SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
April 2013 - March 2014
Cautionary Statement
This report includes forward-looking statements that are based on management’s view from the information
available at the time of the announcement. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.
Actual results may be materially different from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. The
factors that may affect Epson include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, the ability of
Epson to continue to quickly introduce new products and services, consumption trends, competition,
technology trends, and exchange rate fluctuations.
In this annual report, “Epson” or the “Group” refers to the Epson Group, while “the Company” may refer to
the Group or the parent company, Seiko Epson Corporation.
1
Table of Contents
Consolidated Financial Highlights ..................................................................................................... 3
Information on the Company ............................................................................................................ 5
1. Overview of the business group .................................................................................................. 5
2. Major equipment and facilities ................................................................................................... 8
3. Overview of capital expenditures .............................................................................................. 11
4. Plans for new additions or disposals ......................................................................................... 12
5. Major management contracts .................................................................................................. 13
Risks Related to Epson’s Business Operations ................................................................................. 14
Business Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 20
1. Overview of business results ..................................................................................................... 20
2. Manufacturing, orders received and sales ................................................................................ 23
3. Analysis of financial condition and results of operations .......................................................... 24
4. Research and development activities ........................................................................................ 27
5. Issues for Fiscal 2014................................................................................................................ 29
6. Dividend policy ........................................................................................................................ 31
Corporate Governance .................................................................................................................... 32
1. Approach to corporate governance .......................................................................................... 32
2. Details of audit remuneration ................................................................................................... 41
3. Basic policy regarding company control ................................................................................... 42
Management ................................................................................................................................... 44
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements .................................................................................... 46
Consolidated Balance Sheets ........................................................................................................ 47
Consolidated Statements of Operations........................................................................................ 49
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income .................................................................... 50
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets ....................................................................... 51
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ....................................................................................... 53
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................................................................. 54
Report of Independent Auditors ...................................................................................................... 89
Additional Information ................................................................................................................... 90
1. Principal subsidiaries and affiliates .......................................................................................... 90
2. Distribution of ownership among shareholders ........................................................................ 93
3. Major shareholders .................................................................................................................. 94
4. Epson stock price ..................................................................................................................... 96
5. Corporate data and investor information ................................................................................. 97
2
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Seiko Epson Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the years ended March 31
Statements of income data
Net sales
Information-related equipment
Electronic devices
Precision products
Other
Eliminations and corporate
Information-related equipment
business segment
Devices and precision products
business segment
Other
Eliminations and corporate
Information-related equipment
business segment
Devices and precision products
business segment
Sensing and industrial
solutions business segment
Other
Eliminations and corporate
Gross profit
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
Operating income (loss)
Ordinary income
Income (loss) before income
taxes and minority interests
Net income (loss)
Research and development
costs
Capital expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities
Free cash flow
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Millions of yen
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
2014
¥1,122,497
¥985,363
¥973,663
¥877,997
¥851,297
¥1,003,606
$9,751,321
769,850
311,626
72,697
31,828
712,692
248,001
57,746
19,714
(63,506)
(52,791)
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
702,918
231,235
68,276
1,279
(30,046)
713,936
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
691,801
688,029
212,670
174,811
156,872
61,446
(14,390)
17,316
(5,932)
1,273
5,122
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
685,862
836,436
8,127,050
140,790
148,956
1,447,298
11,413
16,181
157,219
1,273
11,957
234,439
213,184
21,255
17,629
(3,479)
1,334
699
322,976
238,007
84,968
78,121
71,916
12,962
6,792
3,138,126
2,312,553
825,573
759,045
698,756
289,443
291,031
(1,588)
5,301
(89,559)
259,469
241,241
18,227
13,875
(799)
262,963
230,253
32,709
31,174
15,381
248,846
224,219
24,626
27,022
15,622
(111,322)
(19,791)
10,239
5,032
(10,091)
83,698
813,233
82,058
68,849
54,377
52,106
49,923
50,531
490,973
55,624
78,406
25,937
47,395
31,813
41,159
38,908
37,651
43,155
39,320
37,825
38,725
367,518
376,263
44,253
56,542
32,395
26,678
42,992
111,253
1,080,965
(61,002)
(43,203)
(23,615)
(31,528)
(39,511)
(39,519)
(383,977)
(16,748)
(9,558)
13,338
(41,087)
8,780
(42,691)
(4,849)
(57,406)
3,480
21,298
71,733
(56,567)
696,978
(549,621)
3
Balance sheet data
Current assets
Property, plant and equipment (net of
accumulated depreciation)
Total assets
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Net assets
Number of employees
Information-related equipment
Electronic devices
Precision products
Information-related equipment
business segment
Devices and precision products
business segment
Sensing and industrial solutions
business segment
Other
Corporate
Total
Per share data (yen and U.S. dollars)
Net income (loss)
Cash dividends
Shareholders’ equity
Financial ratios (%)
Shareholders’ equity ratio
ROE (net income (loss)/average
shareholders’ equity at beginning and
end of year)
ROA (ordinary income/average total
assets at beginning and end of year)
ROS
(operating income (loss)/net sales)
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Millions of yen
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
2014
¥617,677
253,712
¥596,210
225,354
¥543,530
213,623
¥487,190
213,086
¥519,457
217,388
¥602,452
$5,853,595
216,170
2,100,369
917,342
283,848
314,862
318,631
41,748
19,818
6,038
―
―
―
870,090
328,652
258,574
282,864
45,863
22,439
5,839
―
―
―
798,229
315,422
211,999
270,808
44,711
20,659
5,985
―
―
―
740,769
313,314
179,314
248,140
778,547
326,688
193,052
258,806
865,872
313,636
200,505
351,730
8,413,058
3,047,387
1,948,163
3,417,508
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
55,841
50,823
55,104
16,101
13,859
13,723
―
―
1,197
2,151
2,571
72,326
590
3,206
77,936
245
2,951
74,551
249
3,112
75,303
241
3,838
68,761
252
2,895
73,171
(¥566.92)
35.00
1,541.16
(¥99.34)
7.00
¥51.25
20.00
¥26.22
26.00
1,407.92
1,347.71
1,377.60
(¥56.41)
20.00
1,435.20
¥467.87
50.00
1,952.83
$4.54
0.48
18.97
33.0
(29.7)
0.5
(0.1)
32.3
(6.8)
1.6
1.8
33.7
3.7
3.7
3.4
33.3
2.0
3.5
2.8
33.0
(4.0)
2.3
2.5
40.3
27.6
9.5
8.5
Notes
1. U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from yen, for convenience only, at the rate of ¥102.92 =U.S.$1 as of March 31, 2014.
2. Ordinary income is a common item on financial statements in Japan, which is calculated by adding to or subtracting from operating
income items such as interest income, rent income, interest expenses and foreign exchange gains or losses.
3. In this table, cash dividends per share refers to the amount paid for each share in each fiscal year.
4. Shareholders’ equity is net assets excluding minority interests.
4
Information on the Company
1. Overview of the business group
Epson is primarily engaged in developing, manufacturing, selling, and providing services for products in
four business segments: information-related equipment, devices and precision products, sensing and
industrial solutions, and other.
Epson is organized into operations divisions that come under consolidated management. The majority of
advanced R&D and product development is conducted in Japan (by Corporate R&D and R&D
organizations in the various operations divisions), while manufacturing and sales activities are conducted
around the world by Epson Group manufacturing and sales companies, both in Japan and abroad.
A brief description of Epson’s businesses is provided below along with a list of the main Epson Group
companies involved in each segment.
(1) Information-related equipment business segment
This segment comprises the printing systems business, visual communications business, and others. The
businesses in this segment leverage Epson’s unique Micro Piezo, a micro-display, and other technologies to
develop, manufacture, and sell products.
The main activities of these businesses are described below.
Printing systems business
This business is primarily responsible for home and office inkjet printers, page printers, and color image
scanners, as well as commercial inkjet printers, serial impact dot matrix (SIDM) printers, POS system
products, inkjet label printers, and related consumables.
Visual communications business
This business is primarily responsible for 3LCD projectors for business, education, and the home;
high-temperature polysilicon TFT panels for 3LCD projectors; and label printers and head-mounted
displays.
Others
In the Others business, PCs are sold in the Japanese market through a domestic subsidiary.
The major Epson Group companies involved in each segment are listed in the table below.
Business area
Main products
Main subsidiaries and affiliates
Manufacturing companies
Sales companies
Printing Systems
Visual
Communications
Others
Inkjet printers,
page printers,
color image scanners,
commercial inkjet printers,
serial impact dot matrix
printers,
printers for use in
POS systems,
inkjet label printers,
related consumables
and others
3LCD projectors,
high-temperature polysilicon
TFT panels for 3LCD
label printers,
projectors,
head mounted displays and
Personal computers and
others
Tohoku Epson Corporation
Akita Epson Corporation
Epson Portland Inc.
Tianjin Epson Co., Ltd.
Epson Engineering (Shenzhen) Ltd.
Singapore Epson Industrial Pte. Ltd.
P.T. Indonesia Epson Industry
Epson Precision (Philippines), Inc.
Epson Engineering (Shenzhen) Ltd.
Epson Precision (Philippines), Inc.
－
5
Epson Sales Japan Corporation
Epson America, Inc.
Epson Europe B.V.
Epson (U.K.) Ltd.
Epson Deutschland GmbH
Epson France S.A.
Epson Italia s.p.a.
Epson Iberica, S.A.
Epson (China) Co., Ltd
Epson Korea Co., Ltd.
Epson Hong Kong Ltd.
Epson Taiwan Technology &
Trading Ltd.
Epson Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Epson Australia Pty. Ltd.
Epson Sales Japan Corporation
Epson Direct Corporation
(2) Devices and precision products business segment
This segment comprises the micro-devices business and precision products business. These businesses
leverage Epson’s traditional strengths in areas such as micromachining, low-power design, and
high-density assembly to develop, manufacture and sell a variety of products.
The main activities of these businesses are described below.
Micro-devices business
This business is primarily responsible for offering small electronic devices that are highly accurate and
energy efficient. It also develops and manufactures devices to meet the needs of other businesses within the
Epson Group.
Quartz device business
The business mainly provides crystal units, crystal oscillators, and quartz sensors for consumer,
automotive, and industrial equipment applications.
Semiconductor business
This business provides CMOS LSIs and other chips mainly for consumer electronics and automotive
applications.
Precision products business
Based on ultra-fine and ultra-precision processing technologies, and high-density mounting technologies,
this business develops and manufactures watches, and provides metal powders and surface finishing.
Watch business
This business develops and manufactures Seiko brand watches and develops, manufactures and sells
watch movements.
Others
Metal powder business
This business develops, manufactures and sells a variety of high-performance metal powders for use
as raw materials in the production of electronic components, etc.
Surface finishing business
This business provides high-value-added surface finishing in a wide variety of industrial fields.
The major Epson Group companies involved in each segment are listed in the table below.
Business area
Main products
Main subsidiaries and affiliates
Manufacturing companies
Sales companies
Micro-devices
Precision products
[Quartz device business]
Crystal units,
crystal oscillators,
quartz sensors and others
Miyazaki Epson Corporation
Akita Epson Corporation
Epson Precision Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
[Semiconductor business]
CMOS LSIs and others
Tohoku Epson Corporation
Singapore Epson Industrial Pte. Ltd.
[Watch business]
Watches, watch movements
and others
Orient Watch Co., Ltd.
Epson Precision (Shenzhen) Ltd.
Singapore Epson Industrial Pte. Ltd.
Epson Electronics America, Inc.
Epson Europe Electronics GmbH
Epson Hong Kong Ltd.
Epson Taiwan Technology &
Trading Ltd.
Epson Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Orient Watch Co., Ltd.
Time Module (Hong Kong) Ltd.
[Others]
Metal powders,
surface finishing
Epson Atmix Corporation
Singapore Epson Industrial Pte. Ltd.
－
6
(3) Sensing and industrial solutions business segment
This segment uses advanced precision mechatronics and other technologies to provide industrial robots and
other production systems that dramatically increase productivity. In the fields of personal healthcare and
sports, these businesses combine sensing systems that have extremely accurate built-in sensors with
cloud-based services to provide products and services that improve quality of life.
Business area
Main products
Sensing and
industrial solutions
Industrial robots,
IC handlers,
industrial inkjet
printing systems,
sensing systems and others
Main subsidiaries and affiliates
Manufacturing companies
Sales companies
Akita Epson Corporation
Epson Engineering (Shenzhen) Ltd.
Epson Sales Japan Corporation
Epson America, Inc.
Epson Deutschland GmbH
Epson (China) Co., Ltd.
(4) Other
This segment comprises the businesses of Epson Group companies that offer services for and within the
Epson Group.
7
As of March 31, 2014
Book value (Millions of yen)
Machinery,
Buildings and
equipment
structures
and
Land
(Area: m2)
Other
Total
Number of
employees
(Persons)
vehicles
1,301
2. Major equipment and facilities
Epson’s major equipment and facilities are as follows.
(1) Seiko Epson Corporation
Name of plant
(location)
Business segment
Type of facilities
Overall
Head Office
(Suwa-shi, Nagano)
Tokyo Office
(Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Hirooka Office
(Shiojiri-shi, Nagano)
Matsumoto Minami
Other
Research and development
facilities
Plant
Information-related
Printer development and
(Matsumoto-shi,
equipment
design facilities
Nagano)
3LCD projector and
Information-related
head-mounted display
administration and
Other facilities
1,334
68
(43,888)
51
2,755
625
other
Overall
administration and
Other facilities
27
－
other
Printer development and
Information-related
design and component
[3,171]
－
(－)
5,560
3
30
38
equipment
manufacturing facilities
16,167
7,917
(189,347)
1,692
31,338
4,506
[22,989]
3,637
1,112
615
(179,759)
215
5,580
718
5,194
8,437
(113,082)
437
15,512
1,010
2,178
1,144
(39,943)
84
3,532
584
[1,758]
－
(－)
[108,004]
1,443
998
3,353
1,619
[28,909]
1,375
(160,528)
125
87
4,896
186
[1,502]
1,996
(247,143)
2,104
(538,828)
349
11,970
1,062
396
10,954
78
Toyoshina Plant
equipment
development and design
(Azumino-shi,
Sensing and
facilities
1,622
731
Nagano)
industrial solutions
Factory automation
Other
manufacturing facilities
Suwa Minami Plant
Information-related
(Fujimi-machi,
equipment
Suwa-gun, Nagano)
Other
Other facilities
Printer components and liquid
crystal panel manufacturing
facilities
Other facilities
Chitose Plant
(Chitose-shi,
Hokkaido)
Ina Plant
Information-related
Liquid crystal panel
equipment
manufacturing facilities
2,426
1,006
(Minowa-machi,
Devices and
Crystal device manufacturing
Kamiina-gun,
precision products
facilities
Nagano)
Fujimi Plant
precision products
systems development and
Devices and
Semiconductor and sensing
(Fujimi-machi,
Sensing and
design facilities
8,339
1,284
Suwa-gun, Nagano)
industrial solutions
Research and development
Other
facilities
Sakata Plant
(Sakata-shi,
Yamagata)
Devices and
precision products
Semiconductor manufacturing
facilities
Other
6,284
2,169
8
Hino Office
Devices and
(Hino-shi, Tokyo)
precision products
Shiojiri Plant
Devices and
(Shiojiri-shi, Nagano)
precision products
Sales facilities
3,035
0
8,303
(40,725)
1,019
18
11,358
213
Watch manufacturing facilities
1,340
1,279
(41,836)
251
3,891
622
(5,764)
(2) Domestic subsidiaries
Company name
(location)
Business segment
Type of facilities
As of March 31, 2014
Book value (Millions of yen)
Buildings and
structures
Machinery,
Land
equipment
and vehicles
(Area:
m2)
Other Total
Number of
employees
(Persons)
Tohoku Epson
Information-related
equipment
Devices and precision
products
Information-related
Corporation
(Sakata-shi,
Yamagata)
Akita Epson
Corporation
(Yuzawa-shi, Akita)
Epson Atmix
Corporation
Printer component and
semiconductor manufacturing
2
4
facilities
equipment
Printer component and crystal
Devices and precision
device manufacturing facilities
1,485
150
products
405
412
2,051
211 2,524
846
－
(－)
677
(68,992)
307
Devices and precision
Manufacturing facilities for
(Hachinohe-shi,
products
metal powders, etc.
Aomori)
(3) Overseas subsidiaries
Company name
(location)
Business segment
Type of facilities
Information-related
Epson Precision
(Hong Kong) Ltd.
(Hong Kong, China)
equipment
Printer, 3LCD projector, liquid
Devices and precision
crystal panel, watches and
products
factory automation
Sensing and industrial
manufacturing facilities
solutions
Information-related
Printer consumables,
equipment
semiconductor, and watch
Devices and precision
manufacturing facilities and
products
surface finishing facilities
2,474
1,808
(20,495)
102 4,692
178
(34,208)
As of March 31, 2014
Book value (Millions of yen)
Buildings and
structures
Machinery,
Land
equipment and
vehicles
(Area:
m2)
Other
Total
Number of
employees
(Persons)
2,125
4,031
－
(－)
[64,104]
65
3,592
9,749
12,512
3,378
5,678
(41,065)
793
9,916
5,529
Information-related
equipment
Printer manufacturing facilities
2,996
2,188
Information-related
Printer and 3LCD projector
equipment
manufacturing facilities
7,106
2,831
(117,489)
2,671 13,202
12,402
Singapore Epson
Industrial Pte. Ltd.
(Singapore)
P.T. Indonesia Epson
Industry
(Bekasi, Indonesia)
Epson Precision
(Philippines), Inc.
(Lipa, Philippines)
Epson Precision
[43,534]
－
(－)
[201,753]
592
2,140
7,325
7,886
[130,000]
369
(32,437)
30
4,425
2,308
Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Devices and precision
Crystal device manufacturing
(Kuala Lumpur,
products
facilities
564
3,460
Malaysia)
9
Notes
1. The above figures do not include consumption tax.
2. “Other” under the book value column includes tools, furniture and fixtures and other property, plant and
equipment, but does not include construction in progress.
3. Portions of the land are rented from companies not included in consolidated accounts. The size of each
area of rented land is indicated in parenthesis [ ].
4. Tohoku Epson Corporation uses a portion of the facilities of the Sakata Plant.
5. Figures for Epson Precision (Hong Kong) Ltd., Singapore Epson Industrial Pte. Ltd., and
Epson Precision (Philippines), Inc., are included in consolidated business results.
6. The above book value amounts are after adjustments for consolidated accounts.
10
3. Overview of capital expenditures
Capital expenditures for the fiscal year under review were concentrated in key strategic areas, primarily
new products and rationalizing, upgrading and maintaining equipment and facilities to help foster the
development of new businesses and prepare for future growth. In addition, Epson took steps to restrain new
capital spending and efficiently utilize existing facilities in an effort to improve cash flow.
As a result of these efforts, total capital expenditures (including property, plant and equipment, software
and lease rights) amounted to ¥37,825 million.
No equipment with a significant impact on production capacity was sold or removed.
Capital expenditures in each business segment are discussed below.
Information-related equipment segment
Investment used for commercializing new products such as printers and 3LCD projectors, etc., and for
rationalizing, upgrading and maintaining equipment and facilities amounted to ¥26,897 million in the fiscal
year under review.
Devices and precision products segment
Investment used for commercializing new products such as crystal devices and watches, etc., and for
rationalizing, upgrading and maintaining equipment and facilities amounted to ¥8,008 million in the fiscal
year under review.
Sensing and industrial solutions segment
Investment used for commercializing new products such as factory automation systems and sensing
systems and for rationalizing, upgrading and maintaining equipment and facilities amounted to ¥832
million in the fiscal year under review.
Other businesses and Companywide
Investment in R&D and other activities amounted to ¥2,087 million in the fiscal year under review.
11
4. Plans for new additions or disposals
Epson plans to allocate ¥55.0 billion to capital expenditures for the consolidated fiscal year ending March
31, 2015.
Business segment
Information-Related
Equipment
Devices & Precision
Products
Sensing & Industrial
Solutions
Other and overall
Planned amount
of capital
expenditures (100
millions of yen)
Main type and purpose of equipment and facilities
380
100
20
Commercializing new products; rationalizing, upgrading and
maintaining equipment and facilities, etc.
Commercializing new products; rationalizing, upgrading and
maintaining equipment and facilities, etc.
Commercializing new products; rationalizing, upgrading and
maintaining equipment and facilities, etc.
50 Investment in research and development, etc.
Total
550
–
Notes
1. The above amounts do not include consumption tax.
2. Required funds will be covered by current funds in hand.
3. There are no plans to dispose of or sell major equipment and facilities with the exception of disposals
and sales associated with regular and ongoing upkeep of equipment and facilities.
4. The above capital expenditure plan includes property, plant and equipment as well as software and lease
rights that are included among intangible assets.
12
5. Major management contracts
(1) Technology license agreements
Name of contracting
company
Name of other party
Country
Type of contract
Contract period
Seiko Epson
Corporation
Research Corporation
Technologies, Inc.
U.S.A.
License to use patents relating to
printing technologies for printers
December 22, 2000
until the expiry of the
patents
(2) Reciprocal technical assistance agreements
Name of contracting
company
Name of other party
Country
Type of contract
Contract period
Seiko Epson
Corporation
Seiko Epson
Corporation
Seiko Epson
Corporation
Seiko Epson
Corporation
Seiko Epson
Corporation
Seiko Epson
Corporation
Seiko Epson
Corporation
Hewlett-Packard Company
U.S.A.
License to use patents relating to
information-related equipment
May 1, 2012 until the
expiry of the patents
International Business
Machines Corporation
U.S.A.
License to use patents relating to
information-related equipment
April 1, 2006 until the
expiry of the patents
Microsoft Corporation
U.S.A.
License to use patents relating to
information-related equipment and
software used by such equipment
September 29, 2006
until the expiry of the
patents
Eastman Kodak Company
U.S.A.
License to use patents relating to
information-related equipment
October 1, 2006 until
the expiry of the patents
Xerox Corporation
U.S.A.
Texas Instruments
Incorporated
U.S.A.
License to use patents relating to
electrophotography and inkjet
printers
License to use patents relating to
semiconductors and
information-related equipment
March 31, 2008 until
the expiry of the patents
April 1, 2008 until
March 31, 2018
Canon Incorporated
Japan
License to use patents relating to
information-related equipment
August 22, 2008 until
the expiry of the patents
13
Risks Related to Epson’s Business Operations
At present, Epson has identified the following significant factors as risks that could have a material adverse
effect on its future business, financial condition or operating results and that should thus be taken into
account by investors. There may be other risk factors of which Epson is unaware at this time.
Epson strives to recognize, prevent, and control potential risks and to address risks that materialize.
Also, all forward-looking statements hereunder were made at Epson’s discretion as of the date this Annual
Report was submitted.
