Quarterlytics / Consumer Defensive / Household & Personal Products / Kao Corp. / FY2016 Annual Report

Kao Corp.
Annual Report 2016

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Industry Household & Personal Products
Employees 10,000+
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FY2016 Annual Report · Kao Corp.
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Financial Report 2016

For the year ended December 31, 2016

Management Discussion and Analysis 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

1

14

19

74

Management Discussion and Analysis

The Kao Group has adopted International Financial Reporting 

increasing EVA. It also uses EVA to help shape long-term 

Standards (IFRS) from the fiscal year ended December 31, 

management strategies; to assess business performance; to 

2016. In addition, financial figures for the previous fiscal year 

evaluate investments in facilities and acquisitions; and to 

have been restated using IFRS for comparative analysis. 

develop performance targets for each fiscal year.

*  EVA is a registered trademark of Stern Stewart & Co. EVA is defined as 

net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) less a charge for the cost of capital 
employed in the business.

Management Policies

Management Policies of the Kao Group

The Kao Group’s mission is to strive for the wholehearted 

satisfaction and enrichment of the lives of people globally 

and to contribute to the sustainability of the world, with 

products and brands of excellent value that are created from 

Medium-to-long-term Management 
Strategies of the Kao Group

Long-term Management Strategy
Long-term Targets

the consumer’s and customer’s perspective. This commitment 

As its vision by 2030 based on the above management policies, 

is embraced by all members of the Kao Group as we work 

the Kao Group aims to achieve its vision “make Kao a company 

together with passion to share joy with consumers and 

with a global presence” by combining sustained “profitable 

customers in our core domains of cleanliness, beauty, health 

growth,” and “contributions to the sustainability of the world” 

and chemicals.

with proposals to resolve social issues and social contribution 

  The Kao Group aims to be a global company that is closest 

activities conducted through its business operations. To achieve 

to the consumers and customers in each market, earning the 

this vision, the Kao Group will promote the further reinforcement 

respect and trust of its shareholders and all other stakeholders 

of the existing businesses that are its strength and the creation 

as it achieves “profitable growth.”

of new markets from a global perspective utilizing the R&D 

In its corporate governance, the Kao Group works for 

capabilities that will create value for the future, in addition to 

ongoing innovation* and further enhances its internal control 

implementing basic measures to further raise the level of 

system to achieve management that is swift, efficient and 

safety and reliability.

sound, as well as impartial and transparent, as it continuously 

It is becoming difficult to predict the various changes that 

increases its corporate value.

*  Innovation is one of the values of the Kao Way, the corporate philosophy 

of the Kao Group. 

  The corporate philosophy that forms the basis of these 

activities is “the Kao Way,” which clearly expresses the Kao 

Group’s unique corporate culture and the essence of its 

corporate spirit, and is shared and practiced by all employees.

Management Metric Used as a Target

will occur throughout the world in all aspects, such as speed, 

size and direction. To deal with this situation, the Kao Group 

aims to achieve the above vision by fully embracing the slogan 

of “transforming ourselves to drive change.”

The Kao Group’s Vision by 2030

Make Kao a company with a global presence that 

• Has a distinctive corporate image

Economic value added (EVA®*), which measures true economic 

•  Is a high-profit global consumer goods company that 

profit by factoring in the cost of invested capital, is the Kao 

exceeds:

Group’s principal management metric. Growth in EVA is linked 

  - ¥2.5 trillion in net sales (¥1.0 trillion outside Japan)

to increased corporate value, which results in long-term benefits 

  - 17% operating margin

not only for shareholders but for all Kao Group stakeholders. 

  - 20% ROE

  The Kao Group aims to conduct and invest in business 

• Provides a high level of returns to stakeholders

activities that expand the scale of its business while also 

1

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
Mid-term Business Plan

  The Kao Group has established Integrity, passed down 

The Kao Group regards its mid-term business plan for the 

from Kao’s founder, as one of the core Values of its corporate 

period to 2020 as an important milestone toward achieving its 

philosophy, the Kao Way. Under K20, this Integrity will continue 

vision by 2030. To enhance corporate value, it established the 

to be embraced in the Group’s daily business activities as it 

Kao Group Mid-term Plan 2020 “K20” targeting the four years 

maintains thorough quality control and information control, 

from fiscal 2017 to fiscal 2020 and announced it publicly on 

sincere consumer communications, strict compliance and 

December 12, 2016.

effective crisis management. Through such endeavors, the 

Kao Group aims to reinforce its credibility in a global society.

K20 Goals – Three Commitments

• Commitment to fostering a distinctive corporate image

Issues for Management

  -  Become a company that is always by the 

consumer’s side

• Commitment to profitable growth

  - Continue to set new record highs for profits

  -  Aim for like-for-like* net sales CAGR of +5%, operating 

margin of 15%

  -  Three ¥100 billion brands (Merries baby diapers, 

Attack laundry detergents, Bioré skin care products)

With intensifying market competition, changing market structure 

and volatility in raw material market conditions and exchange 

rates, the operating environment remains uncertain. Changes in 

the attitudes of consumers regarding the environment, health 

and other matters and associated changes in their purchasing 

attitudes, as well as the aging society, hygiene and other social 

  *  Excluding the effect of currency translation, change of sales 

issues, are growing in significance. Moreover, amid the global 

system, etc.

