

2,511

— 121,573
— 26,979
—
—
212,828 474,872

218

— 121,573
27,197
— 16,251
218 704,169

9,676
—
— 115,102
—
—
10,298 263,879

9,676
—
— 115,102
— 20,652
— 294,829

December 31, 2018

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

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

—

8,489

—

8,489

— 123,747

— 123,747

—
8,567

—
—
— 49,312

—
—
2,642
—
—
6,318
— 59,419

—

—

—

9,019

— 30,009
—
—
210,592 454,747

1,451

31,460
— 15,905
1,451 682,695

— 95,844
—
—
8,567 222,554

—
—
—
8,567
— 49,312

—
—
2,642
—
—
6,318
— 59,419

—

—

—

9,019

— 95,844
— 17,521
— 248,642

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

65

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

(a)  The plan’s equity securities include common stock of the 

Company and certain of its subsidiaries in the amounts of 
¥118 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 85% Japanese govern-
ment bonds and 15% foreign government bonds for 
Japanese plans, and mainly foreign government bonds for 
foreign plans.

(d)  These funds invest in approximately 25% Japanese gov-
ernment bonds, 55% foreign government bonds, 5% 
Japanese municipal bonds, and 15% corporate bonds for 
Japanese plans. These funds invest in approximately 75% 
foreign government bonds and 25% corporate bonds for 
foreign plans.

(e)  The plan’s equity securities include common stock of the 

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

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 values of Level 3 asset, consisting of hedge funds, 
were ¥218 million and ¥1,451 million at December 31, 2019 
and 2018, respectively. Amounts of actual returns on, purchas-
es and sales of these assets during the years ended December 
31, 2019 and 2018 were not significant.

The fair values of plan assets for the participants with 

Toshiba Funds by each asset category in 2018 were calculated 
based on a pro-rata basis of total plan assets of Toshiba Funds.

Contributions
Canon expects to contribute ¥13,257 million to its Japanese defined benefit pension plans and ¥18,985 million to its foreign 
defined benefit pension plans for the year ending December 31, 2020.

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

Year ending December 31:

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025 – 2029

Japanese plans

Foreign plans

Millions of yen

Millions of yen

37,164
38,203
41,146
42,625
42,803
222,813

12,564
13,181
14,083
14,947
15,742
94,532

Multiemployer pension plans
The amounts of cost recognized for the multiemployer pension 
plans primarily in the Netherlands for the years ended December 
31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were ¥4,321 million, ¥4,452 million 
and ¥4,165 million, respectively. The multiemployer pension plan 
in which the subsidiaries in the Netherlands participated was 
98% funded as of December 31, 2018. The collective bargaining 
agreements have no expiration date. Canon is not liable for other 

participating employers’ obligations under the terms and condi-
tions 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, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were ¥17,414 
million, ¥19,570 million and ¥18,979 million, respectively.

66

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 201911. 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

2019: Income before income taxes

Income taxes:
Current
Deferred

Japanese

107,329

39,483
(4,199)
35,284

Millions of yen

Foreign

88,411

23,186
(2,247)
20,939

Total

195,740

62,669
(6,446)
56,223

2018: Income before income taxes

241,474

121,418

362,892

Income taxes:
Current
Deferred

75,556
(6,552)
69,004

32,443
(5,297)
27,146

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

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% for the years 
ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

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. was 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 a tax ben-
efit 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 U.S. tax laws
Deferred tax liabilities on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
Other

Effective income tax rate

2019
31.0%

1.7

(4.5)

(2.3)
0.0
—
2.3
0.5
28.7%

2018
31.0%

0.7

(3.0)

(3.4)
0.4
—
0.9
(0.1)
26.5%

2017
31.0%

3.7

(2.1)

(4.8)
1.7
(3.6)
1.1
0.7
27.7%

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

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

67

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

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

2019

153,948
(59,888)
94,060

2018

160,541
(70,336)
90,205

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

2019 and 2018 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
Operating lease liabilities
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
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Intangible assets
Other

Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets

Millions of yen

2019

2018

10,225
1,282
107,463
4,751
32,040
25,646
25,845
21,294
41,759
270,305
(27,678)
242,627

(8,769)
(4,050)
(19,029)
(25,249)
(59,350)
(32,120)
(148,567)
94,060

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

The net changes in the total valuation allowance were a 
decrease of ¥3,056 million, a decrease of ¥49 million and an 
increase of ¥4,096 million for the years ended December 31, 
2019, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2019.