1. Epson relies to a significant degree on profits from its printer business.
Epson’s ¥836,436 million in sales from its information-related equipment business for the year ended
March 2014 constituted more than 80% of Epson’s consolidated sales, which were ¥1,003,606 million.
Inkjet and other printers, including printer consumables, accounted for a large majority of the sales and
profits of the same business. A decrease in sales of printers and printer consumables could have a material
adverse effect on Epson’s operating results.
2. Competition and other factors could put downward pressure on prices.
Market prices for Epson’s core printers and projectors and for certain electronic devices might continue to
decline primarily due to intensified competition and a shift in demand toward lower-priced products.
Epson is striving to improve profitability by reducing production costs by using low-cost designs. At the
same time, it is implementing measures to offset declining prices by, for example, developing and
expanding sales of high-value-added products.
However, there is no assurance that these efforts will succeed, and if Epson is unable to respond effectively
to counteract downward prices, its operating results might be adversely affected.
3. Epson’s technologies compete with the technologies of other companies.
Some of the products that Epson sells contain technology that place Epson in direct competition with other
companies. For example:
1) The Micro Piezo1 technology that Epson uses in its inkjet printers competes with the thermal2 inkjet
technologies of other companies;
2) The 3LCD3 technology that we use in Epson projectors competes with digital light processing (DLP)4
and other technologies used by other companies.
Epson believes the technology it uses in these types of products is superior to the alternative technologies
of other companies, but, if consumer opinion with respect to Epson’s technology changes, or if other
revolutionary technologies appear on the market and compete with Epson’s technologies, Epson may lose
its competitive edge which could adversely affect its operating results.
1Micro Piezo technology is an inkjet technology created by Epson that manipulates piezoelectric elements to fire small
droplets of ink from nozzles.
2Thermal inkjet technology (also known as bubble-jet technology) is a printer technology in which the ink is heated to
create bubbles and the pressure from the bubbles is used to fire the ink.
33LCD technology uses high-temperature polysilicon TFT panels as light valves. The light from the light source is
divided into the three primary colors (red, blue and green) using special mirrors, the picture is created on separate
LCDs for each color, and then the picture is recombined and projected onto the screen.
4DLP technology uses a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) as a display device. A DMD is a semiconductor on which
a large number of micro mirrors are arranged, each mirror directing light onto its own individual pixel. An image
is formed by the light from the light source being reflected from the mirrors onto the screen. DLP and DMD are
registered trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated.
4. Other parties sell consumables for inkjet printers.
Ink cartridges, the main consumables for inkjet printers, are an important source of revenue and profit for
Epson. Non-genuine ink cartridges and other inkjet printer consumables that can be used with Epson
printers are sold by other parties. These third-party products, which are typically sold for less than genuine
Epson ink cartridges, are more commonly available in emerging markets than in economically advanced
countries.
14
Epson’s strategy to counter or neutralize sales of third-party inkjet printer consumables is to continue to
create customer value by emphasizing the quality of its genuine products as well as by boosting
user-friendliness with inkjet printers tailored to customer needs in each market, such as models equipped
with high-capacity ink tanks. Epson will also take legal action if any of the patent rights or trademark rights
it holds over its ink cartridges are infringed.
There is no assurance, however, that any of these efforts will be effective, and Epson’s operating results
could be adversely affected if Epson’s ink cartridge revenue declines because, for example, sales of
third-party ink cartridges expand or Epson must reduce the price of Epson-brand genuine products if
genuine ink cartridges lose market share.
5. Sudden changes in the business environment could affect Epson.
Epson is concentrating management resources on domains in which it can leverage its unique
strengths—printing systems, visual communications, sensing systems, and industrial solutions—and on
new areas that will support the Company’s future growth as it seeks to strengthen its business foundation.
However, because technological innovation is so rapid and product life cycles so short in markets where
Epson is focusing its managerial resources, the Company may be unable to respond flexibly to such
changes and develop and sell competitive products. In addition, demand and capital expenditure trends in
Epson’s main markets, which move in tandem with the global economy, have hurt demand for Epson’s
products in the past and may do so in the future.
If, for example, Epson cannot suitably respond to technological innovations in its main markets, or if
economic downturns or other factors prevent a recovery in demand, or if Epson is unable to adequately
meet sudden fluctuations in demand in a major market, Epson’s operating results could be adversely
affected.
6. Epson competes with other companies.
Epson presently faces competition from powerful companies with abundant financial resources or strong
financial positions and from companies around the world that have the ability to manufacture competitive
products or compete on price in Epson’s markets. This competition could adversely affect Epson’s
operating results.
In addition to such competition, there is also the possibility that powerful companies not currently
competing with Epson may use their brand power, technological strengths, ability to procure funds,
marketing power, sales skills or low-cost production capabilities to newly enter a business area of Epson’s
and compete with it.
7. Expanding businesses overseas entails risks for Epson.
Epson is continuing to expand its businesses overseas; more than 70% of its consolidated sales for the
business year ended March 2014 were overseas. Epson has production sites all over Asia, including China,
Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as in the United States, the United Kingdom,
and other countries. It has also established many sales companies all over the world. As of March 2014,
overseas employees account for more than 70% of Epson’s total workforce.
Epson believes that its global presence provides many advantages. For example, it enables Epson to
undertake marketing activities aligned with the market needs of individual regions and leads to greater
cost-competitiveness by reducing manufacturing costs and lead times. There are, however, unavoidable
risks associated with overseas manufacturing and sales operations. These include but are not limited to
changes in national laws, ordinances, or regulations related to manufacturing and sales; social, political or
economic changes; transport delays; damage to infrastructure (e.g., power supply); currency exchange
restrictions; insufficient skilled labor; changes in regional labor environments; changes in taxes, regulations
or the like protective of trade; and laws, ordinances, regulations, or the like related to the import and export
of Epson products.
8. The intense technological innovation required of Epson entails risks.
Epson is engaged in manufacturing and selling products that require advanced technologies, so
technological superiority is a vital element of Epson’s competitiveness. Epson’s competitive strength is
backed by compact, energy-saving and high-precision technologies that are the source of its core
technologies and have produced advancements, including the Micro Piezo inkjet head, micro-display,
15
sensing, GPS, image processing, energy-saving, and precision mechatronic technologies. By evolving and
fusing these technologies into platforms, Epson will continue to develop and manufacture products that
meet customer needs.
The rapid rate of technological innovation required in most of the fields in which Epson is engaged,
however, means that, in order to respond swiftly to customer needs based on changes in technology, Epson
sometimes must undertake long-term investments or capital spending based on product and market
predictions. Thus, while Epson is making every effort to gauge market and customer needs and will
maneuver to respond with the rapid technological innovation on which they depend, if Epson is unable to
accurately gauge those market trends or customer needs, or if it cannot appropriately respond with the
required technological innovations, its operating results might be adversely affected.
9. Product life cycles and the transition to new products make Epson vulnerable to certain risks.
Epson manufactures and sells products that generally have short life cycles, such as consumer products.
Epson uses the local subsidiaries and branches in its global distribution network to gather accurate
information on product needs in different regions, and strives to reduce time to market by establishing
development and design platforms. If the transition from an existing product to a new product does not go
smoothly, however, Epson’s operating results could consequently be adversely affected.
Factors that could interfere with the transition to a new product include delays in the development or
production of new products, competitors’ timing in introducing their new products, the difficulty in
predicting changes in customers’ needs, a decline in purchases of existing products as consumers anticipate
new product introductions, and competition between Epson’s existing and new products.
10. Procuring products entails risks for Epson.
Epson procures parts, semi-finished products and finished products from third parties, but it has generally
conducted transactions without entering into any long-term purchase agreements. In principle, Epson
strives to procure parts and the like from multiple suppliers. However, certain parts are procured from a
single source due to difficulty in procuring alternative components from another company. Epson is
developing reliable and efficient procurement processes by cooperating with suppliers to maintain product
quality, improve products and reduce costs. However, if its ability to procure products was to be adversely
affected by, for example, insufficient supply from a third party or poor quality of products supplied,
Epson’s operating results could be adversely affected.
11. Epson faces risks concerning the hiring and retention of personnel.
It is vital that Epson hire and retain talented personnel both in Japan and overseas to develop advanced new
technologies and manufacture advanced new products, but the competition for such personnel is becoming
increasingly acute. Epson is putting considerable effort into securing talented personnel by providing
appropriate levels of compensation and appointing talented local staff in Group companies worldwide. If
Epson is unable to continue to use or employ an adequate number of talented personnel, however, the
implementation of its business plans could be adversely affected.
12. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchanges create risks for Epson.
A significant portion of Epson’s sales are denominated in U.S. dollars or the euro. Epson has moved
forward on expanding its overseas procurement and transferring its production sites offshore, resulting in
higher U.S. dollar-denominated expenses, and, although its U.S. dollar-denominated sales balance out its
U.S. dollar-denominated expenses, its euro-denominated sales are still greater than its euro-denominated
expenses. Also, although Epson has executed currency-forward contracts and so forth to hedge against the
risks inherent in foreign currency exchanges, unfavorable movements in the exchange rates of foreign
currencies, such as the U.S. dollar or euro against the yen, could adversely affect Epson’s financial situation
and financial results.
13. There are risks inherent in pension systems.
Epson has established defined-benefit pension plans and a termination allowance plan.
Effective April 2014, Epson revised its defined-benefit pension plan for employees in Japan in light of the
pension fund’s declining rate of returns and a growing number of recipients. The changes were made to
enable the system to adapt to these conditions and to facilitate stable fund operations going forward.
16
However, if there is a change in the operating results of the pension assets or in the ratio used as the basis
for calculating retirement allowance liabilities, Epson’s operating results could be adversely affected.
14. Epson’s intellectual property rights activities expose Epson to certain risks.
Patent rights and other intellectual property rights are extremely important to Epson for maintaining its
competitiveness. Epson has itself developed many of the technologies it needs, and it utilizes them as
intellectual property in the form of products or technologies by acquiring patent rights, trademark rights
and other intellectual property rights for them or entering into agreements with other companies for them.
Epson carefully selects the personnel who manage its intellectual properties and is constantly working to
strengthen its intellectual property portfolio.
However, if any of the following situations relating to intellectual properties occurs, Epson’s operating
results could be adversely affected.
1) An objection might be raised or an application to invalidate might be filed against an intellectual
property right of Epson and, as a result, that right might be recognized as invalid.
2) A third party to whom Epson originally had not granted a license might come to possess a license as a
result of a merger with or acquisition of another third party, and the competitive advantage that Epson
had due to that license might be lost.
3) New restrictions might be imposed on an Epson business that were not originally imposed on it as a
result of a merger with or acquisition of a third party, and it might be forced to spend money to find a
solution to those restrictions.
4) Intellectual property rights that Epson holds might not give it a competitive advantage or Epson might
not be able to use them effectively.
5) Epson or one of its customers might be subject to a third-party’s claim of an infringement of
intellectual property rights and have to spend a considerable amount of time and money to resolve the
issue, or such a claim might interfere with Epson’s ability to focus its management resources.
6) If a third-party’s claim of infringement of intellectual property right is upheld, Epson might incur
damages in the form of having to pay considerable compensation or royalties or stop using the
applicable technology.
7) A suit might be brought against Epson for payment of remuneration to employees or the like for their
inventions or the like, which would mean Epson might be forced to spend a considerable amount of
time and money to resolve the issue and, as a result, might be required to pay a considerable amount
of money in remuneration.
15. Problems may arise relating to the quality of Epson’s products.
The existence of quality guarantees on Epson’s products and the details of those guarantees differ from
customer to customer, depending on the agreement it has entered into with them. If an Epson product is
defective or does not conform to the required standard, it may have to be replaced or repaired or otherwise
reworked at Epson’s expense. Or, if the product causes personal injury or property damage, Epson could
bear product liability or hold other liability.
Epson could also be held liable to a customer and could incur expenses for repairs or corrections on the
grounds that it did not adequately display or explain an Epson product’s features or performance.
Furthermore, if such a problem in quality arises with respect to Epson products, Epson might lose
customers’ trust in its products, lose major customers or experience a drop in demand for those products,
any of which might adversely affect Epson’s operating results.
16. Epson is vulnerable to risks of problems arising relating to the environment.
Epson is subject, both in Japan and overseas, to various environmental regulations concerning industrial
waste and emissions into the atmosphere that arise from manufacturing processes. Environmental
conservation is one of Epson’s most important management policies, and the Company is proactively
engaged in environmental conservation on all fronts. For example, Epson has programs to develop and
manufacture products with a lesser environmental burden, reduce energy use, promote the recovery and
recycling of end-of-life products, and improve environmental management systems. To date, Epson has not
had any serious environmental issue, but there is a possibility that in the future Epson might be affected by
a compensation claim, incur expenses (such as cleaning expenses), receive a fine, be ordered to cease
production or be otherwise affected as a result of environmental damage or that new regulations might be
17
brought in requiring Epson to pay considerable expenses, and, if such a situation should occur, Epson’s
operating results could be adversely affected.
17. Epson is vulnerable to proceedings relating to antitrust laws and regulations.
With business operations that span the globe, Epson is subject in Japan and overseas to proceedings relating
to antitrust laws and regulations, such as those prohibiting private monopolies and those protecting fair
trade. Overseas authorities sometimes investigate or gather information on certain industries and as part of
this, the industries Epson operates in and its sales methods may come under investigation. Such
investigations and proceedings, or violations of applicable statutes could interfere with Epson’s sales
activities. They could also potentially damage Epson’s social credibility or result in a large civil fine. Any
of these could adversely affect Epson’s operating results.
The Company and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries are currently under investigation by the European
Commission and other anti-monopoly-related authorities regarding allegations of involvement in a liquid
crystal display price-fixing cartel. It is difficult at this time to predict the outcome of these investigations
and when these will be finalized.
18. Epson is at risk of material legal actions being brought against it.
Epson conducts business internationally. Its primary businesses are the development, manufacture and sale
of information-related equipment, devices and precision products, and sensing and industrial solutions, as
well as the provision of related services. Given the nature of its businesses, there is a possibility that an
action could be brought or legal proceedings could be started against it regarding, for example, intellectual
property rights, product liability, antitrust laws or environmental regulations.
As of the date it submitted its Annual Securities Report, Epson was contending the following material
actions.
In Germany, the organization for collecting copyright fees on behalf of copyright holders,
Verwertungsgesellschaft Wort (“VG Wort”), has brought a series of legal actions seeking payment of
copyright fees against importers and venders of PCs, printers and other digital equipment that is capable of
reproducing copyrighted works.
In January 2004 VG Wort brought a civil action against Epson Deutschland GmbH (“EDG”), a
consolidated subsidiary of the Company, to seek payment of copyright fees on single-function printers. The
initial judgment determined that the aforementioned printer is subject to a copyright fee and decreed that
EDG pay the fee at a rate of between 10 to 256.70 euros per printer depending on the printer’s printable
pages per minute. However, the claim was dismissed by the appeals court and the supreme court. The
plaintiff, however, unsatisfied with this ruling, appealed to the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany.
On December 21, 2010, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that the August 2008 ruling of the supreme
court violates rights set forth in Article 14 of the constitutional law of Germany. It thus dismissed the ruling
of the supreme court and referred the case back to the supreme court for review. Then, in July 2011, the
supreme court referred the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union, and an inquiry was begun in
October 2012. In June 2013, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that EU member states can
impose levies on printer and PC manufacturers in order to compensate copyrights holders for unauthorized
reproduction of their work. In response to this ruling, a review was launched in German courts in October
2013.
Companies in general, including Epson, and industry organizations are showing a willingness to take a
stance against the expansion of the scope of such copyright fees.
In June 2010, Epson Europe B.V. (“EEB”), a consolidated subsidiary of Seiko Epson, brought a civil suit
against La SCRL Reprobel (“Reprobel”), a Belgium-based group that collects copyright royalties, seeking
restitution for copyright royalties for multifunction printers. These two lawsuits were adjoined. EEB’s
claims were rejected at the first trial, but EEB, dissatisfied with the decision, intends to appeal.
Apart from this, civil actions have been brought against the Company and certain of its consolidated
subsidiaries by multiple customers in multiple countries, including the United States, regarding allegations
of involvement in a liquid crystal display price-fixing cartel.
It is difficult at this time to predict the outcome of these civil actions and when they may be settled, but
Epson’s operating results and future business could be affected, depending on the outcomes of suits and
legal proceedings.
18
19. Epson is vulnerable to certain risks in internal control over financial reporting.
Epson has established and operates internal controls to ensure the reliability of financial reporting.
With the establishment and operation of internal controls over financial reporting high on its list of
important management issues, Epson has been pursuing a Groupwide effort to audit and improve corporate
oversight of its subsidiaries and affiliates. However, since there is no assurance that Epson will be able to
establish and operate an effective internal control system on a continuous basis, and since there are inherent
limitations to internal control systems, if the internal controls that Epson implements fail to function
effectively, or if there are deficiencies in internal controls over financial reporting or material weaknesses in
the internal controls, it might adversely affect the reliability of Epson’s financial reporting.
20. Epson is vulnerable to risks inherent in its tie-ups with other companies.
One of Epson’s business strategy options is to enter business tie-ups with other companies. However, the
parties may review the arrangements of tie-ups, and there is a possibility that tie-ups could be dissolved or
be subject to changes. There is also no assurance that the business strategy through the tie-ups will succeed
or contribute to Epson’s operating results exactly as expected.
21. Epson might be severely affected in the event of a natural or other disaster.
Epson has research and development, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, sales and services sites around
the globe. It is possible that the regions concerned could be affected by any number of unpredictable events,
such as a natural disaster, computer virus, outbreak of an influenza pandemic, leak of customer data, failure
of critical company information systems, supply chain disruption resulting from damage to parts suppliers,
act of terrorism or war, and that these could adversely affect Epson’s operating results.
The central region of Nagano Prefecture, where Epson’s primary businesses are located, has numerous
cities and towns designated as “Areas Requiring Enhanced Measures to Respond to Disasters” due to the
high risk of a large-scale disaster in the event of an earthquake in the Tokai region. Moreover, an active
fault line traces the Itoigawa–Shizuoka geotectonic line through the middle of Nagano Prefecture.
The areas classifiable as Areas Requiring Enhanced Measures to Respond to Disasters were revised in April
2002, so Epson had to revise its earthquake-response policy, look into strengthening numerous buildings
that were not built to resist earthquakes, take measures to avoid losses of important parts and materials, and
create plans to prevent damage from earthquakes. Epson is also conducting other countermeasures such as
partially dispersing its manufacturing sites throughout other regions.
However, if a major earthquake occurs in the central Nagano Prefecture region, it is possible that, despite
these countermeasures, the effect on Epson could be extreme.
Although Epson is insured against losses arising from earthquakes, the scope of indemnification is limited.
22. Laws, regulations, or licenses and the like pose risks for Epson.
Epson is a multinational corporation with operations around the globe. In addition to strengthening its sales
and marketing activities targeting new customers, including public institutions, the Company is entering
new areas, such as the health and medical markets, where there may be stricter requirements for
compliance with laws and regulations. Epson has strengthened its compliance framework and strives to
ensure compliance with all statutory requirements through internal training and awareness-building
programs. However, a statutory violation or the risk of one, the introduction of stricter statues, or the
imposition of tougher laws by relevant authorities could potentially damage Epson’s social credibility or
result in a large civil fine. Not only that but Epson could see constraints placed on its business activities or
see the cost of complying with these statutes increase. Any of these could have an adverse impact on
Epson’s financial performance and future business development.
19
Business Conditions
1. Overview of business results
(1) Operating results
Global economic recovery on the whole was still weak in the year under review, but there was also
evidence of underlying strength. The U.S. economy, boosted by lower unemployment and higher personal
spending, recovered at a gradual pace. The European economy remained weak but showed signs of picking
up, as the unemployment rate leveled off and manufacturing activity was solid. In China the pace of
economic expansion steadied, while the Indian economy showed signs of having bottomed out. Elsewhere
in Asia, the ASEAN and Taiwanese economies showed indications of a rebound, while improvement was
also seen in South Korea. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy gradually recovered, in part due to the effects
of an improved export environment owing to the weakening of the yen and effects of economic and
financial policies.
Conditions among the main markets of the Epson Group (“Epson”) were as follows.
Inkjet printer demand contracted in North America and Japan but drifted sideways in Europe. Large-format
printer sales were brisk for popularly priced models. Sales of high-end models were sluggish in the first
half but gained momentum in the second half as corporate spending picked up. The market for
serial-impact dot-matrix (SIDM) printers shrank in the U.S. and Europe but grew in China due to
infrastructure investment. Demand for POS systems products from small and medium-sized retailers in the
Americas was steady throughout the year and, in Europe, rebounded in the second half. Projector demand
was steady in Japan, flat in the Americas and Asia, and slack in Europe due to ongoing cutbacks in
investment budgets.
In mobile phones, the main application for Epson’s electronic devices, demand was firm for smartphones
but continued to decelerate for conventional phones. In the PC market, sales of tablets were steady, but
demand for notebook and desktop models continued to contract. In the digital camera market, compact
camera sales remained sluggish and demand for SLR (single-lens reflex) and the MILC (mirrorless
interchangeable-lens camera) model also slackened.
In the precision products market, demand for premium watches grew, especially in Japan. Industrial robot
demand increased in the automotive and smartphone sectors, while IC handler demand trended upward as
investment resumed in the semiconductor market.
At the start of the 2013 fiscal year Epson began working under an updated three-year plan called the
Updated SE15 Second-Half Mid-Range Business Plan (FY2013-2015). We have been closely adhering to
the strategic course charted by the SE15 Long-Range Corporate Vision and, in line with the updated plan,
are pursuing a basic strategy of managing our businesses so that they create steady profit while avoiding the
single-minded pursuit of revenue growth. Our top priority will be steady income and cash flow. To achieve
this in existing segments, we will readjust our product mixes and adopt new business models. Meanwhile,
we will aggressively develop markets in new segments. We will move steadily forward to lay the
foundation for a metamorphosis during which Epson will change from being primarily a company that
provides consumer imaging products into a company that once again posts strong growth by creating and
providing new information solutions and equipment for businesses and professionals, as well as consumers.
The average exchange rate of the yen against the U.S. dollar and of the yen against the euro during the year
under review was ¥100.23 and ¥134.37, respectively. This represents a 21% depreciation in the value of the
yen against the dollar and a 25% depreciation in the value of the yen against the euro, year over year.
As a result of the foregoing factors, net sales for the fiscal year were ¥1,003,606 million ($9,751,321
thousand), up 17.9% from the prior fiscal year. Operating income was ¥84,968 million ($825,573 thousand),
up 299.8% from the prior fiscal year. Ordinary income was ¥78,121 million ($759,045 thousand), up
343.1% from the prior fiscal year, and net income was ¥83,698 million ($813,233 thousand), compared to a
net loss of ¥10,091 million in the previous fiscal year. In addition, after Epson analyzed potentially
recoverable deferred tax assets and adjusted the amount, tax expenses decreased, and Epson recorded a
¥30,734 million income tax adjustment.
