TOKYO, May 12 (Pulse News Wire) – Kao Corporation (4452.T) reported robust operating profit growth of 44.9 billion yen, up 45.3% year-over-year, for its fiscal first quarter ending December 2026. Revenue surged to 140 billion yen, marking a 23.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
The company's Global Consumer Care (GC) division led the earnings boost, achieving higher profitability across segments. Notably, the Japanese GC sector saw a significant improvement in operational efficiency, contributing to a 3.0 percentage point rise in operating margin. Overseas operations also performed well, particularly in Asian cosmetics and North American health and beauty care businesses.
Additionally, Kao executed land sale transactions, generating additional income and enhancing capital efficiency. Looking ahead, management expects continued focus on high-value products and strategic cost reduction initiatives to sustain strong performance. Despite challenges in the chemicals division due to delayed price adjustments in Europe and America, Kao anticipates recovery in subsequent quarters through targeted pricing strategies and product diversification.
Kao remains committed to its long-term sustainability goals, aiming for fully transparent supply chains by 2030, including palm oil sourcing traceability and human rights respect.
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