At December 31, 2019, Canon had net operating losses which can be carried forward for income tax purposes of ¥130,907 
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

68

Millions of yen

1,980
28,550
31,871
17,137
51,369
130,907

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019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 ¥24,886 

subsidiaries of ¥994,886 million as of December 31, 2019 
because Canon intends to permanently reinvest such undis-
tributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Deferred tax liabilities 
will be recognized when such undistributed earnings are no 
longer permanently reinvested.

million for a portion of undistributed earnings of foreign 

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*

2019

8,649
—
204
(44)
(402)
(287)

8,120

Millions of yen

2018

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

8,649

2017

7,318
2,956
250
(915)
—
673

10,282

*  The unrecognized tax benefits were offset by deferred tax assets in the amount of ¥933 million, ¥2,043 million and ¥124 million as of December 31, 2019, 

2018 and 2017, respectively, and reported under “other noncurrent liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.

The total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that would 
reduce the effective tax rate, if recognized, were ¥8,120 million 
and ¥8,649 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2019, 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, 2019 and 2018, and inter-
est and penalties included in income taxes for the years ended 
December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were not significant.

Canon files income tax returns in Japan and various foreign 
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 authority 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 examinations by tax 
authorities for years before 2009 with few exceptions.

12. 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, 2019, 2018 and 2017 represent dividends paid out during 
those years and the related appropriations to the legal re-
serve. Retained earnings at December 31, 2019 did not reflect 
current year-end dividends in the amount of ¥85,107 million 
which were approved by the shareholders in March 2020.

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 ¥853,374 million at December 31, 2019.

Retained earnings at December 31, 2019 included Canon’s 
equity in undistributed earnings of affiliated companies account-
ed for by the equity method in the amount of ¥17,657 million.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

69

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

13. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 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

Total

Balance at December 31, 2016

(13,960)

15,251

(2,742)

(198,430)

(199,881)

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

Cumulative effects of accounting standard 
 update—adoption of ASU No. 2017-12*

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, 2019

—

—

—

—

—

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)

—

(424)

(31,889)

(154)

(32,467)

(96,282)

—

—

(141)

(141)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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

(122)

—

3,085

(26,824)

(205,564)

—

—

3,889

(120,500)

(269,071)

(122)

(424)

(1,723)

(12,763)

(46,375)

650

(1,073)

(887)

7,054

(5,709)

(211,273)

7,550

(39,249)

(308,442)

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

70

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 

2017 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

2019

2018

2017

(154)

—

(154)

—

(154)

—

—

—

—

—

661

(2)

659

(9)

650

9,953

(2,523)

7,430

(376)

7,054

—

—

—

—

—

(178)

37

(141)

—

(141)

1,341

(392)

949

(4)

945

3,853

(699)

3,154

(69)

3,085

Affected line items in consolidated  
statements of income

(39) Other, net

12

Income taxes

(27) Consolidated net income

Net income attributable to 
 noncontrolling interests

11

(16) Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

(18,472) Other, net

5,727

Income taxes

(12,745) Consolidated net income

Net income attributable to 
 noncontrolling interests

165

(12,580) Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

5,772

*2

(1,732)

Income taxes

4,040

Consolidated net income

Net income attributable to 
 noncontrolling interests

(26)

4,014

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

7,005 Other, net

(1,832)

Income taxes

5,173

Consolidated net income

Net income attributable to 
 noncontrolling interests

(268)

4,905

Net income attributable to Canon Inc.