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A breakdown of the financial results for each reporting segment is provided below.
Please note that, effective from the first quarter of the 2013 fiscal year, some of the product categories
within existing segments were spun off to create new segments. The main change is that factory automation
equipment, industrial inkjet printing systems, and sensing systems equipment, which were formerly
included in the information-related equipment segment, devices and precision products segment, and
corporate segment, were spun off to create the new sensing and industrial solutions segment. The optical
products business, which was included in the devices and precision products segment last fiscal year, was
transferred and herein is included in the corporate segment.
Information-Related Equipment Business Segment
Net sales in the printing systems business increased. All categories of products benefited from foreign
exchange effects.
Net sales in the inkjet printer business as a whole were higher due to increased shipments of high-capacity
ink tank models and to higher average selling prices, despite a decline in ink cartridge printer shipments.
Net sales from consumables also rose, as unit shipments increased.
Large-format printer net sales increased due to a rise in average selling prices accompanying increased
sales of high-end units and consumables. Page printer net sales decreased due to a decline in unit shipments,
the result of Epson’s focus on selling high-added-value models. SIDM printer net sales increased owing to
steady demand in China, where these printers are used in tax collection systems. POS system printer net
sales rose due to an increase in unit shipments in the Americas.
Net sales in the visual communications business increased. Foreign exchange effects were a positive factor
here, as well.
Business projector net sales climbed. The increase was fueled by strong sales in the Americas and China,
which brought about unit shipment growth. Home-theater projector net sales also grew, mainly on higher
unit shipments in Japan and China.
Segment income in the information-related equipment segment increased due to foreign exchange effects
and increased sales of core products.
As a result of the foregoing factors, net sales in the information-related equipment segment were ¥836,436
million ($8,127,050 thousand), up 22.0% year over year, while segment income was ¥121,531 million
($1,180,829 thousand), up 134.9% year over year.
Devices and Precision Products Business Segment
Net sales in the micro-devices business declined.
Crystal device net sales declined as a whole despite foreign exchange effects, as tuning-fork crystal unit
shipments shrank in conjunction with soft demand from the mobile phone market, crystal prices continued
to erode, and opto-device sales to digital camera manufacturers decreased. Foreign exchange effects caused
semiconductor net sales to increase despite negative factors such as plunging microcontroller unit prices.
Net sales in the precision products business increased owing to factors such as increased sales of premium
watches, which lifted average selling prices, and foreign exchange effects.
Segment income in the devices and precision products segment increased. This increase was due not only
to the effects of foreign exchange on the segment as a whole but also to the effect of cost reductions in the
micro-devices business.
As a result of the foregoing factors, net sales in the devices and precision products segment were ¥148,956
million ($1,447,298 thousand), up 5.8% year over year, while segment income was ¥9,733 million
($94,568 thousand), up 12.7% year over year.
Sensing and Industrial Solutions Business Segment
Net income in the sensing and industrial solutions segment increased.
In factory automation systems, industrial robot net sales grew on increased orders from Asia, while IC
handler net sales grew on increased orders from manufacturers of semiconductors for smartphones.
Segment income in the sensing and industrial solutions segment was negative, as industrial robot and IC
handler income growth was outstripped by widened losses in industrial inkjet printing systems and sensing
systems.
21
As a result of the foregoing factors, net sales in the sensing and industrial solutions segment were ¥16,181
million ($157,219 thousand), up 41.8% year over year, while segment loss was ¥10,183 million ($98,940
thousand), compared to a loss of ¥9,614 million last year.
Other
Net sales in this segment in the year under review were ¥1,334 million ($12,962 thousand), up 4.8% year
over year. Segment loss was ¥258 million ($2,517 million), compared to a ¥165 million segment loss last
year.
Adjustments
Adjustments to total income of reporting segments amounted to -¥35,854 million ($348,367 thousand),
compared to -¥29,349 million in adjustments last year. The loss mainly comprises selling, general and
administrative expenses for areas that do not correspond to the reporting segments, such as research and
development expenses for new businesses and basic technology, and general corporate expenses.
(2) Cash Flow Performance
Net cash provided by operating activities during the year was ¥111,253 million ($1,080,965 thousand),
compared to ¥42,992 million in the previous fiscal year. Net income before taxes and minority interests
was ¥71,916 million. It was boosted by factors such as the recording of ¥38,725 million in depreciation
expenses and a ¥18,401 million increase in notes and accounts payable, which outweighed negative factors
such as a ¥16,060 million increase in accounts receivable.
Net cash used in investing activities was ¥39,519 million ($383,977 thousand) compared to ¥39,511 million
in the previous fiscal year, as the Company used ¥40,379 million in the acquisition of property, plant and
equipment, and intangible assets.
Net cash used in financing activities was ¥56,567 million ($549,621 thousand), compared to ¥21,298 in net
cash provided by financing activities in the previous fiscal year. Although the issuing of corporate bonds
provided ¥20,000 million in income, the Company recorded a ¥72,496 million net decrease in short-term
and long-term loans payable and ¥3,577 million in cash dividends paid.
As a result of the foregoing, cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period totaled ¥211,500 million
($2,054,994 thousand) compared to ¥184,639 million at the end of the previous fiscal year.
*Please refer to the following for Epson’s financial results for previous years:
http://global.epson.com/IR/
22
2. Manufacturing, orders received and sales
(1) Actual manufacturing
The following table shows actual manufacturing information by segment in the fiscal year under review.
Business segment
Year ended March 31, 2014
(From April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014)
(Millions of yen)
Change
compared to
previous year
(%)
Information-related equipment
Devices and precision products
Sensing and industrial solutions
Total for the reporting segments
Other
Total
845,168
138,238
15,316
998,723
751
999,474
131.3
103.6
134.7
126.7
109.8
126.7
Notes
1. The above figures are based on sales prices. Intersegment transactions are offset and therefore
eliminated.
2. The above figures do not include consumption tax.
3. The above figures include outsourced manufacturing.
(2) Orders received
Epson’s policy is to manufacture products based on sales forecasts. Accordingly, this section does not
apply.
(3) Actual sales
The following table shows actual sales information by segment in the fiscal year under review.
Business segment
Year ended March 31, 2014
(From April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014)
(Millions of yen)
Change compared
to previous fiscal
year (%)
Information-related equipment
Devices and precision products
Sensing and industrial solutions
Total for the reporting segments
Other
Total
Notes
1. Intersegment transactions are offset and therefore eliminated.
2. The above figures do not include consumption tax.
3. No customer accounts for more than 10% of the actual total sales.
835,988
143,928
16,019
995,935
892
996,827
122.0
106.8
141.4
119.8
104.2
119.8
23
3. Analysis of financial condition and results of operations
(1) Analysis of operating results
Net Sales
Consolidated net sales were ¥1,003,606 million, a year-over-year increase of ¥152,309 million (17.9%).
Sales in each reporting segment are discussed below.
The information-related equipment segment recorded net sales of ¥836,436 million, a year-over-year
increase of ¥150,573 million (22.0%). Segment net sales benefited from foreign exchange effects as well as
from the factors described below.
The inkjet printer business as a whole reported net sales growth overall despite a decline in ink cartridge
printer shipments. Net sales grew on increased shipments of high-capacity ink tank models and higher
average selling prices. Net sales from consumables also rose, as unit shipments increased. Large-format
printer net sales increased due to a rise in average selling prices accompanying increased sales of high-end
units and consumables. Page printer net sales decreased due to a decline in unit shipments, the result of
Epson’s focus on selling high-added-value models. SIDM printer net sales increased owing to steady,
sustained demand in China, where these printers are used in tax collection systems. POS system printer net
sales increased due to an increase in unit shipments in the Americas. Business projector net sales increased.
The increase was fueled by strong sales in the Americas and China, as well as by unit shipment growth.
Home-theater projector net sales also grew, mainly on higher unit shipments in Japan and China.
The devices and precision products segment recorded net sales of ¥148,956 million, a year-over-year
increase of ¥8,165 million (5.8%). The factors that contributed most significantly to this change are
described below.
Quartz device net sales declined despite positive foreign exchange effects. Net sales were hurt by
plummeting prices and a decline in unit shipments of tuning-fork crystal units due to soft demand from
mobile phone manufacturers. A decline in sales of opto-devices to the digital camera market also
contributed to the decline in quartz device net sales. Despite a plunge in microcontroller unit prices,
semiconductor net sales grew due to foreign exchange effects. Watch net sales increased due to foreign
exchange effects and the effect of growth in sales of high-end products, which raised average selling prices.
The sensing and industrial solutions segment posted net sales of ¥16,181 million, a year-over-year increase
of ¥4,767 million (41.8%). In factory automation systems, industrial robot net sales increased as a result of
increased orders from Asia. Meanwhile, IC handler net sales increased as a result of increased orders from
manufacturers of semiconductors for smartphones.
In the “Other” segment, net sales were ¥1,334 million, a year-over-year increase of ¥60 million (4.8%).
Cost of sales and gross profit
The cost of sales was ¥680,630 million, a year-over-year increase of ¥63,772 million (10.3%). In addition
to foreign exchange effects, the increase in cost of sales is largely the result of higher material and
processing costs associated with an increase in net sales.
As a result, gross profit was ¥322,976 million, up ¥88,536 million (37.8%) compared to the previous
period.
Selling, general and administrative expenses and operating income
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were ¥238,007 million, an increase of ¥24,823
million (11.6%). In addition to foreign exchange effects, the increase in SG&A expenses is largely a result
of higher labor costs, primarily in the form of bonuses, associated with the Company’s improved financial
performance.
As a result, operating income was ¥84,968 million, an increase of ¥63,713 million (299.8%).
24
Segment income in each reporting segment was as follows.
Segment income in the information-related equipment segment was ¥121,531 million, up ¥69,784 million
(134.9%) compared to the previous period. This increase is due to foreign exchange effects and the effect of
increased revenue from the Company’s main products.
Segment income in the devices and precision products segment was ¥9,733 million, up ¥1,094 million
(12.7%) compared to the previous period. This increase was due not only to the effects of foreign exchange
on the segment as a whole but also to the effect of cost reductions in the micro-devices business.
Segment loss in the sensing and industrial solutions segment was ¥10,183 million. This represents a ¥569
million increase to the ¥9,614 million loss reported in the previous period. Although Epson recorded
income growth in industrial robots and IC handlers, this growth was outstripped by widened losses in
industrial inkjet printing systems and sensing systems.
Other segment loss was ¥258 million, a ¥92 million increase in loss compared to the ¥165 million loss
reported in the previous period.
As for adjustments, segment loss was ¥35,854 million, a ¥6,504 million increase in loss compared to the
¥29,349 million loss incurred in the previous period. Adjustments consisted primarily of patent royalties,
R&D expenses for basic research and new businesses that do not belong to a reporting segment, and SG&A
expenses, comprised of Head Office expenses.
Non-operating income and expenses
The net of non-operating income minus non-operating expenses was negative ¥6,847 million, a ¥3,221
million increase in loss from the ¥3,625 million loss recorded in the previous period. The main reason for
this result is that, while items such as interest income increased compared to the previous period, the net
loss on foreign exchange was ¥9,632 million in the year under review, compared to a loss of ¥2,944 million
in the previous period.
Ordinary income
Ordinary income was ¥78,121 million, a ¥60,492 million (343.1%) increase compared to the previous
period.
Extraordinary income and losses
The net of extraordinary income minus extraordinary losses was ¥6,204 million, a ¥14,903 million
improvement from the ¥21,108 million loss recorded in the previous period. The main reason for the lower
extraordinary loss was that litigation losses, which consisted primarily of payments to settle a lawsuit
involving allegations of involvement in an LCD price-fixing cartel, decreased by ¥14,041 million.
Income before income taxes and minority interests
Epson recorded income before income taxes and minority interests of ¥71,916 million, an increase of
¥75,395 million from the previous period.
Income taxes
Income taxes were ¥12,025 million, an ¥18,468 million decrease compared to the previous period. This
decrease is primarily the result of a ¥30,734 million income tax adjustment that the Company recorded after
analyzing potentially recoverable deferred tax assets in light of the Company’s FY2013 financial
performance and financial outlook for the 2014 fiscal year, and concluding that tax expenses would decline.
Minority interests in income
Minority interests in income for the period under review were ¥243 million, an increase of ¥74 million
(44.0%) compared to the previous period.
25
Net income (loss)
Epson posted ¥83,698 million in net income, a ¥93,789 million increase from the previous period.
(2) Liquidity and capital resources
Cash flow
Net cash provided by operating activities was ¥111,253 million, an increase of ¥68,260 million compared
to the previous period. While negatively affected by an increase in trade accounts receivable (¥22,922
million effect) and an increase in inventory (¥22,892 million effect), cash flow from operating activities
increased principally because of a ¥75,395 million increase in income before income taxes and minority
interests and a ¥35,570 million effect from an increase in trade notes and accounts payable.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled ¥39,519 million, an increase of ¥7 million compared to the
previous period. Although there was a ¥3,466 million decrease in outlays associated with the acquisition of
property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, net cash used in investing activities increased
principally because in the previous period Epson recorded ¥3,147 million in income associated with a
business transfer and because of a ¥499 million increase in outlays to acquire investment securities.
Net cash used by financing activities totaled ¥56,567 million, as revenue from financing activities
decreased by ¥77,866 million compared to the previous period. This was principally due to a ¥78,920
million net decrease in interest-bearing liabilities.
As a result of the foregoing factors, cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fiscal year stood at ¥211,500
million, an increase of ¥26,861 million compared to the end of the previous fiscal year, giving Epson
sufficient liquidity.
The combined total of short-term loans payable, long-term loans payable, and bonds payable was ¥220,455
million, a decrease of ¥50,671 million compared to the previous period, owing to the repayment of general
interest-bearing liabilities.
Long-term loans payable (excluding the current portion) as of the fiscal year-end were ¥50,500 million, at a
weighted average interest rate of 0.73% and with a repayment deadline of November 2017. These
borrowings were obtained as unsecured loans primarily from banks.
Financial condition
Total assets were ¥865,872 million, an increase of ¥87,325 million compared to the end of the previous
fiscal year. This increase is primarily the result of a ¥23,893 million increase in deferred tax assets, a
¥20,098 million increase in product inventories, a ¥26,893 million increase in cash and deposits and
short-term investment securities, and a ¥13,795 million increase in notes and accounts receivable.
Total liabilities were ¥514,141 million, a decrease of ¥5,599 million compared to the end of the previous
fiscal year. Although notes and accounts payable–trade increased by ¥15,571 million, liabilities associated
with retirement benefits increased by ¥14,917 million, and the provision for bonuses increased by ¥9,718
million, total liabilities decreased primarily as a result of a ¥50,671 million net decrease in short-term loans
payable, long-term loans payable, and bonds payable.
Net assets were ¥351,730 million, an increase of ¥92,924 million compared to the end of the previous fiscal
year. This was primarily due to an ¥80,120 million increase in retained earnings and a ¥19,394 million
change in the foreign currency adjustment associated with the depreciation of the yen.
Working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, was ¥288,815 million, an increase of
¥96,046 million compared to the end of the previous fiscal year.
The ratio of interest-bearing liabilities to total assets declined to 25.5% from 34.9% at the end of the
previous fiscal year.
26
4. Research and development activities
Epson is pursuing innovation in compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies with the aim of
becoming a “community of robust businesses,” as set forth in the Company’s SE15 Long-Range Corporate
Vision. The Company’s research and development programs are designed to achieve this and are thus
principally focused on boosting competitiveness by concentrating management resources on areas of
strength, reinforcing business foundations, and using the technologies and other assets in the Company’s
portfolio to create new businesses.
Operations division R&D develops core technologies and shared technology platforms in order to
strengthen the Company’s market position, both short and long term. Corporate R&D’s mission is to
develop both new and existing core technologies and shared technology platforms, with the aim of creating
new and revolutionizing existing businesses.
Total R&D spending in the year under review was ¥50,531 million. This included ¥25,783 million in the
information-related equipment segment, ¥4,800 million in the devices and precision products segment,
¥6,983 million in the sensing and industrial solutions segment, and ¥12,964 million in other and corporate.
The main R&D accomplishments in each segment are described below.
Information-related equipment
In the printing systems business, Epson released a new flagship model in its consumer inkjet printer lineup.
The new flagship model is a compact all-in-one unit that supports paper sizes up to A3. The small footprint
of these products allows them to easily fit in space-constrained places where former A3 printers could not.
While A4 paper is good enough for most print jobs, the ability to print on large A3 sheets when needed is a
big advantage.
Epson also expanded its lineup of full-fledged all-in-one inkjet printers for business. These business
all-in-ones, which employ Epson’s new high nozzle density PrecisionCore print heads, offer laser-like print
speeds, durability, and paper feeding capacities. The new flagship models are Epson’s fastest business
inkjet printers yet, delivering both color and monochrome prints at a blazing 24 ipm1 compared to 8 ipm
(color) and 15 ipm (monochrome) for the basic-spec PX-1700F (released in 2011). The 600-dpi default
setting for print resolution on ordinary paper is also far above the 360 dpi delivered by the PX-1700F and
means that these machines can print exceptionally crisp, sharp text and lines. These flagship models have
the highest durability rating in Epson’s business inkjet printer lineup, a confidence-inspiring 300,000 pages
(compared to 60,000 pages for the PX-1700F). Epson released its first dye-sublimation transfer2 printers.
These commercial inkjet printers support an extensive range of applications, including sportswear and soft
signage. Equipped with UltraChrome DS ink, a four-color inkset with an extreme color gamut specifically
developed for the new PrecisionCore print heads, these printers produce outstanding image quality and
smooth gradations.
In the visual communications business, Epson developed a new generation of smart glasses, wearable
electronic devices that deliver information and visual entertainment to users. The new product offers
increased brightness and improved operability, with a headset unit that weighs only 88 grams, or about
one-third as much as the first generation.
1Images per minute (ipm) is the number of single-sided prints a printer can produce in one minute using
the default settings of the printer driver. Testing is performed using the Office Category Test of the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which sets the standard for measuring the
productivity of printers.
2In dye-sublimation transfer printing, an image printed on a sheet of transfer paper is transferred to a
polyester substrate by using heat to turn the sublimation ink into a gas so it permeates and fuses with
the substrate.
Devices and precision products
In the micro-devices business, Epson developed new real-time clock modules3 that have built-in
temperature-compensated crystal oscillators. In general, it becomes more difficult to maintain and improve
the accuracy of real-time clock modules as their components become smaller and their assembly densities
increase. Epson, however, successfully reduced the size of its modules without trading off either accuracy
or current consumption (typically 0.70 microamperes) compared to products then on the market. It
27
achieved this by capitalizing on Epson’s powerful QMEMS4 fabrication technology to manufacture
high-precision tuning-fork crystal units and its semiconductor technology for driving the crystal units under
optimal conditions.
3Epson’s real-time clock modules integrate a real-time clock IC, which offers clock, calendar, and other
functions, and a 32.768 kHz crystal unit in a single package.
4QMEMS is a combination of “quartz,” a crystalline material that has excellent stability and precision,
and “MEMS,” micro electro-mechanical systems engineered using micro-fabrication technology.
QMEMS refers to compact, high-performance devices made from quartz material and is a registered
trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Sensing and industrial solutions
Epson released new WristableGPS sports monitors, wristwatch-like products that use GPS to accurately
track and record such things as distances run, pace, and routes taken. Equipped with a newly developed,
low-power GPS receiver chip and antenna, these products are capable of operating continuously for 30
hours on a single charge while updating position data every second. They are compatible with the
Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), which is designed so that at least one of the satellites is always
directly over Japan and thus delivers the most accurate distance and altitude data, even in urban canyons
and narrow valleys, where interference is high and signals are easily lost. Epson’s latest sports monitors
also offer greater convenience. With high-speed GPS signal search and skip functions, for example, they
can begin taking measurements even before a GPS satellite search is completed.
Epson developed the M-Tracer For Golf5, a golf swing sensor that golfers can use to accurately measure,
analyze, and improve or correct their swing based on statistical comparisons against a theoretically ideal
swing.
Epson also developed a “seeing, sensing, thinking, working” autonomous dual-arm robot that is capable of
expanding the range of manufacturing tasks that can be automated. Able to recognize objects, adjust the
force applied to them, and make decisions while executing tasks, this robot will significantly increase the
scope of automation solutions that Epson recommends. Epson plans to commercialize a dual-arm robot
within the 2015 fiscal year (ending March 2016).
5The M-Tracer is a wireless motion analysis system that uses a superbly stable and accurate Epson
sensor to capture angular rate and acceleration data, which are then sent to a software application that
analyzes the data, provides statistics, and produces 3D tracking images. M-TracerTM is a registered
U.S. and Japanese trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
28
5. Issues for Fiscal 2014
At the start of the 2013 fiscal year Epson began working under an updated three-year plan called the
Updated SE15 Second-Half Mid-Range Business Plan (FY2013-2015). We have been closely adhering to
the strategic course charted by the SE15 Long-Range Corporate Vision and, in line with the updated plan,
are pursuing a basic strategy of managing our businesses so that they create steady profit while avoiding the
single-minded pursuit of revenue growth. Our top priority will be steady income and cash flow. To achieve
this in existing segments, we will readjust our product mixes and adopt new business models. Meanwhile,
we will aggressively develop markets in new segments. We will move steadily forward to lay the
foundation for a metamorphosis during which Epson will change from being primarily a company that
provides consumer imaging products into a company that once again posts strong growth by creating and
providing new information solutions and equipment for businesses and professionals, as well as consumers.
Continued growth is forecast for the global economy. The advanced economies, led by the U.S.A., are
expected to recover while the emerging economies continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace. Society is
changing, shifting increasingly toward sustainable industry and sustainable economic activity. This trend
will likely alter the kind of customer value that Epson will need to provide.
Under this type of business environment, we will remake Epson into a company that once again posts
strong growth. We will achieve this by focusing our management resources on strategic segments where we
can continue to leverage our unique strengths, by expanding our business segments, and by building
stronger new businesses that will support the Company’s growth in the future. Ultimately, we aim to
achieve 10% ROS and 10% or better ROE on a sustained basis as early as possible during the mid-range
business plan that starts in fiscal 2016, by which time Epson will have established a stable profit structure.
Basic Strategies in Each Business
Printing Systems Business
In the printing systems business we will look to create an innovative printing environment by leveraging
inkjet technology. In inkjet printers we will adjust the product mix and roll out a new business model by
launching models tailored to the needs of the office market and emerging markets. We will also boost
competitiveness by releasing a succession of inkjet printers that feature new Micro Piezo print heads. At the
same time, we will further enhance services and support that include IT solutions. In the business systems
business, we will achieve steady income growth by uncovering new demand while maintaining a grip on
the top share in existing segments.
