Panasonic Holdings Corporation

What does Panasonic own?
Panasonic owns a portfolio of brands across consumer electronics, automotive, energy, industrial, and enterprise software. Major brands include Lumix (cameras), Technics (audio), Viera (televisions), National (home appliances in Japan), Panasonic Energy (EV batteries), Blue Yonder (supply chain software), Panasonic Connect (enterprise IT), and Panasonic Industry (electronic components). The group comprises 447 consolidated companies as of March 31, 2026.

Is Panasonic publicly traded?
Yes. Panasonic Holdings Corporation is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker 6752. The company is a constituent of the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indices. It has been publicly traded since its listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is one of Japan's largest publicly traded companies by market capitalization.

Who founded Panasonic?
Panasonic was founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita as Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works in Osaka, Japan. Matsushita started the company with his wife and brother-in-law, initially producing electrical socket adapters. The company was renamed Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. in 1935 and changed its name to Panasonic Corporation in 2008, before adopting the Panasonic Holdings Corporation name in 2022 as part of the holding company restructuring.

Where is Panasonic headquartered?
Panasonic Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan, at 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka 571-8501. The company has maintained its headquarters in the Osaka area since its founding in 1918. Panasonic operates manufacturing and research facilities worldwide, with major operations in Japan, China, the United States, Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

What is Panasonic's revenue?
Panasonic reported consolidated revenue of 8,458.2 billion yen (approximately 8.46 trillion yen, or roughly $56 billion at fiscal 2025 exchange rates) for fiscal year 2025 (the year ended March 31, 2025). Operating profit was 426.5 billion yen, and net profit was 366.2 billion yen. Net sales as of March 31, 2026 were 8,048.7 billion yen, reflecting the impact of restructuring and the PAS deconsolidation.

Why is Panasonic cutting 10,000 jobs?
Panasonic announced the 10,000-employee restructuring in May 2025 as part of a management reform push to reduce fixed costs and improve profitability. The company's fixed cost ratio of 25.6% is higher than comparable Japanese electronics companies. The cuts target sales and back-office divisions across consolidated companies. By February 2026, early retirement applications had risen to 12,000, increasing restructuring costs to 180 billion yen. The company targets profit improvement of at least 150 billion yen by fiscal 2027 and 300 billion yen by fiscal 2029.

Does Panasonic still make televisions?
Yes, but with a reduced product range and geographic presence. Panasonic has significantly scaled back its television business, which faces intense competition from Samsung and LG. The company continues to produce Viera-branded OLED and LED televisions, primarily for the Japanese and European markets, but no longer competes aggressively in the North American TV market. Panasonic has shifted its consumer electronics focus toward home appliances and the Lumix camera line.

Panasonic was founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita as Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works in Osaka, Japan. Matsushita started the company with his wife and brother-in-law, initially producing electrical socket adapters. The company's early success came from producing affordable, high-quality electrical components for the Japanese market. Matsushita's management philosophy, which emphasized contributing to society through quality products and fair treatment of employees, became the foundation of the company's corporate culture.

In 1923, the company introduced a bullet-shaped bicycle lamp that was significantly more durable and affordable than competing products. The lamp became a major commercial success and established Matsushita's reputation for practical innovation. In 1927, the company began using the "National" brand name for its electrical products, which would become one of Japan's most recognized consumer brands for decades.

The company expanded through the 1930s, producing radios, electric motors, and other electrical products. During World War II, Matsushita's factories were converted to military production. After the war, the company faced severe challenges, including labor disputes and restrictions imposed by the Allied occupation. Konosuke Matsushita was temporarily barred from management positions by occupation authorities but returned to lead the company in 1951.

The post-war period was Panasonic's era of greatest growth. The company introduced Japan's first television set in 1952 and began mass-producing refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1955, the company began using the "Panasonic" brand name for audio equipment sold in international markets, as the "National" brand was already registered by other companies in some countries. The company was renamed Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. in 1935 and maintained that name until 2008.

Panasonic expanded internationally in the 1960s and 1970s, establishing manufacturing and sales operations in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The company became a major exporter of consumer electronics, competing with Sony, Toshiba, and Hitachi in televisions, audio equipment, and home appliances. Panasonic's VHS video format, introduced in 1976, defeated Sony's Betamax format in the videotape format war of the 1980s, establishing Panasonic as a leader in consumer video technology.

The 1980s and 1990s saw Panasonic diversify into new areas. The company acquired MCA (Universal Studios) in 1990 for approximately $6.6 billion, but the entertainment business proved difficult to manage and was sold to Seagram in 1995. Panasonic also expanded into semiconductor manufacturing, telecommunications equipment, and industrial systems. The company's consumer electronics business remained strong through the 1990s, with Panasonic branded televisions, VCRs, and audio systems sold globally.

The 2000s were challenging for Panasonic, as they were for most Japanese electronics companies. Competition from Samsung and LG in televisions, and from Chinese manufacturers in home appliances, eroded Panasonic's market share and profitability. The company posted significant losses in its television business and undertook multiple rounds of restructuring. In 2008, the company changed its name from Matsushita Electric Industrial to Panasonic Corporation, unifying its global brand identity.

Panasonic made a major strategic acquisition in 2008, purchasing Sanyo Electric for approximately $9 billion. The acquisition was intended to give Panasonic a leading position in rechargeable batteries and solar panels. Sanyo's battery business became the foundation of Panasonic's current Energy segment, which supplies lithium-ion batteries to Tesla and other automakers. The Sanyo acquisition also brought solar panel manufacturing, though Panasonic later exited the solar manufacturing business.

