Canon hits hard times?

[David Sutton]

Is it just me or are we really living in a bizarre world?
Prompted by this report
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/25/canon-announces-q3-2012-results-operating-profit-drops-by-42-pe/
that there is doom and gloom at Canon because they they haven't been able to make a billion dollars in profit in their third financial quarter. Have I read that right: a mere 8.8% profit on revenue? Should I feel guilty about not upgrading my 5D2?

[WalterEG]

Should I feel guilty about not upgrading my 5D2?

It is not your fault David,

It is mine coz I am still contentedly working with the original 5D.

Maybe their their stocks would rise if they concentrated on what end markets actually require rather than this crazy pixel-race and other superfluous additions.

Just my 20¢.

[jeremypayne]

a mere 8.8% profit on revenue?

The highest net margin Canon has achieved in the last 20 years was just above 11%.

[Justinr]

Probably better off rushing out to buy a printer or photocopier if we really feel the urge to help lift them from their present wretched state. I believe there is more margin on them but I could be wrong.

[mbaginy]

I'd imagine high margins on inks and lens shades.  But I'd never believe a company's posted profit margins.  Depending for whom the information is earmarked, balances can show anything from great losses (for tax purposes) to wonderful earnings (for shareholders).  Don't worry, Canon won't go out of business just yet.  It's a good thing, to feel the pressure of competition.  Though I greatly doubt I'll see any items of my wish list adopted by Canon.

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

...  But I'd never believe a company's posted profit margins.  Depending for whom the information is earmarked, balances can show anything from great losses (for tax purposes) to wonderful earnings (for shareholders)...

Good thing taxmen do not read shareholder reports then!

[Justinr]

Good thing taxmen do not read shareholder reports then!

There has been some outrage in Ireland of late over the potential oil reserves. The difference between what the oil companies told the government when applying for drilling licences (It's hardly worth us bothering, but we'll do it as a favour) to what they told their shareholders (we're gonna make billions out of these suckers) was really quite staggering.