Visual Communications Business
In the visual communications business we will create new forms of visual communication using
micro-display technology. In projectors, apart from continuing our efforts in existing market segments, we
will look to expand our market footprint and improve earnings by enhancing our ability to recommend
solutions and strengthening our sales network so as to elevate Epson’s positioning in niches where we want
to strengthen our presence, such as high-lumen projectors and short-throw lens projectors. Epson’s
smartglasses have the potential to change the way we live and work. Offering a see-through display and
hands-free navigation, they give Epson an opportunity to create new applications and new value for both
commercial and consumer markets.
Micro-devices and Precision Products Businesses
In these businesses we will use unique, boundary-breaking technologies to continue creating products that
only Epson can. The micro-devices business has shored up its profit structure by revamping its product
portfolio and cost structure. Going forward, we will secure steady income in this business by being a leader
in miniaturization and performance and by creating products that provide customer value. The precision
products business, underpinned by unique technology, will strive to improve profitability going forward by
strengthening its lineup of high-added-value products such as GPS and high-end luxury watches and by
growing its small yet highly profitable metal powder and surface finishing businesses.
29
Industrial Solutions Business
In the industrial solutions business we will employ advanced mechatronics to create robots and production
systems that dramatically increase productivity. Epson’s track record and a reputation for reliability have
made us the market share leader in SCARA (selective compliance assembly robot arm) and 6-axis
robots. Meanwhile, Epson textile printers and digital label presses are steadily gaining market traction. We
will develop industrial solutions into a future core growth business by employing advanced mechatronics,
including unique inkjet and intelligent robot technologies, to create industrial robots, inkjet systems, and
other industrial solutions that dramatically increase productivity.
Sensing Systems Business
The sensing systems business will use high-precision sensors to create new value to improve people’s lives.
Over the past few years, we have been reaching into Epson’s storehouse of component and sensing systems
technologies to build new businesses around innovative sensing products, such as wristwatch-like GPS
running monitors and pulse monitors. We will continue to develop these types of products as new growth
drivers, integrating them with cloud-based systems to provide innovative solutions. Sensing solutions that
convert raw sensor data into a practical, visual format have applications in areas such as sports, personal
healthcare, and medicine, where they can be used to measure performance and monitor personal health, and
in industry, where they can be used to monitor the health of facilities and infrastructure.
30
6. Dividend policy
The Company believes in distributing profits by maintaining stable dividend payments and seeks to
increase cash flow through greater management efficiency and improved profitability. On that basis, with
the goal of achieving a consistent consolidated dividend payout ratio of 30% over the medium- to
long-term, the Company distributes profits to shareholders while taking into account the need for capital to
fuel its business strategy and to maintain its business performance and financial standing.
The Company’s dividend policy is to pay cash dividends twice a year. The year-end dividend is determined
by resolution of the general shareholders’ meeting and the interim dividend is determined at a meeting of
the board of directors.
Both net sales and operating income significantly surpassed those of the previous year due to the positive
impact of foreign exchange and successful shifts in Epson’s business models, especially in the
information-related equipment segment. As a result, Epson has set its total dividend payment for the fiscal
year at ¥50 per share (an interim dividend of ¥13).
The Company’s Articles of Incorporation allow the Company to issue an interim dividend with a record
date of September 30 every year by resolution of the board of directors.
The Company’s distribution of retained earnings for the fiscal year under review is as follows.
Distribution of retained earnings for the fiscal year under review
Date approved
Cash dividends
(Millions of yen)
Cash dividend per share
(Yen)
October 31, 2013, by resolution
of the board of directors
June 24, 2014, by resolution of
the general shareholders’ meeting
2,325
6,618
13
37
31
Corporate Governance
1. Approach to corporate governance
(1) Corporate governance system
Outline
Epson’s basic approach to corporate governance is geared toward
▪ continuously increasing corporate value; and
▪ reinforcing business checks and balances, practicing sound corporate ethics, and ensuring business
transparency and health.
The Company has a board of directors and a board of statutory auditors. The board of directors had 10
members, including two outside directors, as of the date the Annual Securities Report was submitted. It
meets once a month and convenes extraordinary meetings as needed. The board of directors makes
decisions on basic management policies, key business operations, period-end closing, disclosure
timeframes, and other important issues. Various management bodies have been created to advise the board
of directors or president, deliberate issues to facilitate decision making, and oversee and enhance the
execution of business. Epson’s board of statutory auditors consists of five statutory auditors, including three
outside statutory auditors. It strives to ensure greater independence and transparency of audits.
The names of the outside directors and outside auditors have been reported to the Tokyo Stock Exchange
(TSE) as they are considered to be independent directors/auditors as defined by the TSE.
The main corporate management bodies and their aims are as follows:
Corporate Strategy Council/ Corporate Management Meeting
The Corporate Strategy Council and corporate management meetings are convened to thoroughly deliberate
on matters before they are referred to the board of directors.
Compliance Committee
The Compliance Committee meets to hear and discuss important matters concerning Epson’s compliance
programs. It reports its findings and offers opinions to the board of directors.
Nomination Committee/ Compensation Committee
As advisory bodies to the board of directors, the Nomination Committee screens board of director
candidates, and the Compensation Committee deliberates on director remuneration issues. The Company
strives to ensure the transparency and objectivity of deliberations, with outside directors sitting on both of
the committees and statutory auditors able to attend committee meetings as observers.
Epson’s system of corporate governance is schematically represented below:
32
Reasons for adopting the current system of corporate governance
Epson is looking to initiate fresh growth by developing and executing strategic measures based on the
Updated SE15 Second-Half Mid-Range Business Plan (FY2013-2015), which is aimed at achieving the
goals set forth in Epson’s SE15 Long-Range Corporate Vision.
As it moves forward on the updated mid-range business plan, the Company believes that it will be
important to have a governance system that strikes a good balance between business speed and efficiency
on the one hand and effective oversight of management on the other.
For this reason, the Company employs an agile, practical management organization wherein directors who
understand the situation inside the Company simultaneously oversee multiple key business operations,
while the outside directors conducts checks to assure that business decisions make sense.
In addition, Epson employs an independent outside directors and independent statutory auditors to ensure a
sound management audit function. The names of the outside directors and outside auditors have been
reported to the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) as they are considered to be independent directors/auditors as
defined by the TSE.
Internal control system
The Epson Management Philosophy defines the Company’s top-level philosophies, goals, ambitions, and
mores. “Principles of Corporate Behavior,” a business code of conduct that is shared across the Epson
Group, was established to realize these. The Company strives to steadily improve the level of internal
control across the entire Epson Group, and the basic principles of internal control, to ensure that duties are
executed properly and in compliance with laws and the Articles of Incorporation, are explained below.
Compliance
(1) Epson established Principles of Corporate Behavior as a code for putting the Management Philosophy
into practice. The Company also established regulations that provide details such as basic compliance
requirements and the organizational framework.
(2) The Company selected a chief compliance officer (CCO) to head an organization that oversees and
monitors the execution of all compliance operations.
(3) The Company also created a Compliance Committee to serve as an advisory body to the board of
directors. The Compliance Committee is chaired by the CCO and has as members the outside directors,
outside statutory auditors, and a director appointed by the board of directors. The Compliance
Committee meets to hear and discuss important matters concerning Epson’s compliance program. It
reports its findings and offers opinions to the board of directors.
33
(4) Compliance promotion and enforcement are supervised by the president of Seiko Epson. The chief
operating officers of Epson’s operations divisions promote compliance programs within their
respective businesses and at subsidiaries consolidated under them. Groupwide compliance projects are
carried out by Head Office supervisory departments with the cooperation of departments in the various
operations divisions. A dedicated compliance department helps ensure the coverage and effectiveness
of compliance programs by monitoring compliance across the Epson Group and by taking corrective
action or making adjustments where needed.
(5) The Corporate Strategy Council, an advisory body to the president comprised of Company directors,
addresses important matters with respect to compliance promotion and enforcement. The Council
strives to ensure the effectiveness of compliance by thoroughly discussing and analyzing the status of
programs for assuring observance of statutes, internal regulations, business ethics and initiatives in key
areas.
(6) The Company strives to run an effective whistleblowing system by providing internal and external
routes for reporting compliance concerns. Employees are encouraged and are able to easily and
immediately report compliance violations via a variety of access platforms.
(7) The Company strives to enhance legal consciousness by providing Epson Group employees with
web-based training and other educational opportunities.
(8) The president of Seiko Epson periodically reports important compliance-related matters to the board
of directors and takes measures as needed to respond to issues.
(9) Epson’s Principles of Corporate Behavior states that the Company will have no association whatsoever
with antisocial forces. The Company takes a firm stance in rejecting any and all contact with antisocial
forces that threaten social order and security.
Business execution system
(1) Epson is instituting a system that will ensure the appropriate and efficient execution of business. To
that end, Epson has established regulations governing organizational management, job responsibilities,
the division of labor, and the management of affiliated companies while distributing power and
authority across the entire Group.
(2) Executive officers are required to report the matters below at least once every three months to the
board of directors.
• Current business performance and performance outlook
• Risk management responses
• Status of key business operations
Risk management
(1) Epson has established regulations that form the basis of its risk management system and has defined
the organization, procedures, and other key elements of this system.
(2) Overall responsibility for risk management resides with the president of Seiko Epson. The chief
operating officers of operations divisions promote risk management within their respective businesses
and at subsidiaries consolidated under them. Groupwide risk management projects are carried out by
Head Office supervisory departments with the cooperation of departments in the various operations
divisions. In addition, a department was set up to supervise risk management. This department strives
to mitigate risk through monitoring and supervision of the overall risk management program.
(3) The Management Strategy Council strives to ensure effective management of serious risks that could
have an egregious effect on the Company by dynamically and exhaustively discussing and analyzing
action to identify and control risks. Also, when major risks become apparent, the president leads the
entire Company in mounting a swift initial response in line with Epson’s prescribed crisis management
program.
(4) The president periodically reports to the board of directors on critical risk management issues and
formulates appropriate measures to respond to these issues.
Ensuring proper business operations
(1) The Epson Group’s management structure helps ensure that operations in the corporate group,
including subsidiaries, are conducted appropriately. Essentially, the Company is organized into
product-based divisions. Each division is headed by a chief operating officer who assumes global
34
consolidated responsibility for that business. Meanwhile, supervisory functions within the Head Office
assume global responsibility. Responsibility for providing the framework for business operations at
subsidiaries is assigned to the head of each business. Groupwide corporate functions are the
responsibility of the heads of Head Office supervisory departments.
(2) The Company has business processes that enable business to be controlled on a Group level. This is
accomplished by internal regulations that require subsidiaries to report or acquire pre-approval for
certain business operations from the parent company, Seiko Epson, and by requiring issues that meet
certain criteria to be submitted to Epson’s board of directors for resolution.
Management of work-related information
(1) Information on business operations is safeguarded and managed under regulations governing, among
other things, document control, management approval, and contracts, with directors and statutory
auditors reviewing these and other relevant documents on an ongoing basis.
(2) The Company strives to prevent the leak and loss of Epson Group internal information by managing
confidential information according to the level of sensitivity, in accordance with internal information
security regulations.
Audit system
(1) Statutory auditors have the authority to conduct interviews with directors and other personnel
whenever they deem such interviews necessary based on corporate regulations governing auditors and
audit procedures.
(2) Statutory auditors are also authorized to attend Corporate Strategy Council sessions, corporate
management meetings, and other important business meetings, which enable the auditors to conduct
audits based on the same information as that available to directors. Statutory auditors also routinely
review important documents related to management’s decisions.
(3) Epson has established a Corporate Auditors Office with a full-time staff to assist the statutory auditors
in their duties. The views of statutory auditors are given a great deal of weight in the evaluation and
transfer of personnel assigned to this office.
(4) Statutory auditors strive to improve audit effectiveness by consulting on a regular basis with the
internal audit organization and independent public accountants.
(5) Statutory auditors hold regular meetings with representative directors to directly assess business
operations.
(2) Internal audits
Epson’s internal compliance system guards against potential legal and internal regulatory violations in
departmental operations, and the internal audit organization, with a staff of 18, directly reports to the
president the results of routine internal audits, including those conducted at Epson subsidiaries. The audit
organization evaluates the effectiveness of the governance process and requests improvements where
needed.
(3) Outside directors and outside statutory auditors
View on independence
The Epson board of directors has established criteria concerning the independence of outside directors. In
compliance with these criteria, it selects candidates for outside directors and outside statutory auditors who
do not have potential conflicts of interest with general shareholders. The outside directors and the outside
auditors that are currently engaged all meet the independence criteria.
The criteria concerning the independence of outside directors are listed below.
Outside director independence criteria
Epson does not select as candidates for outside director persons to whom any of the following apply:
(1) A person who receives significant business1 from Epson or a person who has within the last five years
been employed as an executive officer2 of a company that receives significant business from Epson
(2) A person who is a major business partner3 of Epson or a person who has within the last five years been
employed as an executive officer of a company that is a major business partner of Epson
35
(3) A consultant, an accounting professional such as a certified public accountant, or a legal professional
such as an attorney who, in the last three years, has received from Epson a large sum of money4 or
other property for reasons other than director remuneration (including any person who has belonged to
or been employed as an executive officer or the like with a company, union or other group that has
received such property in the last three years)
(4) A person who is a major Epson shareholder5 or a person who, within the last five years, has been an
executive officer or statutory auditor of a company that is a major Epson shareholder
(5) A person who is employed as an executive officer or statutory auditor of a company or other group in
which Epson is a major shareholder
(6) A person who has belonged within the last 10 years to an auditing company that has conducted a
statutory audit of Epson
(7) A person who has belonged to Epson’s managing underwriter within the last 10 years
(8) A person who has received a large donation6 from Epson (a person who belongs to a legal entity, union
or other group that has received a large donation from Epson and has been employed therein as an
executive officer or the equivalent)
(9) A person from a company that employs a former Epson employee as an outside director
(10) The spouse or other immediate family member of a person to whom any of items (1) through (9) apply
Notes
1A “person who receives significant business from Epson” is a person or supplier who has received
payments amounting to 2% or more of the person’s or supplier’s annual consolidated sales for any
fiscal year in the last three years.
2An “executive officer” is an employee in a senior executive management position, including executive,
managing director, operating officer, or general manager or higher position.
3A “person who is a major business partner of Epson” is a person or customer who has furnished Epson
with payments amounting to 2% or more of Epson’s annual consolidated sales for any fiscal year in
the last three years.
4A “large sum of money” is, in the case of an individual, an amount which, on average in any of the last
three years, is equal to ¥10,000,000 or more, or, in the case of a group, equivalent to 2% or more of
the group’s total revenue.
5”Major shareholder” means a person who owns, either directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the
outstanding voting rights.
6A “large donation” is a donation in an amount which, on average in any of the last three years, exceeds the
greater of ¥10,000,000 or 30% of the group’s total annual expenses.
Outside directors
Epson’s board has two outside directors. No special interests exist between the Company and the outside
directors.
Outside Director Toshiharu Aoki was an executive at Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation and at
NTT Data Corporation. Epson has not had business transactions with Nippon Telegraph and Telephone
Corporation over the last three years. Although Epson has an image data licensing agreement and other
business transactions with NTT Data Corporation, NTT Data Corporation is not considered a major
supplier under Epson’s outside director independence criteria.
Outside Director Hideaki Omiya is Chairman of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Although Epson and
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have bought and sold semiconductor fabrication equipment and had other
business transactions within the past three years, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is not considered a major
supplier under Epson’s outside director independence criteria.
Outside statutory auditors
Each of Epson’s three outside statutory auditors draws on a wealth of experience and keen insight when
conducting audits, and offers frank opinions to the board of directors. No special interests exist between the
Company and any of the outside statutory auditors.
Outside statutory auditor Yoshiro Yamamoto is a former Fuji Bank, Ltd. (presently Mizuho Corporate Bank,
Ltd.) executive who has been retired from the bank for more than 10 years. He was invited to become an
auditor because he fit the needs of the Company and for no other reason, such as a recommendation by Fuji
Bank, Ltd. Net interest-bearing liabilities account for only a small percentage of the Company’s total assets,
36
and the Company’s dependence on bank loans is low. Furthermore, the Company deals with multiple
financial institutions and does not depend on Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. for a high proportion of its
borrowing. There is therefore no special relationship between the Company and Mizuho Corporate Bank,
Ltd., and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. does not influence Epson’s decision making.
Outside statutory auditor Kenji Miyahara was an executive at Sumitomo Corporation. Epson has not had
business transactions with Sumitomo Corporation over the last three years.
Outside statutory auditor Michihiro Nara is an attorney, but the Company has never engaged him or the law
office to which he belongs to perform duties under an advisory agreement or under any other separate
agreement, nor does it plan to do so in the future.
There is no particular system of coordination between outside statutory auditors and audit functions in the
Group; however, statutory auditors take the initiative to consult with the internal audit organization and
independent public accountants. Each time an issue is identified by an audit, details are passed on to the
outside statutory auditors to keep them informed as appropriate. Moreover, statutory auditors participate in
the Compliance Committee, which supervises compliance programs, and they conduct inquiries at
departments where a significant incident involving internal control has occurred. Statutory auditors are thus
kept abreast of operational issues and the status of measures to address those issues.
(4) Director remuneration
Basic policy
Directors serve to enhance corporate value, both in the immediate and long terms, and Epson has designed
its system of director remuneration to provide them with incentives to improve business performance.
The monthly salaries of directors are set according to their title, and in consideration of Epson’s business
performance. Director bonuses are paid only if the Company has achieved a level of profit that increases
corporate value. The desired level of profit is predefined by the board of directors, and the board of
directors submits to the general shareholders for approval a proposal for the total amount of director
bonuses to be paid in a given period, the amount to be commensurate with the level of performance with
respect to profit.
Furthermore, a portion of the monthly salaries of directors is paid as Epson stock so that remuneration is
linked to share price, and to serve as an incentive for improving business performance in the long term.
Remuneration paid
Category
Directors
(including total for outside
directors)
Statutory auditors
(including total for outside
statutory auditors)
Total
Total remuneration
(millions of yen)
Remuneration breakdown
(millions of yen)
Basic salary
Bonuses
Number of
individuals
442
(20)
122
(60)
564
360
(20)
122
(60)
483
81
(-)
-
(-)
81
11
(1)
6
(4)
17
Notes
1. The number of individuals above includes two directors and one statutory auditor who retired at the
closing of the general shareholders’ meeting on June 24, 2013.
2. Epson introduced a stock performance (stock-based) component to the remuneration system to link
remuneration more closely to share price, so Epson stock accounts for a portion of the basic salary.
3. A resolution of the general shareholders’ meeting held on June 26, 2001, established the maximum
amount of remuneration at ¥70 million per month for directors and at ¥12 million per month for
statutory auditors.
4. The remuneration paid includes ¥81 million in director bonuses (bonuses to be paid to the eight
directors, excluding outside directors) approved at the June 24, 2014 regular general shareholders’
meeting. There is no bonus system for statutory auditors.
5. A total of ¥80 million was paid to a director and an outside statutory auditor who retired at the closing
of the general shareholders’ meeting held on June 24, 2013, and who were thus eligible for retirement
37
benefits pursuant to the resolution of the general shareholders’ meeting held on June 23, 2006, on the
payment of director retirement benefits.
6. A director who retired at the closing of the general shareholders’ meeting held on June 24, 2014 was
paid a retirement benefit of ¥41 million based on the resolution of the general shareholders’ meeting
held on June 23, 2006, on the payment of director retirement benefits.
7. Stock options are not granted.
(5) Stock holdings
Balance sheet total of stocks held for reasons other than pure investment
25 companies
¥13,830 million
Issuing company, number, and balance sheet total of stocks held for reasons other than pure investment
Previous fiscal year
Company
Shares (stock)
Balance sheet total
(millions of yen)
Reason held
NGK Insulators, Ltd.
3,757,000
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
15,008,880
Seiko Holdings Corporation
1,644,080
The Hachijuni Bank, Ltd.
489,500
Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.
1,000,000
Hakuto Co., Ltd.
King Jim Co., Ltd.
Marubun Corporation
Otsuka Corporation
Joshin Denki Co., Ltd.
Pixelworks, Inc.
190,000
221,980
332,640
10,000
70,000
100,000
38
3,805 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
2,986 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
692 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
278 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
193 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
171 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
155 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
143 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
102 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
62 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
20 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
Current Fiscal year
Company
Shares (stock)
Balance sheet total
(millions of yen)
Reason held
8,077 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
3,061 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
675 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
287 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
253 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
183 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
178 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
158 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
134 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
57 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
57 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
30 Maintain and
strengthen
business ties
NGK Insulators, Ltd.
3,757,000
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
15,008,880
Seiko Holdings Corporation
1,644,080
The Hachijuni Bank, Ltd.
489,500
Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.
1,000,000
Hakuto Co., Ltd.
Marubun Corporation
King Jim Co., Ltd.
Otsuka Corporation
Joshin Denki Co., Ltd.
Pixelworks, Inc.
Nippon BS Broadcasting
Corporation
Stocks held for pure investment
None
190,000
332,640
221,980
10,000
70,000
100,000
16,600
39
(6) Accounting audits
(a) Names and other details of corporate public accountants performing audits
Name of CPA
Audit company
Designated and
Engagement Partner,
Certified Public
Accountant
Designated and
Engagement Partner,
Certified Public
Accountant
Designated and
Engagement Partner,
Certified Public
Accountant
Hidetoshi
Watanabe
Ernst & Young
ShinNihon LLC
Seiji
Yamamoto
Ernst & Young
ShinNihon LLC
Takahiro
Yamazaki
Ernst & Young
ShinNihon LLC
No. of successive years
performing audits
1
1
3
(b) Composition of auditing team
The auditing team comprises 28 staff including seven certified public accountants, five junior accountants,
and 16 other accounting staff.
(7) Outline of contract limiting liability
The Company’s contract with the outside directors and outside statutory auditors is based on Article 427,
Paragraph 1, of the Japanese Companies Act, and the contract stipulations determining the liability for
damages on Article 423, Paragraph 1, of the same law. Said contract also stipulates that the limit of liability
for damages shall be the legal maximum.
Limited liability is recognized only in cases where the outside directors and the outside statutory auditors
performed their duties in good faith and were not grossly negligent.
(8) Number of directors
Epson’s Articles of Incorporation determine the maximum number of directors to be ten.
(9) Election and retirement of directors
According to its Articles of Incorporation, directors of the Company can be elected by a majority vote by at
least one third of shareholders with voting rights, and not through cumulative voting.
Provisions regarding the retirement of directors do not vary from the provisions of the Japanese Companies
Act.
(10) Items for approval at the General Shareholders’ Meeting that can be determined by the board of
directors
Treasury stock acquisition
The Company’s Articles of Incorporation allow the Company to acquire treasury stock through stock
market trade and other means by resolution of the board of directors. This enables a more flexible capital
policy in response to a changing business environment.