Total amount reclassified, net of 
 tax and noncontrolling interests

7,550

3,889

(3,677)

*1 Amounts in parentheses indicate gains in consolidated statements of income.
*2  After the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12, gains and losses on derivative are reclassified into net sales, which had been classified into other, net. Please refer to 

Notes 1(x) and 17 for more detailed information.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

71

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

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

amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, are as follows:

Years ended December 31

2019:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Before-tax
amount

Millions of yen

Tax (expense)
or benefit

Net-of-tax
amount

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

(32,396)
(154)
(32,550)

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)
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)

—
—
—

(2,180)
661
(1,519)

(9,916)
9,953
37
(34,032)

(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

393
—
393

—
—
—

453
(2)
451

(1,144)
(2,523)
(3,667)
(2,823)

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)

(32,003)
(154)
(32,157)

—
—
—

(1,727)
659
(1,068)

(11,060)
7,430
(3,630)
(36,855)

(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

72

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 201914. 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 fre-
quently include the provision of consumables as well as break 
fix activities. The majority portion of service revenue from 
the office products is recognized as billed since the 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 

basis where 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 stand-
alone selling prices. Canon recognizes the incremental costs of 
obtaining a contract as an expense when related office prod-
ucts are sold.

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.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

73

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

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

described in Note 22.

Office

Imaging  
System

Medical  
System

Industry and 
Others

Corporate and 
eliminations

Consolidated

Millions of yen

2019:

Revenue recognized at a point in time
Revenue recognized over time

Total

2018:

Revenue recognized at a point in time
Revenue recognized over time

Total

1,187,306
515,289
1,702,595

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

793,832
13,582
807,414

957,518
12,917
970,435

290,702
147,823
438,525

305,457
132,121
437,578

582,156
155,789
737,945

635,906
207,035
842,941

(93,180)
—
(93,180)

2,760,816
832,483
3,593,299

(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.

Canon recognizes contract assets primarily for unbilled 
receivables mainly arising from services contracts for office 
products. Contract assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 
were ¥43,783 million and ¥50,799 million, respectively, and 
are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in 
the consolidated balance sheets.

Canon typically bills to the customer when the 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, 2019 and 2018 were ¥113,030 million 
and ¥123,686 million, respectively, and are included in other 

current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets. Revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 
2019, which had been included in the deferred revenue bal-
ance at December 31, 2018, was ¥88,306 million.

Remaining performance obligations for products and equip-

ment at December 31, 2019 primarily arise from the sales of 
certain industrial equipment, amounting to ¥114,617 million, 
73% of which is expected to be recognized as revenue within 
one year and remaining 27% is within two years. Disclosure 
of remaining performance obligations is not required for the 
majority of services since the related revenue is recognized on 
an as billed basis applying the right to invoice practical expedi-
ent or is generated from the contracts with original expected 
duration of less than one year. The portion of fixed mainte-
nance service contract for office and medical products with 
original expected duration of more than one year is approxi-
mately 12% of total service revenue and the average remain-
ing period for these fixed contracts as of December 31, 2019 
is about 2 years.

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

74

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 201915. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On April 26, 2019, based on the approval of the sharehold-
ers, the Company granted stock options to its directors and 
executive officers to acquire 116,300 shares of common 
stock. Those to whom stock acquisition rights are granted (the 
“Holder(s)”) shall be entitled to exercise all the stock acquisi-
tion 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 exercisable period. The grant-date fair value per share 
of the stock options granted during the year ended December 
31, 2019 was ¥2,281. 

On May 2, 2018, based on the approval of the sharehold-
ers, the Company granted stock options to its directors and 
executive officers to acquire 74,000 shares of common stock. 
The Holders shall be entitled to exercise all the stock acquisi-
tion 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 exercisable 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.

The compensation cost recognized for these stock options 
for the years ended December 31, 2019 was ¥265 million and 
2018 was ¥218 million and 2017 was nil, and it is included 
in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consoli-
dated 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:

Years ended December 31

Expected term of option (in years)
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate

2019

6.0
19.97%
5.05%
(0.16%)

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, 2019, 2018 and 2017 

is presented below:

Outstanding at January 1, 2017

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at December 31, 2017

Granted

Outstanding at December 31, 2018

Granted

Exercised

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

Exercisable at December 31, 2019

Shares

603,000

(603,000)

—

74,000

74,000

116,300

(4,500)

185,800

185,800

Yen

3,990

3,990

—

1

1

1

1

1

1

Weighted-
average
exercise price

Weighted-average
remaining  
contractual  
term

Year

0.2

Aggregate 
intrinsic value

Millions of yen

—

—

29.3

222

29.0

29.0

555

555

The total fair values of shares vested during the years ended 

December 31, 2019 and 2018 were ¥265 million and ¥218 
million, respectively, and 2017 was nil. Cash received from the 

exercise of stock options for the year ended December 31, 
2019 was not significant, and for the years ended December 
31, 2018 and 2017 was nil.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

75

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

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

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

Years ended December 31

Basic net income attributable to Canon Inc.
Diluted net income attributable to Canon Inc.

