Who Owns Sharp Company?

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Who Really Owns Sharp Corporation?

Understanding a company's ownership structure is key to grasping its future. The story of Sharp Corporation, a titan in the electronics world, is a compelling case study in how ownership shifts can redefine a business. From its humble beginnings to its current status, the Sharp SWOT Analysis reveals a complex evolution.

This deep dive into Sharp ownership will explore the dramatic changes that have shaped this iconic Japanese company. We'll uncover the pivotal role of Foxconn, the current owner of Sharp, and examine how these ownership dynamics have impacted Sharp's strategic direction, its products, and its position in the global market. Discover the details of Sharp's history, from its roots in Japan to its current global footprint.

The story of Sharp Corporation begins with Tokuji Hayakawa, who established a metal workshop in Tokyo in 1912. His inventive spirit led to the creation of the 'Ever-Ready Sharp' mechanical pencil, which would later give the company its name. This marked the beginning of what would become a major player in the electronics industry.

Hayakawa formally founded 'Hayakawa Metal Works' in 1924 in Osaka, after the Great Kantō earthquake destroyed his original business. The company's evolution continued with a name change to 'Hayakawa Electric Industry Company' in 1942. Early on, Sharp expanded beyond pencils, venturing into electronics and other metal products, setting the stage for its future innovations.

The company's trajectory included significant milestones, such as producing Japan's first crystal radio in 1925 and the first TV sets in 1953. The name 'Sharp Corporation' was adopted in 1970, the same year Tokuji Hayakawa stepped down as president. The early ownership structure reflects a strong entrepreneurial foundation, driven by Hayakawa's vision and innovative products.

Early Innovations

Tokuji Hayakawa's initial invention was the snap buckle 'Tokubijo'. The 'Ever-Ready Sharp' mechanical pencil was a pivotal product. The company's early diversification included metal products and electronics.

Key Dates

1912: Tokuji Hayakawa establishes a metal workshop. 1924: 'Hayakawa Metal Works' is formally established. 1942: The company's name changes to 'Hayakawa Electric Industry Company'.

Electronics Entry

1925: Sharp assembled Japan's first crystal radio. 1953: Production of Japan's first TV sets, the 'Sharp TV3-14T', began. This marked a significant expansion into the electronics sector.

Name Change

In 1970, the company's name was officially changed to Sharp Corporation. This coincided with Tokuji Hayakawa's retirement as president, signifying a transition in leadership.

Ownership Details

Specific equity splits of the founders and early investors aren't available in the provided sources. The company's growth was driven by innovation and the founder's vision. This strong entrepreneurial foundation is key.

Early Products

Beyond mechanical pencils, Sharp diversified into various metal products. The introduction of crystal radios and TVs marked a significant expansion. The company's product range evolved over time.

While specific details about early shareholders are not readily available, the company's history underscores a focus on innovation and product development. Understanding the Marketing Strategy of Sharp can provide further insights into how the company evolved and maintained its market position over the years. The company's early success was built on the vision of its founder and a commitment to technological advancement, which continues to influence its operations today. As of the latest available data, the company continues to be a significant player in the global electronics market.

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The ownership of Sharp Corporation has seen a significant transformation, especially since 2016. This was when Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., also known as Foxconn, took over the majority ownership. This move marked the first time a major Japanese consumer electronics company was acquired by a foreign entity. This shift has greatly influenced the company's direction and how it's managed.

The evolution of Sharp's ownership includes key events like Samsung's US$100 million investment in March 2013, which gave Samsung a 3.04% stake. Later, in 2018, Sharp acquired Dynabook from Toshiba, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary by August 2020. These changes highlight a move from being mainly Japanese-owned to one with considerable foreign and institutional influence. For more details, take a look at the Brief History of Sharp.

As of February 4, 2025, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. held the largest share with 34% of outstanding shares. Other Foxconn-related entities held 13% and 10% respectively. Public companies, including Foxconn, collectively possess 44% of the shares, while individual investors hold 26%. Institutional ownership accounts for 13%. Sharp's financial performance has shown fluctuations, with net sales peaking at ¥2,548,117 million in 2023 and decreasing to ¥2,321,921 million in 2024. The company also reported substantial losses in fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

Understanding Sharp Ownership

The ownership of Sharp Corporation is primarily controlled by Foxconn and related entities. This shift has changed the company's strategic direction and financial outcomes.