Director and auditor exemption from liability
When liability falls under the requirements stipulated in Article 426, Paragraph 1, of the Japanese
Companies Act, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation allow the Company to exempt the directors and
auditors from liability for damages in Article 423, Paragraph 1, of the Japanese Companies Act up to the
amount remaining after the legal minimum liability is deducted from the total liability amount by resolution
of the board of directors. This allows the directors to fully apply themselves to their expected task of
building an organization capable of aggressive business expansion, and allows the statutory auditors to
fulfill their functions accordingly.
40
Interim dividend
The Company’s Articles of Incorporation allow the Company to declare an interim dividend with a date of
record of September 30 every year by resolution of the board of directors. This provides the Company with
flexibility in paying dividends to shareholders.
(11) Special resolution requirements of the General Shareholders’ Meeting
The Company’s Articles of Incorporation set forth the requirements for a special resolution of the general
shareholders’ meeting stipulated in Article 309, Paragraph 2, of the Japanese Companies Act as a two-thirds
majority vote by at least one third of shareholders with voting rights. This policy is intended to ensure the
smooth operation of the general shareholders’ meeting by relaxing the quorum requirements for special
resolutions at the general shareholders’ meeting.
2. Details of audit remuneration
(1) Remuneration for audits by certified public accountants
(Millions of yen)
Category
Previous fiscal year
Fiscal year under review
Remuneration for
audit certification
work
Remuneration for
non-audit work
Remuneration for
audit certification
work
Remuneration for
non-audit work
Filing company
Consolidated
subsidiaries
Total
147
69
217
59
12
71
197
67
264
13
4
17
(2) Other important remuneration
Previous fiscal year
Total payments for audits carried out on behalf of 66 consolidated overseas subsidiaries by auditing
certified public accountants belonging to the Ernst & Young network for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2013, amounted to ¥407 million.
Fiscal year under review
Total payments for audits carried out on behalf of 64 consolidated overseas subsidiaries by auditing
certified public accountants belonging to the Ernst & Young network for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2014, amounted to ¥564 million.
(3) Non-audit work performed by auditing certified public accountant at filing company
Previous fiscal year
Remuneration paid for non-audit work performed by the auditing certified public accountant was for
consultancy services in IFRS.
Fiscal year under review
Remuneration paid for non-audit work performed by the auditing certified public accountant was for
consultancy services in IFRS.
(4) Governing policy for auditor remuneration
This does not apply because remuneration for auditing services is determined according to the nature of the
audit work.
41
3. Basic policy regarding company control
At its meeting on April 30, 2008, Epson’s board of directors agreed on a basic policy governing persons
who control our financial and business policy decisions (hereinafter the “basic policy”).
(1) Overview
Epson believes that its shareholders should be determined through free trade on the market. Therefore, the
decision as to whether to accept a takeover offer that would allow another party to acquire a controlling
share of Epson and thus gain power over the Company’s financial and business decisions should ultimately
be put before the shareholders.
To ensure and enhance the corporate value and common interests of shareholders, Epson believes it is
essential for Epson’s directors, managers, and employees to work as a team to create value, to pursue the
Epson tradition of creativity and challenge, and to earn and keep the trust of its customers.
Not all large-scale acquisitions of shares enhance the value of the company whose shares are being
acquired, nor do they always serve the common interests of shareholders. Epson recognizes the need to use
all necessary and appropriate means to protect the Company’s corporate value and the common interests of
its shareholders against persons seeking to improperly acquire large numbers of shares in an attempt to gain
control over decisions concerning the Company’s financial and business policies.
(2) Summary of measures in support of the basic policy
1) Specific actions in support of the basic policy
Under the Updated SE15 Second-Half Mid-Range Business Plan (FY2013-2015), the Company
remains firmly committed to the strategies outlined in the SE15 Long-Range Corporate Vision but has
adopted new tactics and a different emphasis. Under the updated basic policy, Epson will pursue a basic
strategy of managing its businesses so that they create steady profit while avoiding any over-emphasis
on revenue growth. The top priority will be steady income and cash flow.
Going forward, Epson will transform itself into a company that once again posts strong growth by
focusing its management resources in areas where it can capitalize on its unique strengths, by
expanding its business segments, and by building stronger new businesses that will support Company
growth in the future.
2) Efforts to deter parties who are deemed inappropriate based on Epson’s basic policy in gaining control
over the Company’s financial and business policy decision making
Aiming to ensure and enhance corporate value and the common interests of its shareholders, Epson
introduced a series of measures (“the Original Plan”) to prevent large-scale acquisition of Epson shares
after shareholders approved the Original Plan at their general meeting held on June 25, 2008. The
Original Plan, which was approaching the end of its effective period, was subsequently revised in part,
and the updated plan (“the Plan”) was approved by shareholders at the June 20, 2011, general
shareholders’ meeting.
The purpose of the Plan is to prevent large-scale acquisitions of Epson stock certificates that do not
enhance corporate value or that are not in the common interests of shareholders by having shareholders
decide whether to allow such acquisitions and by giving the Epson board of directors the time and
information they need to present shareholders with an alternative proposal and enable the board to
discuss and negotiate with the acquirer on behalf of shareholders. Specifically, a party that intends to
acquire 20% or more of stock certificates outstanding or to stage a takeover bid shall be required to
submit in advance to the Epson board of directors a statement of intent as well as sufficient and
necessary information for decision making on the part of shareholders and for evaluation and
consideration by a special committee. The party shall also be required to comply with the procedures
defined in the Plan. Furthermore, the Plan allows for the activation of provisions to halt the acquisition
in question if, for example, it is not conducted in line with the Plan or it is deemed contrary to Epson’s
value as a company or the common interest of its shareholders.
To prevent the Epson board of directors from making arbitrary decisions about using anti-takeover
measures, the decision to invoke preventive measures is subject to the assessment of a special
committee made up of highly independent external parties. Actions of the special committee shall
include examination of stock acquisition details, requesting information from the Epson board of
42
directors regarding alternative proposals, disclosing information to shareholders, and negotiating with
parties intending to make acquisitions. The special committee shall advise the Epson board of directors
regarding the necessity of anti-takeover measures, and the Epson board of directors shall promptly
accept or reject a resolution to invoke preventive measures, paying the utmost consideration to that
advice.
Since the Plan was to be in force until the close of the June 24, 2014 general shareholders’ meeting, the
Company decided to renew the Plan, subject to shareholder approval at the general shareholders’
meeting.
(3) Decisions made by the Epson board of directors regarding specific actions and the justification
for those decisions
The actions described in (2) 1) above were specifically formulated to enhance both Epson’s corporate value
and the common interests of its shareholders in a continuous and sustained manner. These actions support
the basic policy.
As well as having been introduced and updated in order to ensure and enhance corporate value and the
common interests of shareholders, the Plan is in accordance with the basic policy outlined in (1) above.
Specifically, the Plan guarantees fairness and objectivity, is reasonable, and supports Epson’s corporate
value and the common interests of its shareholders because, among other things, a) it was introduced (and
updated) after being approved by shareholders at the general shareholders’ meeting; b) it contains
provisions for reasonable and objective implementation; c) a special committee comprising members with a
high degree of independence from Epson management was established and activation of the Plan is subject
to the assessment of that special committee; d) the special committee may solicit expert opinions from third
parties at Epson’s expense; and e) the Plan was determined to be valid for approximately three years and
may be abolished by the board of directors at any time. The Plan is not for keeping Epson executive
officers in their posts.
43
Management
Directors, statutory auditors and executive officers of the Company as of the date when the annual
securities report (yukashoken-houkokusho) was submitted and their functions are listed below.
Current function
Position
Name
General Administrative
Manager, Management
Control Division, and
General Administrative
Manager, Compliance
Office
General Administrative
Manager, Business
Infrastructure Development
Division, and General
Administrative Manager,
Intellectual Property
Division
General Administrative
Manager, Corporate
Research & Development
Division
Chief Operating Officer,
Printer Operations
Division
General Administrative
Manager, Imaging
Products Key Component
Research & Engineering
Division
Chief Operating Officer,
Visual Products Operations
Division
General Administrative
Manager, Human
Resources Division
Minoru Usui
Noriyuki Hama
President
(Representative
Director)
Senior Managing
Director
(Representative
Director)
Shigeki Inoue
Managing Director
Yoneharu Fukushima
Director
Koichi Kubota
Director
Motonori Okumura
Director
Junichi Watanabe
Director
Masayuki Kawana
Director
Toshiharu Aoki
Hideaki Omiya
Kenji Kubota
Seiichi Hirano
Yoshiro Yamamoto
Kenji Miyahara
Outside Director
Outside Director
Standing Statutory
Auditor
Standing Statutory
Auditor
Outside Statutory
Auditor
Outside Statutory
Auditor
44
Michihiro Nara
John Lang
Tadaaki Hagata
Kiyofumi Koike
Koichi Endo
Outside Statutory
Auditor
Managing
Executive Officer
Managing
Executive Officer
Executive Officer
Executive Officer
Yasukazu Kitamatsu
Executive Officer
Hideki Shimada
Executive Officer
Masayuki Kitamura
Executive Officer
President and Chief
Executive Officer, Epson
America, Inc.
Vice President, Epson
America, Inc.
Chairman, Epson (China)
Co., Ltd.
Managing Director, Epson
Singapore Pte. Ltd
Chief Operating Officer,
Commercial Printer
Operations Division
Deputy Chief Operating
Officer, Printer Operations
Division
Chief Operating Officer,
Microdevices Operations
Division
Akihiro Fukaishi
Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer,
Sunao Murata
Executive Officer
Yoshiyuki Moriyama
Executive Officer
Toshiya Takahata
Executive Officer
Business System
Operations Division
General Administrative
Manager, IT Division, and
General Manager, C
project
Chief Operating Officer,
Sensing Systems
Operations Division
Deputy Chief Operating
Officer, Printer Operations
Division, and General
Manager, BIJ Planning &
Design Project
Tsuyoshi Kitahara
Executive Officer
Naoyuki Saeki
Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer,
Industrial Solutions
Operations Division
President, Epson Sales
Japan Corporation
45
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Seiko Epson Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets .................................................................................................................. 47
Consolidated Statements of Operations ................................................................................................ 49
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income ........................................................................... 50
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets .............................................................................. 51
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ................................................................................................ 53
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ......................................................................................... 54
46
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31, 2013 and 2014
Assets
Current assets
Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable - trade
Short-term investment securities
Merchandise and finished goods
Work in process
Raw materials and supplies
Deferred tax assets
Other
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Buildings and structures
Machinery, equipment and vehicles
Tools, furniture and fixtures
Land
Construction in progress
Other
Accumulated depreciation
Total property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Other
Total intangible assets
Investments and other assets
Investment securities
Long-term loans receivable
Deferred tax assets
Other
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Total investments and other assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Millions of yen
March 31,
2013
March 31,
2014
Thousands of U.S.
dollars
March 31,
2014
¥106,678
132,289
70,012
95,853
45,677
21,998
14,765
33,582
(1,399)
519,457
395,133
420,835
162,368
51,878
4,451
120
(817,398)
217,388
887
12,481
13,368
13,440
38
5,307
9,594
(47)
28,332
259,089
¥778,547
¥118,570
$1,152,059
146,085
85,013
114,369
44,423
24,835
38,951
31,305
(1,102)
602,452
396,485
420,981
168,237
50,263
5,189
143
(825,129)
216,170
70
14,661
14,732
19,030
24
5,014
8,710
(262)
1,419,403
826,010
1,111,241
431,626
241,303
378,458
304,202
(10,707)
5,853,595
3,852,361
4,090,371
1,634,638
488,369
50,417
1,401
(8,017,188)
2,100,369
680
142,470
143,150
184,900
233
48,717
84,639
(2,545)
32,517
263,420
¥865,872
315,944
2,559,463
$8,413,058
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
47
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Notes and accounts payable - trade
Short-term loans payable
Current portion of bonds
Current portion of long-term loans payable
Accounts payable - other
Income taxes payable
Deferred tax liabilities
Provision for bonuses
Provision for directors' bonuses
Provision for product warranties
Other
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Bonds payable
Long-term loans payable
Deferred tax liabilities
Provision for retirement benefits
Provision for loss on litigation
Provision for product warranties
Provision for recycle costs
Net defined benefit liability
Other
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Shareholders' equity
Capital stock
Authorized - 607,458,368 shares
Issued - 199,817,389 shares
Capital surplus
Retained earnings
Treasury shares
March 31, 2014 - 20,927,083 shares
March 31, 2013 - 20,925,261 shares
Total shareholders' equity
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Valuation difference on available-for-sale securities
Deferred gains or losses on hedges
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Remeasurements of defined benefit plans
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
Minority interests
Total net assets
Total liabilities and net assets
Millions of yen
March 31,
2013
March 31,
2014
Thousands of U.S.
dollars
March 31,
2014
¥57,249
¥72,821
$707,549
53,626
－
75,000
51,782
7,338
1
13,035
－
7,624
61,030
326,688
90,000
52,500
10,786
29,304
2,159
652
577
－
7,072
193,052
519,740
53,204
84,321
179,305
(20,453)
296,376
2,621
(1,911)
(40,342)
－
(39,631)
2,061
258,806
¥778,547
57,955
20,000
2,000
50,642
13,689
9
22,754
81
9,597
64,085
313,636
90,000
50,500
4,611
－
2,533
502
654
44,221
7,481
200,505
514,141
53,204
84,321
259,426
(20,457)
376,493
5,782
(1,034)
(20,947)
(10,951)
(27,151)
2,388
351,730
¥865,872
563,107
194,325
19,432
492,052
133,006
87
221,084
787
93,247
622,711
3,047,387
874,465
490,672
44,801
－
24,611
4,877
6,354
429,663
72,720
1,948,163
4,995,550
516,945
819,286
2,520,656
(198,774)
3,658,113
56,179
(10,046)
(203,527)
(106,412)
(263,806)
23,201
3,417,508
$8,413,058
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
48
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2014
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating income
Non-operating income:
Interest income
Rent income
Other
Total non-operating income
Non-operating expenses:
Interest expenses
Foreign exchange losses
Other
Total non-operating expenses
Ordinary income
Extraordinary income:
Gain on sales of non-current assets
Compensation income
Insurance income
Other
Total extraordinary income
Extraordinary loss:
Impairment loss
Loss on litigation
Other
Total extraordinary losses
Income (loss) before income taxes and
minority interests
Income taxes - current
Income taxes - deferred
Total income taxes
Income (loss) before minority interests
Minority interests in income
Net income (loss)
Millions of yen
Thousands of U.S.
dollars
March 31,
2013
March 31,
2014
March 31,
2014
¥851,297
616,857
234,439
213,184
21,255
¥1,003,606
680,630
322,976
238,007
84,968
805
1,200
2,321
4,327
3,041
2,944
1,967
7,953
17,629
215
－
4,463
5
4,684
4,605
16,268
4,919
25,792
(3,479)
7,964
(1,521)
6,443
(9,922)
168
(¥10,091)
2,079
1,112
3,886
7,078
2,549
9,632
1,744
13,926
78,121
313
741
340
71
1,466
4,315
2,227
1,127
7,670
71,916
18,709
(30,734)
(12,025)
83,941
243
¥83,698
$9,751,321
6,613,195
3,138,126
2,312,553
825,573
20,200
10,804
37,776
68,780
24,766
93,587
16,955
135,308
759,045
3,041
7,199
3,303
701
14,244
41,925
21,638
10,970
74,533
698,756
181,781
(298,619)
(116,838)
815,594
2,361
$813,233
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
49
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2014
Income (loss) before minority interests
Other comprehensive income
Valuation difference on available-for-sale securities
Deferred gains or losses on hedges
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Share of other comprehensive income of entities accounted for
using equity method
Total other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income attributable to;
Comprehensive income attributable to owners of parent
Comprehensive income attributable to minority interests
Millions of yen
March 31,
2013
March 31,
2014
Thousands of U.S.
dollars
March 31,
2014
(¥9,922)
¥83,941
$815,594
777
(897)
25,353
102
25,335
¥15,413
¥14,954
¥458
3,081
877
19,523
142
23,625
¥107,566
¥107,130
¥436
29,935
8,521
189,712
1,379
229,547
$1,045,141
$1,040,905
$4,236
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
50
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2014
Shareholders' equity
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Millions of yen
Capital stock
Capital surplus
Retained
earnings
Treasury shares
Total
shareholders'
equity
Valuation
difference on
available-for-sale
securities
Deferred gains or
losses on hedges
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment
Remeasurements
of defined benefit
plans
Total
accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
Minority interests Total net assets
Balance at March 31, 2012
Changes of items during period
Dividends of surplus
Net income (loss)
Purchase of treasury shares
Net changes of items other than
shareholders' equity
Total changes of items during period
Balance at March 31, 2013
¥53,204
¥84,321
¥194,047
(¥20,453)
¥311,119
¥1,838
(¥1,013)
(¥65,502)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
¥53,204
-
¥84,321
(4,651)
(10,091)
-
-
(14,742)
¥179,305
-
-
(0)
-
(0)
(¥20,453)
(4,651)
(10,091)
(0)
-
(14,742)
¥296,376
-
-
-
783
783
¥2,621
-
-
-
-
-
-
(897)
25,160
(897)
(¥1,911)
25,160
(¥40,342)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(¥64,676)
¥1,697
¥248,140
-
-
-
25,045
25,045
(¥39,631)
-
-
-
363
363
¥2,061
(4,651)
(10,091)
(0)
25,409
10,666
¥258,806
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
51
Shareholders' equity
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Millions of yen
Capital stock
Capital surplus
Retained
earnings
Treasury shares
Total
shareholders'
equity
Valuation
difference on
available-for-sale
securities
Deferred gains or
losses on hedges
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment
Remeasurements
of defined benefit
plans
Total
accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
Minority interests Total net assets
¥53,204
¥84,321
¥179,305
(¥20,453)
¥296,376
¥2,621
(¥1,911)
(¥40,342)
(¥39,631)
¥2,061
¥258,806
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,577)
83,698
-
-
-
-
(4)
-
(3,577)
83,698
(4)
-
-
¥53,204
-
¥84,321
80,120
¥259,426
(4)
(¥20,457)
80,116
¥376,493
-
-
-
3,160
3,160
¥5,782
-
-
-
-
-
-
877
19,394
(10,951)
12,480
877
(¥1,034)
19,394
(¥20,947)
(10,951)
(¥10,951)
12,480
(¥27,151)
-
-
-
327
327
¥2,388
(3,577)
83,698
(4)
12,807
92,924
¥351,730
Shareholders' equity
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Thousands of U.S. dollars
Capital stock
Capital surplus
Retained
earnings
Treasury shares
Total
shareholders'
equity
Valuation
difference on
available-for-sale
securities
Deferred gains or
losses on hedges
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment
Remeasurements
of defined benefit
plans
Total
accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
Minority interests Total net assets
$516,945
$819,286
$1,742,188
($198,728)
$2,879,691
$25,476
($18,567)
($391,964)
($385,055)
$20,025
$2,514,661
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(34,765)
813,233
-
-
-
-
(46)
-
(34,765)
813,233
(46)
-
-
$516,945
-
$819,286
778,468
$2,520,656
(46)
($198,774)
778,422
$3,658,113
-
-
-
30,703
30,703
$56,179
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,521
188,437
(106,412)
121,249
8,521
($10,046)
188,437
($203,527)
(106,412)
($106,412)
121,249
($263,806)
-
-
-
3,176
3,176
$23,201
(34,765)
813,233
(46)
124,425
902,847
$3,417,508
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at March 31, 2013
Changes of items during period
Dividends of surplus
Net income (loss)
Purchase of treasury shares
Net changes of items other than
shareholders' equity
Total changes of items during period
Balance at March 31, 2014
Balance at March 31, 2013
Changes of items during period
Dividends of surplus
Net income (loss)
Purchase of treasury shares
Net changes of items other than
shareholders' equity
Total changes of items during period
Balance at March 31, 2014
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
52
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests
Depreciation
Impairment loss
Share of (profit) loss of entities accounted for using equity
method
Amortization of goodwill
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts
Increase (decrease) in provision for bonuses
Increase (decrease) in provision for product warranties
Increase (decrease) in provision for retirement benefits
Increase (decrease) in net defined benefit liability
Interest and dividend income
Interest expenses
Foreign exchange losses (gains)
Loss (gain) on sales of non-current assets
Loss on retirement of non-current assets
Loss on litigation
Loss (gain) on sales of investment securities
Decrease (increase) in notes and accounts receivable - trade
Decrease (increase) in inventories
Increase (decrease) in accrued consumption taxes
Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable - trade
Other, net
Subtotal
Interest and dividend income received
Interest expenses paid
Payments for loss on litigation
Income taxes paid
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investment securities
Proceeds from sales of investment securities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from transfer of business
Other, net
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in short-term loans payable
Proceeds from long-term loans payable
Repayments of long-term loans payable
Proceeds from issuance of bonds
Redemption of bonds
Repayments of lease obligations
Purchase of treasury shares
Cash dividends paid
Cash dividends paid to minority shareholders
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Millions of yen
Thousands of U.S.
dollars
March 31,
2013
March 31,
2014
March 31,
2014
(¥3,479)
39,320
4,605
(132)
871
(265)
4,411
(715)
5,136
-
(1,018)
3,041
(4,570)
13
936
16,268
(5)
6,862
18,588
577
(17,169)
(4,230)
69,047
1,833
(3,099)
(14,095)
(10,692)
42,992
(0)
6
(39,816)
1,105
(4,030)
3,147
75
(39,511)
16,962
50,000
(30,500)
30,000
(40,000)
(417)
(0)
(4,651)
(94)
21,298
9,830
34,609
150,029
¥184,639
¥71,916
38,725
4,315
(167)
816
(252)
9,540
1,172
-
3,459
(2,305)
2,549
(4,397)
(396)
730
2,227
-
(16,060)
(4,304)
(2,160)
18,401
2,905
126,716
2,099
(2,693)
(4,068)
(10,799)
111,253
(500)
14
(33,627)
840
(6,752)
-
506
(39,519)
2,503
-
(75,000)
20,000
-
(379)
(4)
(3,577)
(110)
(56,567)
11,695
26,861
184,639
¥211,500
$698,756
376,263
41,925
(1,622)
7,928
(2,448)
92,693
11,387
-
33,608
(22,396)
24,766
(42,722)
(3,847)
7,092
21,638
-
(156,043)
(41,818)
(20,987)
178,789
28,246
1,231,208
20,394
(26,165)
(39,525)
(104,947)
1,080,965
(4,858)
136
(326,729)
8,161
(65,604)
-
4,917
(383,977)
24,319
-
(728,721)
194,325
-
(3,682)
(38)
(34,755)
(1,069)
(549,621)
113,622
260,989
1,794,005
$2,054,994
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
53
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of presenting consolidated financial statements
(1) Nature of operations
Seiko Epson Corporation (the “Company”) was originally established as a manufacturer of watches but later
expanded its business to provide key devices and solutions for the digital color imaging markets through the
application of its proprietary technologies. The Company operates its manufacturing and sales business mainly in
Japan, the Americas, Europe and Asia/Oceania.
