Canon among Top 100 Global Technology Leaders, Reuters reports

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Thomson Reuters compiled a list of what they consider the world’s top 100 tech leaders. Canon is listed, Sony is listed, Fuji is listed, Nikon is not.

In their words:

Today, we’re watching the gradual evolution from the Knowledge Economy to the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Virtuality. With it comes a fundamental shift in what it means to be a leader in this rapidly changing marketplace. That’s why we developed a first-of-its-kind ranking methodology for the technology sector.

Applying the intelligence, technology, and human expertise of Thomson Reuters, we have identified industry leaders poised to thrive at the intersection of regulation and commerce. The result is the Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Tech Leaders.

See the list at Thomson Reuters.

The video below gives a brief overview about the methodology used to select the top 100 global technology leaders.

Canon and partners are planning Japan’s first private rocket launch site, report

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We reported about Canon’s efforts to conquer outer space in the past. Here is another step Canon is making in the company’s space race.

Nikkei Asian Review:

TOKYO — Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace and two other partners are looking to build the first private-sector rocket launch site in Japan by 2021, a major step forward for nongovernment players in the space sector here.

The location, specializing in small rockets, will be operated by a joint venture founded last summer by the Canon> and IHI units with general contractor Shimizu and the Development Bank of Japan. They are looking to begin construction in the Wakayama Prefecture town of Kushimoto, at the southernmost point of the main Japanese island of Honshu. A final decision will come after a geological survey.

[…]

The new site would allow civilian players greater freedom in scheduling launches, instead of working around the government’s plans. The quartet also aims to be able to launch 100kg-class small satellites at about a tenth of the cost of the H-IIA rocket, one of JAXA’s mainstay launch vehicles.

The joint venture previously announced plans to develop its own small rocket and could start taking orders for satellite launches by the end of the year. It plans to send up the first such rocket from the new site in 2021.

Canon works to build low-cost rockets for satellites, high-resolution earth-imaging-systems (with EOS 5D Mark IV), and they even launch their own satellites. To see all Canon space efforts we covered click here.

Fortune Magazine says Canon is among “World’s Most Admired Companies” for 2018

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Canon press release:

FORTUNE Magazine Places Canon Among “World’s Most Admired Companies” for 2018

MELVILLE, N.Y., January 19, 2018 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that Canon Inc., its parent company, has been named to FORTUNE Magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list for 2018, demonstrating its strong standing within the global business community. Called the “definitive report card on corporate reputations” by FORTUNE, Canon received positive marks for financial soundness, long-term investment value, social responsibility, global competitiveness and quality of products and services to earn this distinction, resulting in a rank of fourth in the Computer category.

“To be named as one of the ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ is a true testament to Canon’s forward-thinking vision, solidifying the strength of our brand and speaking to our continued commitment to innovation,” said Christine Sedlacek, senior director and general manager, Corporate Communications, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon prides itself in developing leading-edge technology to help meet the needs of our customers while still staying true to our strong philosophy of corporate social responsibility. Receiving this honor is the result of the hard work and dedication of all Canon employees, as well as the devotion of the company’s loyal customers, for which we are incredibly grateful.”

Executive, directors and analysts from 680 companies in 29 countries around the world were asked to rate these companies based off of nine criteria categories: financial soundness, long-term investment value, people management, social responsibility, use of corporate assets, quality of management, quality of products/services, innovation and global competitiveness.

For more information on Canon U.S.A., Inc., please visit www.usa.canon.com.

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Canon, the most mocked photo-tech company has to cope with repayments, still expanding and doing good

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The most mocked photography company of the last 5 years has to cope with some repayments. Doesn’t look like it’s drawing them back.

Nikkei Asian Review reports:

TOKYO — Canon will pay back more interest-bearing debt this year to improve its financial standing following the 2016 acquisition of a medical equipment business from Toshiba.

Repayment will double from 2017 levels to around 200 billion yen ($1.79 billion) in light of strong earnings last year, with an aim of whittling down borrowings from parties including Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.

Canon upgraded its annual earnings forecast three times in 2017. The final projection called for net profit to increase roughly 60% to 245 billion yen on sales of 4.08 trillion yen, up nearly 20%. Mainstay businesses like digital cameras and office equipment have been faring well, along with such newer operations as medical equipment.

The Tokyo-based manufacturer bought Toshiba Medical Systems for about 665.5 billion yen in 2016. Interest-bearing debt reached 613.1 billion yen as of the end of that year, ballooning from 1.5 billion yen a year earlier.

