Kao Co.

Kao reported an attributable net profit rise of 32.3% to ¥65.7 billion for H1 2026 and raised its operating profit forecast for fiscal 2026 by about 16%. The announcement of a shareholder benefits program introduced for the first time and a long-running dividend increase (36th consecutive hike) boosted attractiveness to retail investors, sending the stock up 11.5% to ¥3,555. Margin expansion and volume growth at Kao also signalled robust consumer demand and reinvigorated Japan’s personal care and cosmetics sector. » More on de.investing.com

Kao reported Q1 EPS of 68.53 JPY (forecast 55.27 JPY) and revenue of 413.2 billion JPY (forecast 403.28 billion JPY). Revenue rose 6% year-on-year, operating profit climbed 45.3% to 44.9 billion JPY, and the operating margin reached 10.9%. Despite the substantial earnings and revenue surprise, Kao’s stock fell slightly by about 0.78% in after-hours trading. » More on de.investing.com

Kao Corp. reported Q4 2025 EPS of ¥77.66, missing the forecast of ¥84.26, while revenue of ¥456.6 billion exceeded the expectation of ¥450.04 billion. Fiscal 2025 closed with net sales of ¥1,688.6 billion (+3.7%) and net income of ¥120.1 billion (+11.4%), supported by strong Japan and cosmetics businesses. The stock barely moved, closing slightly lower at ¥6,530. For fiscal 2026 Kao forecasts revenue of ¥1,750 billion (+3.2%) and plans further operating growth and stronger global expansion in cosmetics, skincare and chemicals. » More on de.investing.com

Kao reported net sales of ¥1,688.6 bn for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (+3.7%) and operating income of ¥164.1 bn (+11.9%). Net income attributable to shareholders rose to ¥120.1 bn (+11.4%), and basic earnings per share increased to ¥260.30. In the fourth quarter, earnings per share missed the forecast at ¥77.66 (expectation ¥84.26), while quarterly sales exceeded the forecast at ¥456.6 bn; the cosmetics segment improved markedly, while the chemicals business weakened. Kao announced a 2-for-1 stock split (effective July 1, 2026), its 37th consecutive dividend increase, and share buybacks, and expects FY2026 sales of ¥1,750 bn and operating income of ¥182 bn. » More on de.investing.com

Kao Corporation increased net sales in Q3 2025 by 3.5% to 1.232 billion yen and net income by 19.3% to 84.7 billion yen; earnings per share were 182.64 yen. Operating income grew by 13.8 billion yen to 114.9 billion yen and the gross margin improved to 39.1%. Drivers were product innovations, market expansion and a recovery in the cosmetics business, particularly in China. The company is targeting operating income of 165 billion yen for 2025 and an annual return on capital of 10%. » More on de.investing.com