(2) Basis of presenting consolidated financial statements
The Company and its subsidiaries in Japan maintain their records and prepare their financial statements in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan. Meanwhile its foreign subsidiaries maintain
their records and prepare their financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting
Standards (“IFRS”) or the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. In addition, some items
required by Japanese standards should be adjusted in the consolidation process so that net income is accurately
accounted for, unless they are not material.
The amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes are rounded down.
2. Number of group companies
As of March 31, 2014, the Company had 86 consolidated subsidiaries. It has applied the equity method in respect
to one unconsolidated subsidiary and six affiliates.
3. Changes in Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and Corrections of Prior
Period Errors
・Changes in accounting policies that are inseparable from changes in accounting estimates
Change in depreciation method for property, plant and equipment
The Company and its Japanese subsidiaries formerly used the declining-balance method (and the
straight-line method for buildings acquired on or after April 1, 1998 [excluding equipments attached to
buildings]) as the depreciation method for property, plant and equipment (excluding leased assets) but
adopted the straight-line method from the beginning of this fiscal year.
The Company and its Japanese subsidiaries took the formulation of the Updated SE15 Second-Half
Mid-Range Business Plan as an opportunity to review the depreciation method used for property, plant and
equipment. Given that production equipment going forward will have broader utilization due to the
deployment of Micro Piezo inkjet technology in a variety of printing systems and the widespread
deployment of a compact printer platform to realize enhanced competitiveness, the Company and its
Japanese subsidiaries expect the operation of production equipment to be consistent. The Company and its
54
Japanese subsidiaries also have strengthen its structure by integrating the functions of its quartz business
and semiconductor business in the devices and precision products segment and have improved productivity
by optimizing the size of the businesses in this segment. As a result, it is expected the operation and loading
of production equipment to be consistent. With the changes in the composition of these businesses and in
the equipment usage plans, the Company and its Japanese subsidiaries expects production equipment to be
used steadily over a long period of time. The Company and its Japanese subsidiaries have therefore adopted
the straight-line method, concluding that recognizing expenses consistently would better reflect the
characteristics of the businesses.
The change in the depreciation method did not have a material impact on consolidated financial statements.
・Change in estimates
Change in useful lives for property, plant and equipment
The Company and its Japanese subsidiaries have changed the useful lives of a part of property, plant and
equipment, effective from the beginning of this fiscal year. With the change in the depreciation method, the
Company and its Japanese subsidiaries revised the useful lives of production plant and equipment based on
the current production, following a comprehensive review of factors such as years of service and payout
time.
The change of the useful lives did not have a material impact on consolidated financial statements.
・Changes in accounting policies
Adoption of Accounting Standard for Retirement Benefits
Effective from the year ended March 31, 2014, the Company adopted the Accounting Standard for
Retirement Benefits (Accounting Standards Board of Japan (ASBJ) Statement No. 26 issued on May 17,
2012), and its Guidance on Accounting Standard for Retirement Benefits (ASBJ Guidance No. 25 issued on
May 17, 2012). (Except for article 35 of ASBJ Statement No. 26 and article 67 of ASBJ Guidance No. 25).
Under the new Accounting Standard, pension assets are deducted from retirement benefit obligations and
the net amount is recognized as liability for retirement benefits, and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses
and unrecognized prior services costs are recorded as “Net defined benefit liability.”
With regard to adoption of the Accounting Standard for Retirement Benefits, in accordance with transitional
accounting as stipulated in Article 37 of the Accounting Standard for Retirement Benefits, the effect of the
changes in accounting policies arising from initial application is recognized as “Remeasurements of defined
benefit plans” in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” as of March 31, 2014.
As a result, “Net defined benefit liability” on the consolidated balance sheet has recorded by ¥44,221
million ($429,663 thousand) as of March 31, 2014. Besides, “Accumulated other comprehensive income”
on the consolidated balance sheet has decreased by ¥10,951 million ($106,412 thousand).
55
4. Summary of significant accounting policies
(1) Consolidation and investments in affiliates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those of its
subsidiaries that are controlled by Epson. Under the effective control approach, all majority-owned companies
are to be consolidated. Additionally, companies in which share ownership equals 50% or less may be required to
be consolidated in cases where such companies are effectively controlled by other companies through the
interests held by a party who has a close relationship with the parent in accordance with Japanese accounting
standards. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts, along with unrealized inter-company profits,
are eliminated upon consolidation.
Investments in affiliates in which Epson has significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.
Consolidated income includes Epson’s current equity in net income or loss of affiliates after elimination of
significant unrealized inter-company profits.
The difference between the cost and the underlying net assets of investments in subsidiaries is recognized as
“goodwill” and is included in the intangible assets account (if the cost is in excess) or in the noncurrent liabilities
account (if the underlying net asset is in excess). Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of
five years.
(2) Foreign currency translation and transactions
Foreign currency transactions are translated using foreign exchange rates prevailing at the respective transaction
dates. Receivables and payables in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at
the respective balance sheet dates, and the resulting transaction gains or losses are included in income for the
current period.
All the assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated at the foreign exchange rates
prevailing at the respective balance sheet dates, and all the income and expense accounts are translated at the
average foreign exchange rates for the respective periods. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded
in the consolidated balance sheets as translation adjustments and minority interest in subsidiaries.
(3) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated financial statements comprise cash on hand, bank
deposits that may be withdrawn on demand, and highly liquid investments purchased with initial maturities of
three months or less, and which present low risk of fluctuation in value.
56
(4) Financial instruments
(a) Investments in debt and equity securities
Investments in debt and equity securities are classified into three categories: 1) trading securities, 2)
held-to-maturity debt securities, or 3) other securities. These categories are treated differently for
purposes of measuring and accounting for changes in fair value.
Trading securities held for the purpose of generating profits from changes in market value are
recognized at their fair values in the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in unrealized gains and
losses are included in current income. Held-to-maturity debt securities are expected to be held to
maturity and are recognized at amortized cost computed based on the straight-line method in the
consolidated balance sheets. Other securities for which market quotations are available are recognized
at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses for these other securities
are reported as a separate component of net assets, net of taxes. Other securities for which market
quotations are unavailable are stated at cost, primarily based on the moving-average cost method.
Other-than-temporary declines in the value of other securities are reflected in current income.
(b) Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments (i.e., forward exchange contracts and Non-Deliverable Forward) are recognized
as either assets or liabilities at their respective fair values at the date of contract, and gains and losses
arising from changes in fair value are recognized in earnings in the corresponding fiscal period.
(c) Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated based on the aggregate amount of estimated credit
losses for doubtful receivables plus an amount for receivables other than doubtful receivables
calculated using historical write-off experience from certain prior periods.
(5) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value, where cost is primarily determined using the
weighted-average cost method.
(6) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, including significant renewals and improvements, are carried at cost less
accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs, including minor renewals and improvements, are charged to
expenses as incurred. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is mainly computed based on the
straight-line method for the Company, its Japanese subsidiaries and foreign subsidiaries at rates based on
57
estimated useful lives.
The estimated useful lives of significant depreciable assets principally range from 10 to 35 years for buildings
and structures, and from 2 to 12 years for machinery, equipment and vehicles.
(7) Intangible assets
Amortization of intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method. Amortization of software for
internal use is computed using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life, ranging from three to five
years.
(8) Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. This review is performed using estimates of future cash
flows. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered to be impaired, an impairment charge is recorded
for the excess of the carrying value of the long-lived asset over its recoverable amount.
(9) Provision for bonuses
Provision for bonuses to employees is calculated on the basis of the estimated amounts that Epson is obligated to
pay its employees after the fiscal year-end for services provided up to the balance sheet dates.
Provision for bonuses to directors and statutory auditors are provided for the estimated amounts that the
Company is obligated to pay to directors and statutory auditors subject to the resolution of the general
shareholders’ meeting held subsequent to the fiscal year-end.
(10) Provision for product warranties
Epson provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on the historical relationship of warranty
costs to net sales. Specific warranty provisions are made for those products where warranty expenses can be
specifically estimated.
(11) Provision for loss on litigation
Provision for loss on litigation is mainly provided for the estimated future compensation payment and litigation
expenses.
(12)
Income taxes
The provision for income taxes is computed based on income before income taxes and minority interest in the
consolidated statements of income. The asset and liability approach is used to recognize deferred tax assets and
liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and
58
the tax basis of assets and liabilities.
The Company applies the consolidated tax return system for the calculation of income taxes. Under the
consolidated tax return system, the Company consolidates all wholly owned domestic subsidiaries based on
Japanese tax regulations.
(13) Accounting method for retirement benefits
Projected benefit obligations are attributed to each period by the straight-line method over the estimated years of
service of the eligible employees.
Recognized prior service costs are amortized based on the straight-line method over a period of five years
beginning at the date of adoption of the plan amendment on Consolidated Statements of Operations. Recognized
actuarial gains and losses are amortized based on the straight-line method over a period of five years starting
from the beginning of the subsequent year on Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and the unrecognized prior services costs have been recorded as
“Remeasurements of defined benefit plans” in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” after the effect of
income taxes in Net assets.
(14) Provision for recycling costs
At the time of sale, provision for recycling costs is calculated based on the estimated future returns of consumer
personal computers.
(15) Revenue recognition
Revenue from sale of goods is recognized at the time when goods are shipped. Revenue from services is
recognized when services are rendered and accepted by customers.
(16) Research and development costs
Research and development costs are charged as incurred.
(17) Leases
Epson leases certain office space, machinery and equipment and computer equipment from third parties using
capital leases. Most of the capital leases are other than those under which ownership of the assets will be
transferred to the lessee at the end of the lease term, and are depreciated/amortized in accordance with the
straight-line method over the periods of the leases, assuming no residual value.
(18) Net income per share
Net income per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during
each fiscal period.
59
(19) Dividends
Dividends are charged to retained earnings in the fiscal year in which they are paid after approval by
shareholders. In addition to year-end dividends, the board of directors may declare interim cash dividends by
resolution to the registered shareholders as of September 30 of each year.
5. Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Effective
Accounting Standard for Retirement Benefits
On May 17, 2012, the ASBJ issued “Accounting Standard for Retirement Benefits” (ASBJ Statement No. 26)
and “Guidance on Accounting Standard for Retirement Benefits” (ASBJ Guidance No. 25), which replaced the
Accounting Standard for Retirement Benefits that had been issued by the Business Accounting Council in 1998
with an effective date of April 1, 2000 and the other related practical guidance, being followed by partial
amendments from time to time through 2009.
(1) Outline
The accounting standard and the guidance have been issued mainly for the amendment of the accounting
treatment for unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior service cost, the calculation method
for projected benefit obligation and service cost, and the enhancement of disclosure.
(2) Application schedule of accounting standards
Epson is not planning to adopt the accounting standard and the guidance because it will voluntarily adopt IFRS
from the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015.
6. U.S. dollar amounts
U.S. dollar amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and in these notes are
included solely for the convenience of readers. These translations should not be construed as representations that
the yen amounts actually represent, or have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that or any other rate.
As the amounts shown in U.S. dollars are for convenience only, a rate of ¥102.92 = U.S.$1, the exchange rate
prevailing as of March 31, 2014, has been used.
7.
Inventories
Losses recognized and charged to cost of sales as a result of valuations as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, were
¥31,594 million and ¥31,783 million ($308,812 thousand), respectively.
8.
Investments in debt and equity securities
Epson classifies all investments in debt and equity securities as either held-to-maturity debt securities or other
securities.
60
The market value (carrying value) of held-to-maturity debt securities, which was recognized at amortized cost
and included in the short-term investments and investment securities accounts at March 31, 2013 and 2014,
comprised the following:
Held-to-maturity debt securities
Millions of yen
March 31
2013
2014
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
March 31,
2014
National government bonds
Total
¥104
¥104
¥103
¥103
$1,000
$1,000
The aggregate cost and market value (carrying value) of other securities with market value, which were included
in the short-term investment securities account and the investment securities account at March 31, 2013 and
2014, were as follows:
Other securities
Millions of yen
March 31, 2013
Gross unrealized
Cost
Gains
Losses
(carrying value)
Market value
Equity securities
Certificate of deposit
Total
¥6,189
70,000
¥2,883
-
¥76,189
¥2,883
(¥12)
(-)
(¥12)
¥9,059
70,000
¥79,059
Millions of yen
March 31, 2014
Gross unrealized
Cost
Gains
Losses
(carrying value)
Market value
Equity securities
Certificate of deposit
Total
¥6,684
85,000
¥7,497
-
¥91,684
¥7,497
(¥3)
(-)
(¥3)
¥14,178
85,000
¥99,178
61
Thousands of U.S. dollars
March 31, 2013
Gross unrealized
Cost
Gains
Losses
(carrying value)
Market value
Equity securities
Certificate of deposit
$64,943
825,884
$72,843
-
Total
$890,827
$72,843
($29)
(-)
($29)
$137,757
825,884
$963,641
For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2014, the total amount of other-than-temporary impairments charged to
current income for securities with market value is not disclosed herein since it is insignificant to the consolidated
results. Impairments are principally recorded in cases where the fair value of other securities with determinable
market value has declined in excess of 30% of cost. Those securities are written down to the fair value, and the
resulting losses are included in current income for the period.
Unlisted securities, which were carried at costs of ¥897 million and ¥884 million ($8,589 thousand) at March 31,
2013 and 2014, respectively, are not included in this table because market quotations are unavailable, and it is
therefore extremely difficult to estimate their market value.
The amounts of investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, which were included in the investment
securities account as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, were ¥3,390 million and ¥3,877 million ($37,670 thousand),
respectively.
62
9. Short-term and long-term loans payable
Short-term loans payable and long-term loans payable at March 31, 2013 and 2014, comprised the following:
Millions of yen
March 31
2013
Amount
Amount
2014
Average
interest
rate
Thousands
of
U.S. dollars
March 31,
2014
Last due Amount
Short-term loans payable
Current portion of long-term loans payable
Current portion of lease obligations
Long-term loans payable from financial
institutions
Lease obligations
Unsecured bonds issued by the Company
Unsecured bonds issued by the Company
Unsecured bonds issued by the Company
Unsecured bonds issued by the Company
Unsecured bonds issued by the Company
Unsecured bonds issued by the Company
Unsecured bonds issued by the Company
¥53,626
75,000
374
¥57,955
2,000
232
0.73%
0.81
-
-
-
-
52,500
50,500
0.73
301
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
10,000
-
-
108
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
-
0.58
0.49
0.72
0.55
0.67
0.33
0.57
2017
2019
2015
2014
2016
2015
2017
2016
2018
$563,107
19,432
2,254
490,672
1,062
194,325
194,325
194,325
194,325
97,163
97,163
97,163
Total
¥271,802 ¥220,796
$2,145,316
Average interest rates are calculated using weighted-average interest rates on short-term loans payable, long-term
loans payable and bonds payable, as of March 31, 2014.
Average interest rates on lease obligations are not disclosed herein since interest expenses included in lease
payments are allocated based on the straight-line method for the corresponding fiscal years.
63
The maturities of long-term loans payable outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, were as follows:
Year ending March 31
2013
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31
¥75,000
2,000
500
50,000
2014
-
¥2,000
500
50,000
2014
2015
2017
2018
Total
¥127,500
¥52,500
$510,104
The maturities of lease obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, were as follows:
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31
Year ending March 31
2013
2014
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Total
¥374
223
47
24
5
-
¥675
-
¥232
56
33
14
3
¥341
The maturities of bonds outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, were as follows:
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31
2014
¥20,000
40,000
30,000
10,000
10,000
Year ending March 31
2013
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Total
¥20,000
40,000
20,000
10,000
-
¥90,000
64
110,000
$1,068,789
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
Year ended
March 31,
2014
-
$19,432
4,858
485,814
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
Year ended
March 31,
2014
-
$2,254
577
320
136
29
$3,316
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
Year ended
March 31,
2014
$194,325
388,650
291,488
97,163
97,163
10. Retirement benefits
(The fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.)
The Company and its Japanese subsidiaries maintain corporate defined benefit pension plans and defined
contribution pension plans covering the majority of their employees. In certain cases, additional severance costs
may be provided.
The funded status of these plans as of March 31, 2013, was as follows:
Projected benefit obligations
Plan assets at fair value
Unfunded status
Unrecognized items:
Actuarial gains (losses)
Prior service cost reduction from plan amendment
Provision for retirement benefits - net
Prepaid pension cost
Provision for retirement benefits
Millions of yen
¥276,540
217,702
58,837
(31,087)
215
27,964
1,339
¥29,304
The composition of net pension and severance costs for the years ended March 31, 2013, was as follows:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization and expenses:
Actuarial losses
Prior service costs
Net pension and severance costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension plan
Millions of yen
¥7,166
6,332
(5,293)
8,867
（71）
17,001
4,151
¥21,152
65
The assumptions used for the actuarial computation of the retirement benefit obligations for the years ended
March 31, 2013, was primarily as follows:
Discount rate
Long-term rate of return on plan assets
1.7%
2.5
（The fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.）
The Company and its Japanese subsidiaries maintain corporate defined benefit pension plans and defined
contribution pension plans covering the majority of their employees. In certain cases, additional severance costs
may be provided.
(1) Defined benefit pension plans
(a) Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligations was as follows:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year
¥276,540
$2,686,941
Thousands of
Millions of yen
U.S. dollars
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial loss(gain)
Benefits paid
Others
8,888
5,499
(1,783)
(13,252)
4,929
86,358
53,429
(17,324)
(128,760)
47,882
Projected benefit obligations at end of year
¥280,821
$2,728,526
(b) Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of plan assets at fair value was as follows:
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year
¥217,702
$2,115,254
Thousands of
Millions of yen
U.S. dollars
Expected return on plan assets
Actuarial gain(loss)
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Others
Plan assets at fair value at end of year
5,717
9,047
55,547
87,903
11,906
115,682
(11,203)
(108,851)
3,894
37,846
¥237,064
$2,303,381
66
(c) Reconciliation of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 was as
follows:
Projected benefit obligations (funded plans)
Plan assets at fair value
Projected benefit obligations (unfunded plans)
Net defined benefit liability
Gross defined benefit liability
Gross defined benefit asset
Net defined benefit liability
Thousands of
Millions of yen
U.S. dollars
¥277,559
$2,696,832
(237,064)
(2,303,381)
40,494
393,451
3,262
31,694
¥43,756
$425,145
¥44,221
$429,663
(465)
(4,518)
¥43,756
$425,145
(d) The composition of net pension and severance costs for the year ended March 31, 2014, was as follows:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization and expenses:
Actuarial loss
Prior service cost
Others
Thousands of
Millions of yen
U.S. dollars
¥8,888
5,499
(5,717)
9,352
(154)
57
$86,358
53,429
(55,547)
90,866
(1,496)
564
Net pension and severance costs
¥17,926
$174,174
(e) The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before the effect of income taxes
as of March 31, 2014 was as follows:
Unrecognized prior service cost
Unrecognized actuarial loss
Total
Thousands of
Millions of yen
U.S. dollars
(¥97)
11,575
($942)
112,465
¥11,478
$111,523
67
(f) The significant components of plan assets as of March 31, 2014, by asset category, was as follows:
Debt securities
Equity securities
Cash and deposits
Life insurance company general accounts
Alternative investments
Others
Total
Thousands of
Millions of yen
U.S. dollars
¥66,408
$645,239
46,162
2,687
82,716
31,768
7,320
448,523
26,107
803,692
308,666
71,154
¥237,064
$2,303,381
(g) The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined based on the current and expected future
distribution of plan assets and the current and expected future long-term rate of return of various assets of which
plan assets are composed.
(h) The weighted-average assumptions used for the actuarial computation of the retirement benefit obligations
for the year ended March 31, 2014 was primarily as follows:
Discount rate
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
1.7%
2.5
(2) Defined contribution pension plans
The amounts of contribution to defined contribution pension plan of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries
were ¥5,237million ($50,884thousand) for the year ended March 31, 2014.
11. Net assets
The Japanese Companies Act stipulates that an amount equal to 10% of dividends shall be distributed as
additional paid-in capital or legal reserve on the date of distribution until an aggregated amount of additional
paid-in capital and legal reserve equals 25% of common stock.
Under the Japanese Companies Act, distributions can be made at any time by resolution of the shareholders, or
by the board of directors if certain conditions are met.
Under the Japanese Companies Act, the distributions of retained earnings for a fiscal year is made by resolution
of shareholders at a general meeting to be held within three months after the balance sheet date, and accordingly
such distributions are recorded at the time of resolution.
68
The Company paid the following cash dividends of retained earnings to its registered shareholders at the ends of
the fiscal year and interim periods during the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2014:
Cash dividends per share
Cash dividends
Yen
Year ended March 31
2013
2014
¥13.00
¥13.00
¥26.00
¥7.00
¥13.00
¥20.00
U.S. dollars
Year ended
March 31,
2014
$0.06
$0.13
$0.19
Year-end
Interim
Total
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31
2013
2014
¥2,325
¥2,325
¥4,651
¥1,252
¥2,325
¥3,577
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
Year ended
March 31,
2014
$12,164
$22,601
$34,765
The effective dates of the distribution for year-end and interim cash dividends, which were paid during the year
ended March 31, 2013, were June 21, 2012, and December 7, 2012, respectively. The effective dates of the
distribution for year-end and interim cash dividends, which were paid during the year ended March 31, 2014,
were June 25, 2013, and December 6, 2013, respectively.
The proposed cash dividends of retained earnings of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2014, approved
at the general shareholders’ meeting, which was held on June 24, 2014, were as follows:
Cash dividends per share
Cash dividends
Yen
¥37.00
U.S. dollars
$0.35
Millions of yen
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
¥6,618
$64,302
The effective date of the distribution was June 25, 2014.
The number of treasury stocks of the Company was increased by an amount equal to the number of 1,822 for the
year ended March 31, 2014. It was comprised as follows.