Average common shares outstanding
Effect of dilutive securities:

Stock options

2019

125,105
125,103

Millions of yen

2018

252,755
252,755

Number of shares

2017

241,923
241,923

1,069,956,767

1,079,753,008

1,085,439,370

158,173

49,319

—

Diluted common shares outstanding

1,070,114,940

1,079,802,327

1,085,439,370

Net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per share:

Basic
Diluted

Yen

234.09
234.08

222.88
222.88

116.93
116.91

The computation of diluted net income attributable to Canon Inc. shareholders per share for the year ended December 31, 

2017 excludes outstanding stock options because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

17. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk management policy
Canon operates internationally, exposing it to the risk of 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Derivative 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. dollars 
and euros into Japanese yen. These contracts are primarily used 

to hedge the foreign currency exposure of forecasted intercom-
pany sales and intercompany trade receivables that are denomi-
nated in foreign currencies. In accordance with Canon’s policy, a 
specific portion of foreign currency exposure resulting from fore-
casted intercompany sales are hedged using foreign exchange 
contracts which principally mature within three months.

Cash flow hedge
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments 
designated as cash flow hedges, including foreign exchange 
contracts associated with forecasted intercompany sales, 
are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income 
(loss). These amounts are subsequently reclassified into earn-
ings in the same period as the hedged items affect earnings. 
Substantially all amounts recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2019 are 
expected to be recognized in net sales over the next twelve 
months. After the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12 from the 
quarter beginning January 1, 2019, Canon includes the time 
value component in the assessment of hedge effectiveness, 
which had been previously excluded. Changes in the fair 
value of a foreign exchange contract for the period between 
the date that the forecasted intercompany sales occur and its 
maturity date are recognized in earnings.

76

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019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, 2019 and 2018 are set forth below:

December 31

To sell foreign currencies

To buy foreign currencies

Millions of yen

2019

180,242

32,618

2018

230,505

30,816

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, 2019 and 2018.

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

December 31

Assets:

Balance sheet location

2019

2018

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

34

828

521

323

Fair value

Millions of yen

Balance sheet location

2019

2018

December 31

Assets:

Foreign exchange contracts

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

317

2,622

Liabilities:

Foreign exchange contracts

Other current liabilities

1,745

443

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

77

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

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, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

Year ended December 31

Gain (loss) recognized 
in OCI 

Gain (loss) reclassified from  
accumulated OCI into income

Millions of yen

Amount

2019: Foreign exchange contracts

(2,180)

Location

Net sales

Amount

(661)

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

2018: Foreign exchange contracts

Amount

(586)

2017: Foreign exchange contracts

(2,080)

Location

Other, net

Other, net

Amount

(1,341)

(5,772)

Location

Other, net

Other, net

Amount

(682)

(332)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Years ended December 31

Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative

Location

Other, net

2019

805

Millions of yen

2018

5,284

2017

(7,932)

Foreign exchange contracts

18. LESSEE ACCOUNTING

Lease costs are included in cost of goods sold or selling general and administrative expense in accompanying consolidated state-
ment of income. Supplemental income statement information is as follows:

Year ended December 31

Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost

Other lease cost

Operating lease cashflow
Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:

Year ended December 31

Cash paid for amount included in the measurement of lease liabilities

Operating cash flows from operating leases

Noncash activity - Rights of use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities

Operating leases

78

Millions of yen

2019

43,236
14,374

168

57,778

Millions of yen

2019

41,368

33,939

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Maturity Analysis
The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum lease payments under operating leases at December 31, 2019.

Year ending December 31:

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter

Total future minimum lease payments
Less Imputed Interest

Remaining lease term and discount rate
The following is remaining lease term and discount rate under operating leases at December 31, 2019.