The company's battery partnership with Tesla began in 2014, when Panasonic invested in Tesla's Gigafactory 1 in Nevada. Panasonic became the exclusive battery cell supplier for Tesla's Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles, producing 2170 and 4680 format cells at the Nevada facility. The battery business became one of Panasonic's most important growth areas, though the relationship with Tesla has evolved as Tesla has pursued in-house battery production.

In April 2022, Panasonic completed a transition to a holding company structure, reorganizing its businesses into five operating companies: Panasonic Corporation (Lifestyle), Panasonic Automotive (Automotive), Panasonic Connect (Connect), Panasonic Industry (Industry), and Panasonic Energy (Energy). The holding company was renamed Panasonic Holdings Corporation. This restructuring was intended to increase operational autonomy for each business and improve accountability for segment performance.

In 2024, Panasonic deconsolidated Panasonic Automotive Systems (PAS), its automotive infotainment business, through a share transfer. This reduced consolidated revenue in fiscal 2025 but improved the company's focus on its core growth areas. The company has also repositioned its strategic priorities around "solution areas" including energy solutions (data center batteries, residential and commercial energy management) and SCM solutions (through Blue Yonder).

In May 2025, Panasonic announced the 10,000-employee restructuring plan, the largest workforce reduction in the company's recent history. The restructuring is part of a broader effort to reduce fixed costs, which at 25.6% of revenue are higher than comparable Japanese electronics companies. The company targets profit improvement of at least 150 billion yen by fiscal 2027 and 300 billion yen by fiscal 2029. By February 2026, early retirement applications exceeded the planned 10,000, reaching 12,000 workers, and restructuring costs increased to 180 billion yen.

Panasonic has established environmental targets through its Green Plan 2030, which includes commitments to achieve net-zero emissions from operations by 2030 and across the value chain by 2050. The company has set science-based targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Panasonic aims to increase renewable electricity usage to 50% of total consumption by 2030 and has installed solar power generation at multiple manufacturing facilities.

The company's environmental initiatives include developing energy-efficient products, reducing waste in manufacturing, promoting recycling of end-of-life products, and reducing water consumption. Panasonic publishes an annual Sustainability Report covering environmental performance, social responsibility, and governance practices. The company has obtained ISO 14001 certification for its major manufacturing facilities.

On social responsibility, Panasonic maintains programs focused on education, disaster relief, and community development. The company supports STEM education initiatives and provides disaster relief assistance in Japan and other countries where it operates. Panasonic has established diversity and inclusion programs, with targets for increasing female representation in management roles, though progress has been slower than at some peer companies.

For ethical business practices, Panasonic maintains a Supplier Code of Conduct requiring compliance with labor standards, environmental regulations, and anti-corruption policies. The company conducts supplier audits and publishes results in its sustainability reports. Panasonic has not faced major supply chain labor controversies as of August 2026, though the company's manufacturing operations in China and Southeast Asia are subject to the same supply chain transparency concerns that affect the broader electronics industry.

Panasonic has received recognition across its business segments:

• Imaging: The Panasonic Lumix S1R II received the EISA Photo/Video Camera 2025-2026 award, and the Lumix S9 received the TIPA World Award for Best Content Creator Camera in 2025
• Sustainability: Panasonic has been included in major sustainability indices, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the FTSE4Good Global Index
• Technology: Multiple awards for consumer electronics innovation, including recognition for air conditioning technology and energy-efficient appliance design
• Design: Recognition from the Red Dot Design Awards and iF Design Awards for product design across consumer and industrial product categories

Panasonic has faced several controversies and challenges:

10,000 Employee Layoff (2025-2026): In May 2025, Panasonic announced a plan to cut 10,000 jobs globally, approximately 4% of its workforce, as part of a management reform push. The cuts target sales and back-office divisions across consolidated companies, with 5,000 positions in Japan and 5,000 overseas. By February 2026, early retirement applications had risen to 12,000, exceeding the planned number and increasing restructuring costs from 130 billion yen to 180 billion yen. The layoffs drew criticism from labor groups and media coverage questioning whether the cuts were deeper than necessary. The company stated the restructuring is essential to reduce its fixed cost ratio, which at 25.6% of revenue is higher than comparable Japanese electronics companies.

Panasonic Automotive Systems Deconsolidation (2024): Panasonic deconsolidated its automotive infotainment business, Panasonic Automotive Systems, through a share transfer in fiscal 2025. The transaction reduced consolidated revenue and raised questions about the company's long-term commitment to the automotive components market. The deconsolidation was part of a broader portfolio review but drew scrutiny from investors concerned about the company's growth strategy in automotive.

Battery Business Competition and Tesla Relationship: Panasonic's Energy segment is heavily dependent on its battery supply relationship with Tesla. As Tesla has pursued in-house battery production through its 4680 cell program and diversified its battery suppliers to include CATL and LG Energy Solution, Panasonic's share of Tesla's battery supply has declined. Analysts have questioned whether Panasonic can maintain its competitive position in EV batteries as Chinese and Korean competitors expand capacity more aggressively. The company's new Kansas battery factory, which began production in 2024, has faced ramp-up challenges.

Sanyo Acquisition and Integration (2008-2010s): Panasonic's $9 billion acquisition of Sanyo Electric in 2008 was intended to create a leading position in rechargeable batteries and solar panels. The integration was difficult, and Panasonic eventually exited the solar panel manufacturing business. The acquisition's high cost and mixed results have been cited as an example of the challenges Japanese companies face in large-scale M&A.

Historical Labor Practices: Like many large Japanese manufacturers of its era, Panasonic's historical labor practices have been subject to scrutiny. The company's traditional lifetime employment model, championed by founder Konosuke Matsushita, has come under pressure as the company undertakes workforce reductions. The 2025 restructuring represents a significant departure from this tradition, though the company has emphasized that early retirement programs are being used rather than involuntary layoffs in Japan.