Purchase of the shares less than one unit
Number of shares
1,822
69
12. Net income (loss) per share
The calculation of net income (loss) per share for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2014, is as follows:
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
Year ended
March 31,
2013
2014
2014
Net income (loss) attributable to common shares
(¥10,091)
¥83,698
$813,233
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
178,893
178,891
Thousands of shares
Net income (loss) per share
(¥56.41)
¥467.87
$4.54
Yen
U.S. dollars
Diluted net income per share is not calculated herein since a net loss was incurred and Epson had no dilutive
potential common shares outstanding during the year ended March 31, 2013. Diluted net income per share is not
calculated herein since Epson had no dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the year ended March
31, 2014
70
13. Income taxes
The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, were as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating tax loss carry-forwards
Inter-company profits on inventories and write downs
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
(Impairment loss and excess of depreciation)
Provision for retirement benefits
Net defined benefit liability
Provision for bonuses
Provision for product warranties
Devaluation of investment securities
One-time depreciation for assets
Others
Gross deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries and affiliates
Valuation difference on available-for-sale securities
Net unrealized gains on land held by a subsidiary
Others
Gross deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets
Millions of yen
March 31,
2013
March 31,
2014
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
March 31,
2014
¥90,826
18,925
¥73,625
23,153
$715,361
224,961
14,811
18,914
183,773
8,981
-
3,963
2,229
2,512
2,315
14,386
158,953
(135,886)
23,067
(11,203)
(341)
(1,236)
(1,001)
(13,782)
¥9,284
-
14,331
7,073
2,972
2,491
826
14,446
157,835
(102,291)
55,544
(12,615)
(1,889)
(800)
(892)
(16,198)
¥39,345
-
139,244
68,723
28,876
24,203
8,025
140,403
1,533,569
(993,888)
539,681
(122,570)
(18,354)
(7,773)
(8,697)
(157,394)
$382,287
The valuation allowance was established mainly against deferred tax assets on future tax-deductible temporary
differences and operating tax loss carry-forwards as it is probable that these deferred tax assets will not be
realized within the foreseeable future.
The differences between Epson’s statutory income tax rate and the income tax rate reflected in the consolidated
statements of income were reconciled as follows:
Statutory income tax rate
Reconciliation:
Year ended March 31
2013
37.80%
2014
37.80%
Changes in valuation allowance
Tax rate differences in overseas subsidiaries
Entertainment expenses, etc. permanently non-tax deductible
Other
(304.2)
60.7
52.2
(31.6)
(52.5)
(5.0)
(1.8)
4.7
Income tax rate per statements of income
(185.2%)
(16.7%)
71
The “Act for Partial Amendment of the Income Tax Act, etc.” (Act No.10 of 2014) was promulgated on March
31, 2014 and, as a result, the Company is no longer subject to the Special Reconstruction Corporation Tax
effective for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2014. In line with these revisions, the Company changed
the effective statutory tax rate used to calculate deferred tax assets and liabilities from 37.8.% to 35.4% for
temporary differences which are expected to be realized or settled in the fiscal year beginning on April 1, 2014.
As a result of this change, net deferred tax assets (after netting deferred tax liabilities) decreased by ¥2,244
million ($21,803 thousand), income taxes-deferred and deferred gains or losses on hedges increased by ¥2,246
million ($21,822 thousand) and ¥2 million ($19 thousand), respectively.
14. Selling, general and administrative expenses
The significant components of selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended March 31, 2013
and 2014, were as follows:
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
Year ended
March 31,
2013
2014
2014
Salaries and wages
¥66,783
¥80,469
$781,859
Retirement benefit expenses
Advertising
Sales promotion
Shipping costs
Research and development costs
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Other
Total
15. Research and development costs
7,262
14,956
18,128
12,647
18,992
(5)
74,420
6,623
16,214
20,743
14,646
18,832
407
80,070
64,350
157,539
201,544
142,304
182,977
3,954
778,026
¥213,184
¥238,007
$2,312,553
Research and development costs, which are included in the cost of sales and selling, general and administrative
expenses, totaled ¥49,923 million and ¥50,531 million ($490,973 thousand) for the years ended March 31, 2013
and 2014, respectively.
16. Compensation income
Compensation income for the year ended March 31, 2014 comprised the compensation receipts based on the
statement of mutual agreement with Tokyo Electric Power Company due to losses caused by accidents at
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station of Tokyo Electric Power Company.
72
17. Loss on litigation
Loss on litigation for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2014, mainly comprised the settlement of the lawsuits
concerning the allegations of a LCD price-fixing cartel.
18. Leases
As of March 31, 2014, capital leases, mainly comprised of uninterruptible power supply, host computers and
computer terminals.
Future lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases as a lessee at March 31, 2013 and 2014, were as
follows:
Millions of yen
March 31
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
March 31,
Future lease payments
2013
2014
2014
Due within one year
Due after one year
¥2,307
7,575
¥3,083
8,348
$29,955
81,121
Total
¥9,883
¥11,432
$111,076
19. Cash flow information
Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, were as follows:
Cash and deposits
Short-term investment securities
Short-term loans receivables
Less:
Time deposits due over three months
Short-term investment securities due over
three months
Cash and cash equivalents
Millions of yen
March 31
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
March 31,
2013
2014
2014
¥106,678
¥118,570
$1,152,059
70,012
8,000
85,013
8,000
826,010
77,730
(39)
(12)
(69)
(13)
(679)
(126)
¥184,639
¥211,500
$2,054,994
The Company obtained marketable securities, the fair value of which was ¥7,997 million and ¥7,999 million
($77,720 thousand) as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, as deposit for the short-term loans receivables
above.
73
20. Derivative instruments
The table below lists notional amounts and fair value of derivatives as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, by
transaction and type of instrument, excluding derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting.
Currency-related transactions
Instruments
Forward exchange contracts:
Sell -
U.S. dollar (buy Japanese yen)
Euro (buy Japanese yen)
Australian dollar (buy Japanese yen)
Euro (buy Singapore dollar)
Australian dollar (buy Singapore dollar)
Buy -
U.S. dollar (sell Japanese yen)
Euro (sell Japanese yen)
Indonesia rupiah (sell U.S. dollar)
Total
Instruments
Forward exchange contracts:
Sell -
U.S. dollar (buy Japanese yen)
Euro (buy Japanese yen)
Australian dollar (buy Japanese yen)
Euro (buy Singapore dollar)
Australian dollar (buy Singapore dollar)
Thai baht (buy U.S. dollar)
Buy -
U.S. dollar (sell Japanese yen)
Euro (sell Japanese yen)
Indonesia rupiah (sell U.S. dollar)
Non-deliverable forwards (NDF):
Sell -
Taiwan dollar (buy U.S. dollar)
Indian rupee (buy U.S. dollar)
South Korean won (buy U.S. dollar)
Total
74
Millions of yen
March 31, 2013
Notional
amounts
Fair value
Unrealized
gains
(losses)
¥13,453
15,745
1,267
48
4
8
6
2,551
¥33,086
(¥875)
(2,272)
(128)
0
(0)
（0）
（0）
（16）
(¥3,292)
(¥875)
(2,272)
(128)
0
(0)
（0）
（0）
（16）
(¥3,292)
Millions of yen
March 31, 2014
Notional
amounts
Fair value
Unrealized
gains
(losses)
¥16,923
18,523
1,487
174
6
242
27
4
2,539
1,504
715
1,077
¥43,226
(¥72)
(935)
(69)
0
(0)
(3)
0
(0)
72
(¥72)
(935)
(69)
0
(0)
(3)
0
(0)
72
40
(65)
(23)
(¥1,055)
40
(65)
(23)
(¥1,055)
Instruments
Forward exchange contracts:
Sell -
U.S. dollar (buy Japanese yen)
Euro (buy Japanese yen)
Australian dollar (buy Japanese yen)
Euro (buy Singapore dollar)
Australian dollar (buy Singapore dollar)
Thai baht (buy U.S. dollar)
Buy -
U.S. dollar (sell Japanese yen)
Euro (sell Japanese yen)
Indonesia rupiah (sell U.S. dollar)
Non-deliverable forwards (NDF):
Sell -
Taiwan dollar (buy U.S. dollar)
Indian rupee (buy U.S. dollar)
South Korean won (buy U.S. dollar)
Total
Thousands of U.S. dollars
March 31, 2014
Notional
amounts
Fair value
Unrealized
gains
(losses)
$164,428
180,028
14,448
1,690
58
2,351
262
38
24,669
($699)
(9,095)
（670)
0
(0)
(29)
0
(0)
699
($699)
(9,095)
（670)
0
(0)
(29)
0
(0)
699
14,613
6,947
10,464
$419,996
388
(631)
(223)
($10,260)
388
(631)
(223)
($10,260)
The fair value is calculated based on prices obtained from financial institutions.
The table below lists notional amounts and fair value of derivatives as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, by
transaction and type of instrument, qualifying for hedge accounting.
Currency-related transactions
Instruments
Hedged items
Forward exchange contracts:
Sell -
Euro (buy Japanese yen)
Australian dollar
(buy Japanese yen)
Buy-
Forecasted transactions in
foreign currency sales
U.S. dollar (sell Japanese yen)
Forecasted transactions in
foreign currency purchase
Millions of yen
March 31, 2013
Notional
amounts
Fair value
¥32,397
(¥1,717)
925
1,109
(7)
18
Total
¥34,432
(¥1,706)
75
Instruments
Hedged items
Forward exchange contracts:
Sell -
Euro (buy Japanese yen)
Australian dollar
(buy Japanese yen)
Swiss franc (buy Japanese yen)
Non-deliverable forwards (NDF):
Sell -
Taiwan dollar (buy U.S. dollar)
Indian rupee (buy U.S. dollar)
South Korean won
(buy U.S. dollar)
Total
Forecasted transactions in
foreign currency sales
Forecasted transactions in
foreign currency sales
Instruments
Hedged items
Millions of yen
March 31, 2014
Notional
amounts
Fair value
¥33,455
2,997
3,648
2,424
2,047
2,142
(¥506)
(92)
(300)
31
(116)
(20)
¥46,716
(¥1,004)
Thousands of U.S. dollars
March 31, 2014
Notional
amounts
Fair value
Forward exchange contracts:
Sell -
Euro (buy Japanese yen)
Australian dollar
(buy Japanese yen)
Swiss franc (buy Japanese yen)
Non-deliverable forwards(NDF):
Sell -
Taiwan dollar (buy U.S. dollar)
Indian rupee(buy U.S. dollar)
South Korean won
(buy U.S. dollar)
Total
Forecasted transactions in
foreign currency sales
$325,088
($4,928)
29,119
35,445
(893)
(2,914)
Forecasted transactions in
foreign currency sales
23,552
19,889
20,812
301
(1,127)
(194)
$453,905
($9,755)
The fair value is calculated based on prices obtained from financial institutions.
76
21. Comprehensive income
Each component of other comprehensive income for the year ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, were as follows:
Valuation difference on available-for-sale securities
Gains/（losses） arising during the year
Reclassification adjustments to profit or loss
Amount before income tax effect
Income tax effect
Total
Deferred gains or losses on hedges
Gains/（losses） arising during the year
Reclassification adjustments to profit or loss
Amount before income tax effect
Income tax effect
Total
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Gains/（losses） arising during the year
Reclassification adjustments to profit or loss
Total
Millions of yen
March 31,
2013
March 31,
2014
Thousands of
U.S. dollars
March 31,
2014
¥913
(14)
899
(122)
777
(4,374)
3,636
(737)
(160)
(897)
25,353
-
25,353
¥4,624
5
4,630
(1,548)
3,081
(6,096)
6,799
702
174
877
19,531
(7)
19,523
$44,928
47
44,975
(15,040)
29,935
(59,230)
66,061
6,831
1,690
8,521
189,768
(56)
189,712
Share of other comprehensive income of associates accounted for
using equity method
Gains/（losses） arising during the year
Total other comprehensive income
102
¥25,335
142
¥23,625
1,379
$229,547
22. Financial risk management and fair value of financial instruments
Financial risk management principles
With the maintenance of funding an essential precondition, Epson places great emphasis on safety and liquidity,
and selects operational funding methods that are designed to ensure the maximum possible efficiency. Epson
uses methods such as bank loans and bonds to procure funds and others. Epson uses derivative instruments only
for hedging purposes and not for purposes of trading or speculation.
Risks associated with financial instruments
Operating receivables such as notes and accounts receivable–trade are exposed to counterparties’ credit risks.
Epson operates internationally, exposing its foreign operating receivables to the risk of fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates. Epson principally manages its exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates on a net basis
and mainly uses forward exchange contracts and non-deliverable forwards (NDF) to reduce the exposures.
Investment securities are mainly comprised of shares of companies with which Epson maintains business
relations, and are exposed to risks associated with market fluctuations. The majority of notes and accounts
payable–trade, accounts payable-other have payment due dates of one year or less. Some of these are foreign
currency based, and are therefore exposed to risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations.
Certain interest expenses are exposed to the risk of interest rate fluctuations because of floating interest rates.
77
Derivative instruments are mainly comprised of forward exchange contracts and non-deliverable forwards
(NDF).
Financial risk management
(1) Credit and default risk
Based on internal rules and policies and procedures, Epson regularly monitors the situation regarding the
operating receivables of counterparties, and in addition to reviewing the payment due dates and account balances
for each partner, seeks to understand and reduce at an early stage concerns regarding the collection of operating
receivables caused by partners’ financial difficulties.
Epson’s management believes that credit risk relating to derivative instruments used by Epson is relatively low
since all parties relating to the derivative instruments are creditworthy financial institutions.
(2) Market risk
For risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations, for operating receivables and payables based on foreign
currency, Epson, as a basic rule, executes forward exchange transactions for the purpose of hedging for each
currency on a monthly basis. Epson makes forward exchange contracts and non-deliverable forwards (NDF) for
foreign currency-based operating receivables and payables that it expects to occur as a result of forecasted
transactions. Forward exchange contracts and non-deliverable forwards (NDF) are executed in accordance with
internal rules and policies based on management rules and policies of them.
For investment securities, Epson regularly reviews the market value and financial results, etc., of the issuing
company (counterparty) based on rules and policies for managing investment securities. Epson also takes into
consideration the state of the relationship with counterparties as it constantly reviews the level of its holdings.
(3) Liquidity risk
Epson manages liquidity risk by maintaining current liquidity at an appropriate level through creating and
updating liquidity plans at appropriate times, and by constantly reviewing the external financial environment.
Fair value of financial instruments
The fair value of each category of Epson’s financial instruments and their carrying value in Epson’s balance
sheets as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, were as follows:
78
Instruments
Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable-trade
Short-term investment securities
Investment securities
Total
Notes and accounts payable-trade
Short-term loans payable
Accounts payable-other
Bonds payable
Long-term loans payable (including current portion)
Millions of yen
March 31, 2013
Carrying
value
Fair value
Unrealized
gains
(losses)
¥106,678
132,289
70,012
9,152
¥106,678
132,289
70,012
9,152
¥318,132
¥318,132
57,249
53,626
51,782
90,000
127,500
57,249
53,626
51,782
90,311
128,202
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
¥311
702
Total
¥380,158
¥381,171
¥1,013
Derivative instruments
(¥5,000)
(¥5,000)
-
Derivative instruments in the table above represent a net amount.
Unlisted securities of ¥897 million at March 31, 2013 are not included above because there is no market value
and it is therefore extremely difficult to estimate their fair value.
Millions of yen
March 31, 2014
Carrying
value
Fair value
Unrealized
gains
(losses)
¥118,570
146,085
85,013
14,268
¥118,570
146,085
85,013
14,268
¥363,937
¥363,937
72,821
57,955
50,642
110,000
52,500
72,821
57,955
50,642
110,588
52,676
¥343,918
¥344,683
(¥2,060)
(¥2,060)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
¥588
176
¥764
-
Instruments
Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable-trade
Short-term investment securities
Investment securities
Total
Notes and accounts payable-trade
Short-term loans payable
Accounts payable-other
Bonds payable (including current portion)
Long-term loans payable (including current portion)
Total
Derivative instruments
79
Instruments
Cash and deposits
Notes and accounts receivable-trade
Short-term investment securities
Investment securities
Total
Thousands of U.S. dollars
March 31, 2014
Carrying
value
Fair value
Unrealized
gains
(losses)
$1,152,059 $1,152,059
1,419,403
1,419,403
826,010
826,010
138,641
138,641
$3,536,113 $3,536,113
-
-
-
-
-
Notes and accounts payable-trade
Short-term loans payable
Accounts payable-other
Bonds payable (including current portion)
Long-term loans payable (including current portion)
707,549
563,107
492,052
1,068,790
510,104
707,549
563,107
492,052
1,074,504
511,814
-
-
-
$5,714
1,710
Total
$3,341,602 $3,349,026
$7,424
Derivative instruments
($20,015)
($20,015)
-
Derivative instruments in the table above represent a net amount.
Unlisted securities of ¥884 million ($8,589 thousand) at March 31, 2014 are not included above because there is
no market value and it is therefore extremely difficult to estimate their fair value.
The fair value of financial instruments was calculated based on the following methods and premises:
(1) Cash and deposits, notes and accounts receivable–trade and short-term investment securities
Due to the short terms of these financial instruments, it is assumed that their fair value is equal to the carrying
amounts.
(2)
Investment securities
Fair value was measured using mainly exchange market value.
(3) Notes and accounts payable–trade, short-term loans payable, accounts payable–other
Due to the short terms of these financial instruments, it is assumed that their fair value is equal to the carrying
amounts.
(4) Bonds payable (including current portion)
Fair value was measured using market prices.
80
(5) Long-term loans payable (including current portion)
Because long-term loans payable that are with floating rates are affected in the short term by fluctuations in
market interest rates, and because Epson’s credit status has not changed greatly since they were implemented, it
is assumed that their fair value is equal to the carrying amounts. The fair value of loans payable based on fixed
interest rates are calculated by discounting the total amounts of loans payable using estimated interest rates that
would be in effect if similar loan arrangements were entered into.
Limitations
Fair value estimates are based on relevant market information. These estimates involve uncertainties and
therefore changes in assumptions could affect the estimates.
23. Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities for guarantee of employees’ housing loans from banks and others were ¥391 million
and ¥270 million ($2,623 thousand) as of March 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
24. Subsequent events
Revision to defined benefit corporate pension plans
As of April 1, 2014, the company and its Japanese subsidiaries have revised its defined benefit corporate pension
plans for domestic employees for the purposes to absorb future changes of the environment surrounding the
company and to operate the fund stably over the future periods.
Epson plans to adopt IFRS from the fiscal year ending March 2015. According to IFRS, Epson will recognize a
decline in expenses of ¥30,071 million ($292 thousand) due to the recognition of prior service cost for the year
ending March 31, 2015, under the revised plan.
Issue of straight bonds by the Company
The Company issued straight bonds, as outlined below, under the following conditions established on June 6,
2014, pursuant to the comprehensive resolution approved by the Company’s board of directors held on April 30,
2014.
The 12th Series unsecured straight bonds (with inter-bond pari passu clause)
Total amount of issuance: ¥10,000 million ($97,162 thousand)
Issue price: ¥100 purchase value of ¥100
Interest rate: 0.354% per annum
Payment date: June 13, 2014
Maturity date: June 13, 2019
Purpose for funds: Repayment of redemption of bonds
81
25. Segment information
(a) Summary of reporting segments
Epson and its subsidiaries conduct manufacturing and sales of products worldwide under the management of the
Company’s operations divisions. In order for the board of directors to determine the allocation of resources and
assess business results, the operations divisions make individual financial reports, and correspond to business
segments that are subject to regular review.
Epson has consolidated these business segments into three reporting segments based on the type and
characteristics of products and services, and on manufacturing and sales methods. Epson reviewed management
systems and has changed reporting segments from two segments, the information-related equipment segment and
the devices and precision products segment, to three segments by adding the sensing and industrial solutions
segment from the beginning of this fiscal year.
Segment information for the three months and twelve months ended 31, 2013 has been recalculated based on
new reporting segments.
The Company and its Japanese subsidiaries changed their depreciation method for property, plant and equipment
(excluding leased assets) to apply the straight-line method from the beginning of this fiscal year instead of the
declining-balance method. The change in the depreciation method did not have a material impact on segment
information.
The Company and its Japanese subsidiaries have changed the useful lives of a part of property, plant and
equipment, effective from the beginning of this fiscal year. The change of the useful lives did not have a material
impact on segment information.
Epson conducts development, manufacturing and sales within its reporting segments as follows.
The information-related equipment segment mainly includes inkjet printers, page printers, color image scanners,
commercial inkjet printers, serial impact dot matrix printers, printers for use in POS systems, inkjet label printers
and related supplies, 3LCD projectors, HTPS-TFT panels for 3LCD projectors, label printers, Personal
computers and others.
The devices & precision products segment mainly includes Crystal units, crystal oscillators, quartz sensors,
CMOS LSIs, Watches, watch movements, Metal powders, surface finishing and others.
The sensing & industrial solutions segment mainly includes Industrial robots, IC handlers, industrial inkjet
printing systems, sensing systems and others.
82
(b) Measurement of the amount of sales, income (loss), assets and other in each reporting segment
The accounting policies of the reporting segments are the same as “Basis of presenting consolidated financial
statements”.
Segment income (loss) is based on operating income (loss).
Transfer prices between operating segments are on an arm’s length basis.
(c)
Information of the amount of sales , income (loss), assets and other in each reporting segment
The following table summarizes the reporting segment information of Epson for the year ended March 31, 2013
and 2014:
Net sales:
Customers
Inter-segment
Total
Segment income (loss)
(Operating income)
Segment assets
Other
Depreciation and
amortization
Increase in property,
plant, equipment and
intangible assets
Amortization of
goodwill
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2013
Information-
related
equipment
Reporting segments
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Total
Other
[Note 1]
Total
Adjustments
[Note 2]
Consolidated
¥685,427
¥134,748
¥11,328
¥831,504
435
685,862
6,041
140,790
84
11,413
6,561
838,066
¥856
416
1,273
¥832,361
¥18,936
¥851,297
6,978
839,339
(6,978)
11,957
-
851,297
51,746
8,638
(9,614)
50,770
(165)
50,604
(29,349)
21,255
367,600
110,729
13,206
491,536
735
492,271
286,276
778,547
26,229
8,068
586
34,884
96
34,981
4,198
39,179
33,447
6,723
578
40,749
9
40,758
2,655
43,413
\-
¥883
\-
¥883
\-
¥883
¥36
¥919
83
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2014
Information-
related
equipment
Reporting segments
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Total
Other
[Note 1]
Total
Adjustments
[Note 2]
Consolidated
¥835,988
¥143,928
¥16,019
¥995,935
447
836,436
5,028
148,956
161
16,181
5,638
1,001,573
¥892
441
1,334
¥996,827
6,079
1,002,907
¥6,778
(6,079)
¥1,003,606
-
699
1,003,606
121,531
9,733
(10,183)
121,081
(258)
120,822
(35,854)
84,968
415,971
109,804
11,210
536,987
733
537,721
328,151
865,872
25,503
7,795
715
34,014
26,897
8,008
815
35,721
20
11
34,034
4,510
38,545
35,732
3,732
39,465
\-
¥828
\-
¥828
\-
¥828
¥14
¥842
Thousands of U.S. dollars
Year ended March 31, 2014
Information-
related
equipment
Reporting segments
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Total
Other
[Note 1]
Total
Adjustments
[Note 2]
Consolidated
$8,122,697
$1,398,445
$155,645
$9,676,787
$8,667
$9,685,454
4,353
48,853
8,127,050
1,447,298
1,574
157,219
54,780
9,731,567
4,295
12,962
59,075
9,744,529
$65,867
(59,075)
$9,751,321
-
6,792
9,751,321
1,180,829
94,568
(98,940)
1,176,457
(2,517)
1,173,940
(348,367)
825,573
Net sales:
Customers
Inter-segment
Total
Segment income (loss)
(Operating income)
Segment assets
Other
Depreciation and
amortization
Increase in property,
plant, equipment and
intangible assets
Amortization of
goodwill
Net sales:
Customers
Inter-segment
Total
Segment income (loss)
(Operating income)
Segment assets
4,041,713
1,066,886
108,919
5,217,518
7,132
5,224,650
3,188,408
8,413,058
Other
Depreciation and
amortization
Increase in property,
plant, equipment and
intangible assets
Amortization of
goodwill
Notes;
247,804
75,738
6,947
330,489
195
330,684
43,830
374,514
261,349
77,808
7,918
347,075
107
347,182
36,271
383,453
$-
$8,045
$-
$8,045
$-
$8,045
$136
$8,181
1.
