Canon powers ahead in 2007

Canon continues to power ahead in 2006. In their latest financial results for the 4th quarter 2006, total sales from cameras were over 1 trillion Yen with an operating profit from 25.8%. Although DSLR made up 12% of all cameras sold, it made up 35% of the value.

These are very impressive numbers by any standards, but particularly so for a multinational manufacturing company. Particularly impressive is the huge decrease in debt over the last 4 years while increasing cash flow. An extremely well-run company. With access to all this cash, they will have no problem channeling funds back into Research and Development.

Here what they write for their digital camera section in 2006:

"Within the camera segment, strong demand for digital SLR cameras has fueled continued growth with particularly strong sales for the advanced-amateur-model EOS 30D, launched in the first half of 2006, and the EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi, launched in the second half. This, in turn, led to expanded sales of interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras. Sales of compact digital cameras also continued to expand steadily with the introduction of 16 new models in 2006, including six stylish ELPH-series models and 10 Power Shot-series models that cater to a diverse range of shooting styles. As a result, unit sales of digital cameras for the year increased by more than 20% from the year-ago period"

In 2007 they plan to maintain their top brand position with a 7% projected increase in digital camera sales.





Full financial results for the 4th Quarter 2006 (pdf).