December 31

Weighted-average remaining lease term

Weighted-average discount rate

Millions of yen

34,317
26,094
18,924
13,950
10,280
19,108

122,673
(7,101)

115,572

2019

62 months

2.2%

19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Commitments
At December 31, 2019, commitments outstanding for the pur-
chase of property, plant and equipment approximated ¥36,241 
million, and commitments outstanding for the purchase of parts 
and raw materials approximated ¥112,831 million.

Guarantees
Canon occupies sales offices and other facilities under lease 
arrangements accounted for as operating leases. Deposits 
mainly for restoration made under such arrangements aggre-
gated ¥11,778 million and ¥12,728 million at December 31, 
2019 and 2018, respectively, and are included in noncurrent 
receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 
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 15 years in case of employees 
with housing loans, and 1 year to 5 years in case of affiliates 
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 ¥2,987 
million at December 31, 2019. The carrying amounts of the 
liabilities recognized for Canon’s obligations as a guaran-
tor under those guarantees at December 31, 2019 were not 
significant.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

79

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

Canon also offers assurance-type warranties under which it generally guarantees the performance of products delivered and 
services rendered for a certain period or term. Estimated product warranty costs are recorded at the time revenue is recognized 
and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. 
Estimates for accrued product warranty costs are based on historical experience. Accrued product warranty costs are included in 
accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the changes for the years ended December 31, 2019 
and 2018 are summarized as follows:

Years ended December 31

Millions of yen

Balance at beginning of year
Additions
Utilization
Other

Balance at end of year

2019

17,318
15,945
(14,488)
(2,929)

15,846

2018

17,452
18,870
(14,707)
(4,297)

17,318

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, and cash flows.

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, 2019 and 2018 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, and the fair values of these instruments approximate their carrying amounts. The summary 
also excludes investments and derivative instruments which are disclosed in Note 2 and Note 21, and Note 17, respectively.

December 31

Millions of yen

2019

2018

Carrying
amount

Estimated
fair value

Carrying
amount

Estimated
fair value

Long-term debt, including current installments

(354,444)

(354,444)

(364,602)

(364,570)

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, 2019 and 2018, one customer accounted 
for approximately 10% and 12% 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.

80

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019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.

from or corroborated by observable market data by 
correlation or other means.

Level 2— Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabili-

Level 3— Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in 

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 

which one or more significant inputs or value drivers 
are unobservable, which reflect the reporting entity’s 
own assumptions about the assumptions that mar-
ket participants would use in establishing a price.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following tables present Canon’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis consistent with the 
fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

December 31
Millions of yen

2019: Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Investments:

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

2018: Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments:
Available-for-sale:

Corporate bonds

Investments:

Fund trusts and others
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

—

489
16,740

—

17,229

—

—

506

241
—

351

1,098

2,573

2,573

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

506

730
16,740

351

18,327

2,573

2,573

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

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

81

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

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.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a 
nonrecurring basis
There were no significant assets or liabilities to be measured 
at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended 
December 31, 2019 and 2018.

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 first 
quarter of 2019, Canon has reclassified certain businesses 
from the Imaging System Business Unit to the Industry and 
Others Business Unit. Segment information for the year ended 
December 31, 2019 has reflected these changes. Prior period 
amounts also 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 / Interchangeable lenses /  

Compact photo printers / Inkjet printers /  
Large format inkjet printers / Commercial photo printers / 
Image scanners / 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 / Network cameras / Digital camcorders /  
Digital cinema cameras / Multimedia projectors /  
Broadcast equipment / Micromotors / 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.