The faster pace of repayment may also be driven by credit rating considerations. Moody’s Japan downgraded Canon from Aa1 to Aa3 in June 2016, citing a material increase in leverage from the purchase of the Toshiba unit. Until then, Canon had been the sole Japanese company with a Moody’s rating higher than Aa2.

Canon is expanding in various directions. Research and development of security, robotics, and medical seem to be on top of Canon’s agenda. Let’s hope some exciting EOS M lenses are too.

BCN Awards are out, Canon still dominates DSLRs and compact camera rankings, sells more MILC than Sony (in Japan)

bcn awards

EDIT: sorry guys, I mixed up the rankings of DSLRs and compact cameras.

A huge thanks to EdinaMN Guy for always remembering me about the BCN Awards.

BCN posted their market reports (for Japan), and there is little surprise overall.

Canon leads the rankings for compact cameras and DSLRs, and is second ranked for mirrorless sales (so much to the “EOS M is a failure” myth). In Japan Canon sells more mirrorless cameras than Sony.

Rankings DSLRs:

  1. Canon 61.1%
  2. Nikon 34.4%
  3. Ricoh 4.2%

Rankings compact cameras:

  1. Canon 27.9%
  2. Nikon 25.5%
  3. Casio 17.2%

Rankings mirrorless cameras:

  1. Olympus 27.7%
  2. Canon 21.3%
  3. Sony 20.2%

No surprises here, and little changes compared to the past. Canon leads the sale rankings for lenses too, although with only 21.9% (thought it was more, and where is Nikon?):

  1. Canon 21.9%
  2. Sigma 16.2%
  3. Tamron 13.7%

bcn awards

Canon offers exclusive CPS membership discounts launching at Imaging USA Expo 2018

Canon press release:

Canon Professional Services and Professional Photographers of America Collaborate to Offer Exclusive CPS Membership Discounts Launching at Imaging USA Expo 2018

The Company Will Showcase Its Latest Digital Imaging Solutions for Professional Photographers and Feature Educational Presentations by Canon Explorers of Light

MELVILLE, N.Y., January 12, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce that the company will launch a special pricing promotion for new and existing Canon Professional Service (CPS) members at the Imaging USA EXPO 2018 hosted by Professional Photographers of America (PPA). This exclusive promotion, offers 20 percent off new, renewed or upgraded CPS gold or platinum memberships for active PPA members. Imaging USA EXPO 2018 will take place through January 16th at theGaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

“CPS members are among the most loyal and dedicated customers of Canon. Their passion, experience and knowledge are invaluable assets to the photo and video imaging community,” Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Offering this special promotion to both new and existing CPS members is an exciting initiative for us. We want these photographers to continue to grow and succeed with Canon’s world-class service and support right alongside them.”

Beginning at Imaging USA and effective throughout 2018, active PPA members will have the opportunity to renew or upgrade their current CPS membership, while non-CPS members can open a new membership – both at a 20 percent discount off current prices. Attendees who sign up for a CPS membership at the show will also qualify for a free gift. PPA members who do not sign up at Imaging USA can call 1-844-58-CANON to also receive the 20 percent exclusive offer.

“PPA is always looking to provide our members with savings on their essential needs,” says Kristen Hartman, PPA’s Director of Member Value & Experience. “We are excited that Canon is offering this exclusive discount to our members and we look forward to working with Canon in the future.”

Canon Professional Services will also host the CPS Lounge where Gold, Platinum, Enterprise and Cinema CPS members can have their Canon equipment (up-to-two current Professional DSLR bodies or lenses) cleaned and checked. CPS members can also enter the CPS member photo contest for a chance to win a PIXMA PRO-10 printer. Restrictions apply. Stop by the lounge for more information.

The hours of operation for the CPS Lounge are:

Saturday, Jan 13: 12:00pm – 5:00pm (Pre-show day)

Sunday, Jan. 14: 10:30am – 5:00 pm

Monday, Jan. 15: 10:30am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday, Jan. 16: 11:00am – 1:30pm (Equipment pickup only)

At the booth, Canon will also showcase its latest digital imaging solutions for professional photographers, including its full line of cameras and lenses.

The Canon Imaging USA Live Stage in the booth will feature presentations from several Canon Explorers of Light (schedule subject to change without notice), including Lindsay Adler, Peter Hurley and Michele Celentano. For the complete speaking schedule, please see below.

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