Intra-group services business are categorized within “Other.”
2. Adjustments were as follows.
Net sales
Year ended March 31
Millions of yen
2013
2014
Thousands of U.S. dollars
2014
Corporate expenses *1
Eliminations
Total
¥18,978
(7,020)
¥11,957
84
¥6,824
(6,125)
¥699
$66,304
(59,512)
$6,792
Segment income (loss)
(Operating income)
Corporate expenses *1
Eliminations
Total
Year ended March 31
Millions of yen
2013
2014
Thousands of U.S. dollars
2014
(¥29,626)
277
(¥29,349)
(¥35,999)
145
(¥35,854)
($349,775)
1,408
($348,367)
Segment assets
Year ended March 31
Corporate expenses *1
Eliminations
Total
Other
Millions of yen
2013
2014
Thousands of U.S. dollars
2014
¥294,025
(7,749)
¥286,276
¥334,529
(6,377)
¥328,151
$3,250,368
(61,960)
$3,188,408
(1) Depreciation and amortization that is categorized under adjustments comprises expenses that do not correspond to the reporting
segments. It includes expenses relating to research and development for new businesses and basic technology, and general corporate
expenses.
(2) Increase in property, plant, equipment and intangible assets:
Corporate expenses *1
Intangible assets *2
Total
Year ended March 31
Millions of yen
2013
2014
Thousands of U.S. dollars
2014
¥2,396
259
¥2,655
¥2,076
1,656
¥3,732
$20,181
16,090
$36,271
(3) Amortization of goodwill that is categorized under adjustments does not correspond to the reporting segments.
*1. “Corporate expenses” comprise expenses that do not correspond to the reporting segments. These include expenses relating to
research and development for new businesses and basic technology, and general corporate expenses. Epson transferred the optical
products business, which was categorized under “Devices & precision products” in the prior fiscal year, to “Corporate expenses”.
*2. Intangible assets are non-subject to regular review as capital expenditure.
(d)
Information of geographic areas
Sales by country:
The following table summarizes the amount of revenue from external customers for the year ended March 31,
2013 and 2014:
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2013
Japan
The United States
China（including Hong Kong）
Other
Total
Net sales
¥266,644
¥139,067
¥102,500
¥343,085
¥851,297
85
Japan
The United States
China（including Hong Kong）
Other
Total
Net sales
¥278,718
¥175,868
¥124,692
¥424,327
¥1,003,606
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2014
Japan
The United States
China（including Hong Kong）
Other
Total
Net sales
$2,708,103
$1,708,783
$1,211,542
$4,122,893
$9,751,321
Thousands of U.S. dollars
Year ended March 31, 2014
[Note] Each country’s net sales are based on the location of the customers.
Property, plant and equipment by country:
The following table summarizes property, plant and equipment by countries for the year ended March 31, 2013
and 2014:
Property, plant and equipment
¥155,176
¥62,212
¥217,388
Japan
Other
Total
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2013
Property, plant and equipment
¥149,784
¥66,386
¥216,170
Japan
Other
Total
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2014
Property, plant and equipment
$1,455,343
$645,026
$2,100,369
Japan
Other
Total
Thousands of U.S. dollars
Year ended March 31, 2014
(e)
Information of impairment loss
The following table summarizes information of impairment loss in each reporting segment for the year ended
March 31, 2013 and 2014:
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2013
Information-
related
equipment
¥551
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
[Note]
Total
¥14
\-
\-
¥4,039
¥4,605
Impairment loss
[Note] “Corporate expenses” comprise expenses that do not correspond to the reporting segments. These include expenses relating
to research and development for new businesses and basic technology, and general corporate expenses. Epson transferred the
optical products business, which was categorized under “Devices & precision products” in the prior fiscal year, to “Corporate
expenses”.
86
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2014
Information-
related
equipment
¥222
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
[Note]
Total
¥1
¥438
\-
¥3,653
¥4,315
Impairment loss
Thousands of U.S. dollars
Year ended March 31, 2014
Information-
related
equipment
$2,157
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
[Note]
Total
$9
$4,255
$-
$35,504
$41,925
Impairment loss
[Note] Corporate expenses comprise expenses that do not correspond to the reporting segments. These include expenses relating to
research and development for new businesses and basic technology, and general corporate expenses.
(f)
Information of goodwill
The following table summarizes information of goodwill in each reporting segments for the year ended March
31, 2013 and 2014:
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2013
Information-
related
equipment
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
Total
Goodwill
\-
¥898
\-
\-
¥14
¥912
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2014
Information-
related
equipment
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
Total
Goodwill
\-
¥70
\-
\-
\-
¥70
Thousands of U.S. dollars
Year ended March 31, 2014
Information-
related
equipment
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
Total
Goodwill
$-
$680
$-
$-
$-
$680
87
The following table summarizes information of amortization of negative goodwill and balance of negative
goodwill from the subsidiary’s acquisitions before April 1, 2010 for the year ended March 31, 2013 and 2014:
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2013
Information-
related
equipment
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
Total
Amortization of
negative goodwill
Negative goodwill
\-
\-
¥48
¥25
\-
\-
\-
\-
\-
\-
¥48
¥25
Millions of yen
Year ended March 31, 2014
Information-
related
equipment
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
Total
Amortization of
negative goodwill
Negative goodwill
\-
\-
¥25
\-
\-
\-
\-
\-
\-
\-
¥25
\-
Thousands of U.S. dollars
Year ended March 31, 2014
Information-
related
equipment
Devices &
precision
products
Sensing &
industrial
solutions
Other
Corporate
expenses
Total
Amortization of
negative goodwill
Negative goodwill
$-
$-
$242
$-
$-
$-
$-
$-
$-
$-
$242
$-
Information of gain on negative goodwill
(g)
Gain on negative goodwill did not occur during the year ended March 31, 2013 and 2014.
88
Report of Independent Auditors
89
Additional Information
1. Principal subsidiaries and affiliates
Company name
Location
Paid-in capital or
amount invested
Main business
Ownership
percentage of
voting rights (%)
Relationship between parent
company and subsidiary
Consolidated subsidiaries
Epson Sales Japan
Corporation
*
Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo
4,000
(million JPY)
Epson Direct
Corporation
Matsumoto-shi,
Nagano
150
(million JPY)
Orient Watch Co., Ltd.
Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo
1,937
(million JPY)
Miyazaki Epson
Corporation
Miyazaki-shi,
Miyazaki
100
(million JPY)
Tohoku Epson
Corporation
Sakata-shi,
Yamagata
100
(million JPY)
Akita Epson
Corporation
Yuzawa-shi,
Akita
80
(million JPY)
Epson Atmix
Corporation
Hachinohe-shi,
Aomori
450
(million JPY)
Sales of
information-related
equipment and sensing
and industrial solutions
Sales of
information-related
equipment
Manufacture and sales
of devices and
precision products
Manufacture of
devices and precision
products
Manufacture of
information-related
equipment, devices
and precision products
Manufacture of
information-related
equipment, devices
and precision products,
and sensing and
industrial solutions
Manufacture of
devices and precision
products
Epson America, Inc.
*
Long Beach,
U.S.A.
40,000
(thousand USD)
Regional headquarters,
Sales of
information-related
equipment and sensing
and industrial solutions
Epson Electronics
America, Inc.
Epson Portland Inc.
San Jose,
U.S.A.
Portland,
U.S.A.
10,000
(thousand USD)
Sales of devices and
precision products
31,150
(thousand USD)
Epson El Paso, Inc.
*
El Paso,
U.S.A.
51,000
(thousand USD)
Manufacture of
information-related
equipment
Distribution of
information-related
equipment
90
100.0
Sales of the Company’s
products,
Interlocking directors,
Rental of assets
100.0
(100.0)
Sales of PCs, etc.,
Rental of assets
100.0
Manufacture and sales of
watches
100.0
Manufacture of crystal
devices
100.0
Manufacture of printer
components and
semiconductors,
100.0
100.0
Manufacture of printer
components, crystal devices,
and sensing systems,
Financial assistance,
Leasing of assets
Manufacture of metal
powders, etc.,
Financial assistance
Holding company in
Americas,
Interlocking directors
Regional headquarters in
Americas,
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals and sales of
factory automation products,
Interlocking directors
Sales of electronic devices
100.0
(100.0)
100.0
(100.0)
100.0
(100.0)
Manufacture of printer
consumables
100.0
(100.0)
Distribution of printer
consumables
U.S. Epson, Inc.
*
Long Beach,
U.S.A.
111,941
(thousand USD)
Holding company
100.0
Company name
Location
Paid-in capital or
amount invested
Main business
Ownership
percentage of
voting rights (%)
Relationship between parent
company and subsidiary
Epson Europe B.V.
*
Amsterdam,
the Netherlands
95,000
(thousand EUR)
Regional headquarters,
Sales of
information-related
equipment
Epson (U.K.) Ltd.
Hemel
Hempstead,
UK
1,600
(thousand GBP)
Sales of
information-related
equipment
Epson Deutschland
GmbH
Dusseldorf,
Germany
5,200
(thousand EUR)
Sales of
information-related
equipment and sensing
and industrial solutions
Epson Europe
Electronics GmbH
Munich,
Germany
2,000
(thousand EUR)
Sales of devices and
precision products
Epson France S.A.
Levallois-
Perret, France
4,000
(thousand EUR)
Epson Italia s.p.a.
Milan,
Italy
3,000
(thousand EUR)
Epson Iberica, S.A.
Cerdanyola,
Spain
1,900
(thousand EUR)
Epson (China) Co., Ltd.
*
Beijing,
China
1,211
(million CNY)
Sales of
information-related
equipment
Sales of
information-related
equipment
Sales of
information-related
equipment
Regional headquarters,
Sales of
information-related
equipment and sensing
and industrial solutions
Epson Korea Co., Ltd.
Seoul,
Korea
1,466
(million KRW)
Sales of
information-related
equipment
Epson Hong Kong Ltd.
Hong Kong,
China
2,000
(thousand HKD)
Epson Taiwan
Technology
& Trading Ltd.
Taipei,
Taiwan
25,000
(thousand TWD)
Epson Singapore Pte.
Ltd.
Singapore
200
(thousand SGD)
Sales of
information-related
equipment, devices
and precision products
Sales of
information-related
equipment, devices
and precision products
Regional headquarters,
Sales of
information-related
equipment, devices
91
Regional headquarters in
Europe,
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
100.0
100.0
(100.0)
100.0
(100.0)
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals, and sales of
factory automation products,
Guaranty of liabilities
100.0
(100.0)
Sales of electronic devices,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
100.0
(100.0)
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals
100.0
(100.0)
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals,
Guaranty of liabilities
100.0
(100.0)
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals,
Guaranty of liabilities,
100.0
Regional headquarters in
China,
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals and factory
automation products,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
100.0
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals
100.0
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals, and sales of
electronic devices
100.0
100.0
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals, and sales of
electronic devices,
Guaranty of liabilities
Regional headquarters in
Asia-Pacific,
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals, and
Company name
Location
Paid-in capital or
amount invested
Main business
Ownership
percentage of
voting rights (%)
Relationship between parent
company and subsidiary
Epson Australia
Pty. Ltd.
North Ryde,
Australia
1,000
(thousand AUD)
Tianjin Epson Co., Ltd.
Tianjin,
China
172
(million CNY)
and precision products
Sales of
information-related
equipment
Manufacture of
information-related
equipment
Epson Precision
(Hong Kong), Ltd.
*
Hong Kong,
China
81,602
(thousand USD)
Procurement of
information-related
equipment components
Epson Engineering
(Shenzhen) Ltd.
*
Shenzhen,
China
56,641
(thousand USD)
Epson Precision
(Shenzhen) Ltd.
Shenzhen,
China
25,000
(thousand USD)
Singapore Epson
Industrial
Pte. Ltd.
*
P.T. Indonesia Epson
Industry
*
Epson Precision
(Philippines), Inc.
*
Singapore
71,700
(thousand SGD)
Bekasi,
Indonesia
23,000
(thousand USD
Lipa,
Philippines
57,533
(thousand USD)
Epson Precision
Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
16,000
(thousand MYR)
Manufacture of
information-related
equipment and sensing
and industrial solutions
Manufacture of
devices and precision
products
Manufacture of
information-related
equipment, devices
and precision products
Manufacture of
information-related
equipment
Manufacture of
information-related
equipment
Manufacture of
devices and precision
products
sales of electronic devices,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
Sales of printers and other
PC peripherals,
Guaranty of liabilities
100.0
80.0
(80.0)
Manufacture of printer
consumables, etc.,
Interlocking directors
100.0
100.0
(100.0)
Procurement of printer and
3LCD projector
components,
Interlocking directors
Manufacture of printers,
3LCD projectors, liquid
crystal panels and factory
automation products, etc.,
Interlocking directors
100.0
(100.0)
Manufacture of watches,
etc.,
Interlocking directors
100.0
Manufacture of printer
consumables,
semiconductors, and
watches, etc., and surface
finishing,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
100.0
Manufacture of printers,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
100.0
100.0
Manufacture of printers and
3LCD projectors,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
Manufacture of crystal
devices,
Interlocking directors,
Guaranty of liabilities
53 other companies
–
– –
– –
92
Company name
Location
Paid-in capital or
amount invested
Main business
Ownership
percentage of
voting rights (%)
Relationship between parent
company and affiliate
Equity method affiliates
Time Module
(Hong Kong) Ltd.
Hong Kong,
China
5,001
(thousand HKD)
Sales of devices and
precision products
33.3 Sales of watch movements
Five other companies
–
–
–
–
–
Notes
1. Ownership percentage of voting rights indicated inside parentheses refers to indirect ownership percentage.
2. * indicates a specified subsidiary (tokutei-kogaisha).
3. In addition to the above, the Company has one unconsolidated equity method subsidiary.
4. The net sales (excluding eliminations of sales among consolidated subsidiaries) of Epson Sales Japan
Corporation, Epson America, Inc. and Epson Europe B.V. each amount to more than 10% of the consolidated
net sales. Key information about operations of those subsidiaries is as follows.
Company name
Net sales
Epson Sales Japan Corporation
Epson America, Inc.
Epson Europe B.V.
206,549
250,226
210,728
Ordinary
income
4,026
5,027
4,142
(Millions of yen)
Net income
Total net assets Total assets
2,107
4,647
2,332
13,087
65,567
25,369
114,017
16,073
77,277
Figures for Epson America, Inc. and Epson Europe B.V. are included in consolidated business results.
2. Distribution of ownership among shareholders
Category
Government and
Japanese
Japanese
regional public
financial
securities
bodies
institutions
companies
Other Japanese
corporations
Foreign institutions and
Japanese
others
individuals
Total
Institutions
Individuals
and others
Shares less
than one
unit (Shares)
Share ownership (100 shares per unit)
As of March 31, 2014
Number of
shareholders
(Persons)
Number of
shares owned
（Units）
Percentage of
shares owned
(%)
–
55
38
281
423
14
29,299
30,110
－
–
500,895
28,097
359,004
512,514
88
569,471 1,997,069
110,489
–
25.08
1.41
17.98
25.66
0.00
29.87
100.00
－
Notes
1. 20,927,083 shares of treasury stock are included as 209,270 units in “Japanese individuals and others” and 83
shares in “Shares less than one unit.”
2. Three units in the name of Japan Securities Depository Center, Inc. are included under “Other Japanese
corporations.”
93
3. Major shareholders
Name
Address
Number of shares held
Shareholding
ratio (%)
As of March 31, 2014
Sanko Kigyo Kabushiki
Kaisha
Japan Trustee Services
Bank, Ltd. (Trustee
Account)
The Master Trust Bank
of Japan, Ltd. (Trust
account)
Seiko Holdings
Corporation
6-1 Ginza 5-chome, Chuo-ku,
Tokyo
8-11, Harumi 1-chome, Chuo-ku,
Tokyo
11-3 Hamamatsu-cho 2-chome,
Minato-ku, Tokyo
5-11 Ginza 4-chome, Chuo-ku,
Tokyo
Yasuo Hattori
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Seiko Epson Corporation
Employees’
Shareholding
Association
3-5, Owa 3-chome, Suwa-shi,
Nagano
Noboru Hattori
Minato-ku, Tokyo
The Dai-ichi Life
Insurance Company,
Limited
(Standing proxy: Trust &
Custody Services Bank,
Ltd.)
Mizuho Trust & Banking
Co., Ltd., Retirement
benefit trust, Mizuho
Bank, Ltd. account,
Beneficiary of the retrust,
Trust & Custody
Services Bank, Ltd.
NGK INSULATORS,
LTD.
Total
13-1, Yurakucho 1-chome,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
(8-12, Harumi 1-chome,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Harumi Island Triton Square
Office Tower Z, 8-12, Harumi
1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
2-56, Suda-cho, Mizuho-ku,
Nagoya-shi, Aichi
－
15,447,200
10,684,100
8,729,800
7,948,800
5,966,306
5,824,991
5,599,968
7.73
5.34
4.36
3.97
2.98
2.91
2.80
4,368,000
2.18
4,076,900
2.04
3,450,000
72,096,065
1.72
36.08
Notes:
1. Although the Company holds 20,927,083 shares of treasury stock, the Company is excluded from the above
list of major shareholders. (The ratio of the treasury shares held by the Company to the total number of shares
issued is 10.47%.)
2. The shares held by Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd., Retirement benefit trust, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. account,
Beneficiary of the retrust, Trust & Custody Services Bank, Ltd., were contributed by Mizuho Bank, Ltd. to the
trust assets of the Retirement benefit trust.
3. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited and its joint holders submitted a Report of Change to the Director of
the Kanto Local Finance Bureau as of June 20, 2013, claiming that they hold the Company’s shares as follows as
of June 14, 2013. However, we have not been able to confirm the number of shares they held at the end of the
fiscal year under review. Therefore, they are not included in the above major shareholders.
94
Name
Address
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust
Bank, Limited
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust
Asset Management Co.,
Ltd.
Nikko Asset
Management Co., Ltd.
Total
4-1, Marunouchi 1-chome,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
33-1, Shiba 3-chome,
Minato-ku, Tokyo
7-1, Akasaka 9-chome,
Minato-ku, Tokyo
—
Number of shares
held
8,635,000
251,600
402,400
9,289,000
Shareholding ratio (%)
4.32
0.13
0.20
4.65
4. JP Morgan Asset Management (Japan) Limited and its joint holders submitted a Report of Change to the
Director of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau as of December 6, 2013, claiming that they hold the Company’s
shares as follows as of November 29, 2013. However, we have not been able to confirm the number of shares
they held at the end of the fiscal year under review. Therefore, they are not included in the above major
shareholders.
Name
Address
Number of shares
held
Shareholding ratio (%)
JP Morgan Asset
Management (Japan)
Limited
JPMorgan Chase Bank,
National Association
J.P. Morgan Securities
plc
Tokyo Building, 7-3, Marunouchi
2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
5,133,500
1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus,
OH 43240, USA
25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf,
London, E14 5JP, UK
248,923
780,569
6,162,992
Total
－
2.57
0.12
0.39
3.08
5. Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and its joint holders submitted a Report of Change to the Director of the Kanto
Local Finance Bureau as of April 7, 2014, claiming that they hold the Company’s shares as follows as of March
31, 2014. However, we have not been able to confirm the number of shares they held at the end of the fiscal year
under review. Therefore, they are not included in the above major shareholders.
Name
Address
Number of shares
held
Shareholding ratio (%)
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
3-3, Marunouchi 1-chome,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Mizuho Trust & Banking
2-1, Yaesu 1-chome, Chuo-ku,
Co., Ltd.
Tokyo
Mizuho Asset
5-27, Mita 3-chome, Minato-ku,
Management Co., Ltd.
Tokyo
Total
－
95
6,947,000
2,729,400
674,200
10,350,600
3.48
1.37
0.34
5.18
4. Epson stock price
(1) High and low stock prices for the previous five years
Year
Fiscal year
68th year
March 2010
69th year
March 2011
70th year
March 2012
71st year
March 2013
72nd year
March 2014
High (¥)
Low (¥)
1,715
1,216
1,700
1,032
1,499
881
1,183
431
3,390
795
Note
High and low stock prices noted above are based on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (First Section) data.
(2) High and low stock prices for the previous six months
Month
October 2013
November
December
January 2014
February
March
High (¥)
Low (¥)
1,869
1,594
2,528
1,996
2,825
2,432
3,080
2,654
3,180
2,751
3,390
2,890
Note
High and low stock prices noted above are based on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (First Section) data.
96
5. Corporate data and investor information
(1) Company name
Seiko Epson Corporation
(2) Founded
(3) Head office
May 1942
3-5 Owa 3-chome, Suwa, Nagano 392-8502, Japan
Tel: +81-266-52-3131(main)
(4) Tokyo office
Shinjuku NS Building, 4-1 Nishi-shinjuku 2-chome,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-0811, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3348-8531
(5) Investor information
Closing of accounts
Regular general shareholders’ meeting
Date for confirmation to shareholders of
March 31
June
the cash dividend payment date
March 31
Date for confirmation to shareholders of
the interim cash dividend payment date
September 30
Transfer agent
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation
4-5, Maruouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Agent’s business address
Stock Transfer Agency Department
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation
10-11, Higashisuna 7-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-6701-5000
http://www.tr.mufg.jp/english/
Intermediary offices
Head Office and Branches of Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and
Banking Corporation
Posting of public notices
Public notices will be posted electronically. In the event
of accidents or other circumstances preventing the
electronic posting of information, such information will
be made available through the Nihon Keizai Shimbun
newspaper (Japanese)
Web address
http://www.pronexus.co.jp/koukoku/6724/6724.html
(Japanese)
97
3-3-5 Owa, Suwa, Nagano 392-8502, Japan
tel: +81-266-52-3131
http://global.epson.com