• Foxconn is the majority owner of Sharp.
• Significant stakes are held by Foxconn-related entities.
• Individual investors and institutional investors also hold shares.
• Sharp's financial performance has seen fluctuations.

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The Board of Directors at Sharp Corporation is pivotal in guiding the company's strategy and governance, alongside its major shareholders. While the complete roster and affiliations of all board members aren't fully detailed across the provided sources, the substantial influence of Foxconn, as the majority owner, suggests a significant presence or alignment of interests on the board. As of June 27, 2024, Masahiro Okitsu serves as the President and CEO, succeeding Wu Po-Hsuan, who transitioned to Deputy Chairman.

The governance structure at Sharp reflects the influence of its major shareholders, particularly Foxconn. The Board of Directors is responsible for proposing candidates for directors to the General Meeting of Shareholders and appointing executive officers. Sharp's policies ensure that transactions with the controlling shareholder, Foxconn, are conducted only when their necessity, validity, and rationality are established, potentially reviewed by a special committee of independent outside board members.

The voting structure at Sharp, a publicly traded company, generally follows a one-share-one-vote principle. However, the significant shareholding by Foxconn, holding over 57% of the company's shares as of February 4, 2025, grants them substantial control and voting power. This concentration of ownership enables these entities to significantly influence management and governance decisions. The Board of Directors regularly reviews the economic rationale and future outlook of major cross-shareholdings, exercising voting rights to improve Sharp's long-term corporate value.

Understanding Sharp's Governance

Sharp's Board of Directors plays a crucial role in the company's governance, especially with Foxconn's significant ownership. The board proposes director candidates and appoints executive officers. Transactions with Foxconn are carefully managed to ensure fairness and validity.

• Foxconn holds over 57% of Sharp's shares, as of February 4, 2025.
• Masahiro Okitsu is the current President and CEO.
• The board reviews cross-shareholdings for long-term value.
• Transactions with Foxconn are scrutinized.

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Over the past few years, significant shifts have occurred in the ownership of Sharp Corporation, largely influenced by its majority owner, Foxconn. In May 2024, Sharp announced its exit from the TV display business, including the closure of production lines in Japan and the potential sale of related businesses. This strategic move is part of Foxconn's broader 'structural reform and revival plan' due to Sharp's operating losses and financial decline, with substantial losses recorded in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Foxconn's CFO reported a non-operating loss of $330 million USD (NT$10.5 billion) in Q1 2024 for Sharp.

Further illustrating the restructuring, Sharp announced on April 23, 2025, the sale of its subsidiary, Sharp Fukuyama Laser (SFL), to Hon Hai Technology's investment arm for JPY 15.5 billion. This transaction, expected by September 29, 2025, is a related party transaction. Additionally, Sharp plans to sell its Gen 8 display factory in Kameyama, Japan, to Hon Hai Group, with the transition expected before August 2026, after which Sharp will purchase panels from Hon Hai Group. The Target Market of Sharp is also influenced by these ownership changes.

Other recent activities include Sharp acquiring the remaining shares of Dynabook from Toshiba in August 2020, making Dynabook Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary. In December 2024, Sharp Therapeutics Corp. completed a reverse takeover, with EVP Capital Inc. acquiring Sharp Edge Labs, Inc., and EVP Capital Inc. being renamed Sharp Therapeutics Corp.. This resulted in William R. Newlin holding beneficial ownership and control over approximately 17.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of the newly formed Sharp Therapeutics. On January 16, 2025, Sharp Therapeutics Corp. also announced a share consolidation on a 10-to-1 basis, approved by shareholders in December 2024, to attract future financings and improve trading liquidity.

Public and Institutional Ownership

As of February 4, 2025, public companies hold 44% of Sharp's shares, and institutional ownership stands at 13%.

Major Institutional Shareholders

Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund, Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund, and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF.

Foxconn's Role

Foxconn's strategic initiatives are aimed at restructuring and optimizing Sharp's business operations.

Financial Performance

Sharp has been facing operating losses and a decline in financial position, recording substantial losses in fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

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