82

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Information about operating results and assets for each segment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 

2017 is as follows:

Millions of yen

2019:  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

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

Office

Imaging  
System

Medical  
System

Industry and  
Others

Corporate and 
eliminations

Consolidated

1,699,653
2,942

1,702,595
1,533,688

168,907
5,390
174,297

863,381
58,373
51,623

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

806,425
989

807,414
759,247

48,167
1,499
49,666

313,141
35,805
24,016

969,660
775

970,435
843,599

126,836
4,179
131,015

371,944
38,054
25,712

1,098,525
600

1,099,125
922,838

176,287
2,572
178,859

368,410
39,694
—
27,220

437,456
1,069

438,525
411,781

26,744
539
27,283

273,525
11,760
7,074

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

648,165
89,780

737,945
722,464

15,481
82
15,563

424,911
41,420
33,515

740,970
101,971

842,941
787,276

55,665
2,181
57,846

404,628
41,069
24,175

743,963
85,950

829,913
791,947

37,966
1,155
39,121

394,742
41,737
12,191
17,908

1,600
(94,780)

(93,180)
(8,548)

(84,632)
13,563
(71,069)

2,893,393
89,969
95,000

—
(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

3,593,299
—

3,593,299
3,418,632

174,667
21,073
195,740

4,768,351
237,327
211,228

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

*  During 2019, the Company implemented a restructuring plan centered in Europe with the goal of reorganizing sales structure and improving profitability mainly in 
the Office Business Unit. The employee severance charges in the Office Business Unit under the plan for the year ended December 31, 2019 were ¥15,621 million 
and most of the charges are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income. The balance of the related employee 
severance liability as of December 31, 2019 is ¥10,225 million. The restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were not significant.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

83

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

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.

Information about sales by product to external customers for each segment for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 

Millions of yen

2019

2018

2017

261,964
382,845
624,601
430,243

280,035
403,522
702,378
418,067

287,823
405,576
702,491
406,652

1,699,653

1,804,002

1,802,542

466,306
285,821
54,298

806,425

594,567
318,382
56,711

969,660

702,598
333,721
62,206

1,098,525

437,456

437,305

434,985

157,160
491,005

648,165

1,600

199,722
541,248

740,970

—

193,113
550,850

743,963

—

3,593,299

3,951,937

4,080,015

2017 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

Corporate

Consolidated

84

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Information by major geographic area as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 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

2019

2018

2017

872,534
1,029,078
882,480
809,207

3,593,299

1,053,074
148,669
191,050
159,217

1,552,010

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

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 ¥958,442 million, 

¥995,245 million and ¥1,022,305 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Long-lived assets represent property, plant and equipment, 
intangible assets, and operating lease right-of-use assets for 
each geographic area.

23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 17, 2020, Canon borrowed ¥100,000 million un-
der its existing overdraft facilities with Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and 
MUFG Bank, Ltd. for required operating funds. Additionally, on 
March 19, 2020, Canon borrowed ¥50,000 million under its 
existing overdraft facilities with Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and MUFG 
Bank, Ltd. for required operating funds. The overdraft facilities 
bear interest at a rate equal to a base rate plus a spread.
On February 25, 2020, the Board of Directors of the 
Company approved and implemented a plan to repurchase 

up to 19.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock at 
a cost of up to ¥50,000 million for the period from February 
26, 2020 to May 27, 2020. Such repurchases are intended to 
improve capital efficiency and ensure flexible capital strategy. 
Common stock repurchased in the Tokyo Stock Exchange 
between February 26, 2020 and March 6, 2020 under the 
aforementioned plan was 18,093,400 shares at a cost of 
¥50,000 million.

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

85

STRATEGYBUSINESS SEGMENT/CORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCIAL SECTIONCORPORATE DATASCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years ended December 31

Millions of yen

2019: Allowance for doubtful receivables

Trade receivables
Finance receivables

2018:  Allowance for doubtful receivables

Trade receivables
Finance receivables

2017:  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

11,477
2,675

13,378
2,681

11,075
2,325

1,840
1,495

1,347
938

3,574
1,436

(2,189)
(1,653)

(2,789)
(1,284)

(1,787)
(1,523)

(769)
110

(459)
340

516
443

10,359
2,627

11,477
2,675

13,378
2,681

86

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON 
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

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

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

Canon’s management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. 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, 2019, 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 2019

87

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC
Hibiya Mitsui Tower,
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya,
1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 100-0006

Tel: +81 3 3503 1100 
www.eyjapan.jp

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, 2019 and 
2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 2019, 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, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2019, 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, 2019, 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 
27, 2020 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.

Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communi-
cated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial state-
ments and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter 
in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters 
below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Description of 
the Matter

Valuation of goodwill
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually at the 
reporting unit level. At December 31, 2019, goodwill related to the Commercial printing business and the Medical system 
business unit was ¥27,205 million and ¥508,907 million, respectively. The calculated fair value of these reporting units was in 
excess of the carrying value by narrower margins than impairment tests performed for the other reporting units.

Significant estimation is required in determining the fair value of the reporting units. In particular, the fair value estimates 
were sensitive to significant assumptions such as revenue growth rates, operating profit ratio and weighted average costs of 
capital which are affected by expectations about future markets or economic conditions. Auditing such annual goodwill im-
pairment tests was complex and judgmental.

88

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC

Hibiya Mitsui Tower,

Tokyo Midtown Hibiya,

1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku,

Tokyo, Japan 100-0006

Tel: +81 3 3503 1100 

www.eyjapan.jp

How We 
Addressed the 
Matter in Our 
Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls that address the risk of 
material misstatement relating to management’s annual assessment of goodwill impairment, including internal controls over 
the significant assumptions.

To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units, we performed audit procedures that included, among other 
things, evaluating the valuation methodology used for fair value estimation and testing the weighted average cost of capital 
with assistance of our network firm specialist. We evaluated the significant assumptions used by management by comparing 
those assumptions to historical results, current economic trends, and other relevant factors. We compared the assumptions 
used in the previous year’s impairment test and the actual results and evaluated the effect on the fair value estimation for the 
current year. We performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions by evaluating the changes in the fair value of the 
reporting units that would result from changes in significant assumptions. In addition, we compared management’s reconcilia-
tion of the aggregate fair value of the reporting units to the market capitalization of the Company.

Description of 
the Matter

Valuation of rebate accruals
As described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, sales transaction prices are determined based on contracts 
with customers that contain certain forms of variable consideration, including volume-based rebates. Variable consideration is 
estimated based upon historical trends and other known factors at the time of sales. The Company recorded accruals for vari-
able consideration (“rebate accruals”) within the accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.

Rebate accruals related to volume-based rebates which will be paid for products that will sell through from retailers or dis-
tributors to end users are sensitive to significant assumptions such as the estimated units to be sold during the promotion peri-
ods and level of the rebate provided on those units. Auditing such rebate accruals at period end was complex and judgmental.

How We 
Addressed the 
Matter in Our 
Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls that address the risk of 
material misstatement relating to management’s assessment of the rebate accrual estimation including evaluating the controls 
related to the significant assumptions described above.

To test the year end rebate accruals, we performed audit procedures that included, among other things, evaluating the data uti-
lized in establishing the rebate accruals including sales volume and levels of rebate provided. We also compared rebate accru-
als recorded in the prior year to actual rebate claims to evaluate the effect on the estimation for current year rebate accruals. In 
addition, we tested actual rebate claims and additional rebate accruals established subsequent to the year end and considered 
whether they corroborate or contradict the year end rebate accruals.

We have served as the Company’s auditor for SEC reporting purposes since 2004, and as its Japanese statutory auditor since 1978.

March 27, 2020

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019

89

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC
Hibiya Mitsui Tower,
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya,
1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 100-0006

Tel: +81 3 3503 1100 
www.eyjapan.jp

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, 2019, 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, 2019, 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, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive 
income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and schedule of valuation 
and qualifying accounts and our report dated March 27, 2020 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 evalu-
ation 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 27, 2020

90

CANON ANNUAL REPORT 2019TRANSFER AND 
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE

SHAREHOLDER
INFORMATION

Canon Inc.

30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan

Stock Exchange Listings:

Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo and New York
stock exchanges

Manager of the Register of Shareholders

Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd.
2-1, Yaesu 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8670, Japan

Depositary and Agent with Respect to American

Depositary Receipts for Common Shares

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
383 Madison Avenue, Floor 11, New York, NY 10179, USA

American Depositary Receipts are traded on the New York
Stock Exchange (CAJ).

Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders:

March of each year

Further Information:

For publications or information, please contact the
Public Affairs Headquarters, Canon Inc., Tokyo,
or access Canon’s Website at global.canon/en

MAJOR CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
(As of December 31, 2019)

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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.
Océ Printing Systems G.m.b.H. & Co. KG
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.

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.
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.

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