• Commitment to returns to stakeholders

expansion of business and the progress of structural changes in 

various fields, companies must deal with changes in the risks 

  -  Shareholders: Continuous cash dividend increases 

entailed in their businesses.

(40% payout ratio target)

  -  Employees: Continuous improvement in 

compensation, benefits and health support

  -  Customers: Maximization of win-win relationships

  - Society: Advanced measures to address social issues

  Under these conditions, the Kao Group will continuously 

increase corporate value by addressing and dealing 

appropriately with the following issues.

(1)  Regarding brightening products containing the ingredient 

Rhododenol sold by Kanebo Cosmetics, for which a 

Cash Dividends per Share

(Yen)
100

80

60

40

20

0

Increases in dividends for 27 consecutive periods

56

57

58

60

62

64

52

54

50

94

80

70

7.1 8.87 9.09 10.0 10.5 11.5 12.5 14

7.1

38

30

32

24

26

20

15

16

Mar.
1988

Mar.
1990

Mar.
1992

Mar.
1994

Mar.
1996

Mar.
1998

Mar.
2000

Mar.
2002

Mar.
2004

Mar.
2006

Mar.
2008

Mar.
2010

Mar.
2012

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2016

Note: Impact of share splits is reflected retroactively.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

2

 
voluntary recall was announced on July 4, 2013, Kanebo 

in order to increase its corporate value as a global company. 

Cosmetics has been responding earnestly with support 

The Group also believes that the application of IFRS will facilitate 

for the recovery and compensation of people who have 

the international comparability of its financial statements in 

experienced vitiligo-like symptoms. In addition, the entire 

capital markets.

Kao Group is making efforts with a view to preventing 

recurrence while striving to ensure greater safety 

and reliability.

Overview of Consolidated Results

(2)  To deal with changes in the risks entailed in its 

businesses, the Kao Group will define the serious 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the global 

company-wide risks among its main risks as corporate 

economy slowed in the first half due to factors including a 

risks and work to prevent damage to the corporate 

trend toward normalization of monetary policy in the United 

value  of the Group as a whole by further enhancing its 

States and Europe, sluggish economies in emerging nations 

management system.

and elsewhere, and a drop in the price of crude oil, but turned 

Basic Approach to Selection of 
Accounting Standards

toward recovery in the second half, centered on the United 

States. The Japanese economy continued on a moderate 

recovery track, although delays in improvement have become 

apparent in some sectors. Moreover, it was a volatile year in 

foreign exchange markets. The household and personal care 

Having decided that unifying accounting standards within 

products market in Japan, a key market for the Kao Group, 

the Kao Group will contribute to improving the quality of its 

grew by 2% on a value basis and consumer purchase prices 

business management, the Kao Group has voluntarily adopted 

remained nearly flat compared with the previous fiscal year. 

IFRS from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. This will 

The cosmetics market in Japan grew by 1%, excluding 

enable management based on standardized procedures and 

inbound demand (demand from visitors to Japan). 

information for each Group company and business, and the 

  Under these circumstances, the Kao Group worked to launch 

Kao Group intends to reinforce its management foundation 

and nurture products with high added value in response to 

Net Sales / Gross Profit Ratio*

Operating Income / Operating Income Ratio 

(Billions of yen)
1,500

1,220.4

1,401.7

1,315.2

1,471.8

1,474.6

1,457.6

1,000

500

0

56.5

54.9

55.3

55.3

56.3

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

(%)
100

80

60

40

20

0

(Billions of yen)

200

150

100

50

0

185.6

12.7

164.4

167.3

11.2

11.3

124.7

133.3

9.5

9.5

111.8

9.2

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

(%)
20

15

10

5

0

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Net Sales (Left)
Gross Profit Ratio (Right)

* The gross profit ratio has not been disclosed for the year ended 
   December 31, 2012 (Restated)

Operating Income (Left)
Operating Income Ratio (Right)

3

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
Management Discussion and Analysis

Costs, Expenses and Income as Percentages of Net Sales

IFRS

Japanese GAAP

Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

December
2016

December
2015

Cost of sales ...........................................................................

43.7%

44.7%

Gross profit .............................................................................

Selling, general and administrative expenses .........................

Operating income ...................................................................

Income before income taxes and minority interests ..............

Income before income taxes ..................................................

Net income .............................................................................

Net income attributable to owners of the parent ...................

56.3

43.5

12.7

—

12.6

—

8.7

55.3

43.6

11.3

—

11.3

—

7.1

December
2015

44.7%

55.3

44.1

11.2

11.0

—

6.7

—

December
2014

45.1%

54.9

45.4

9.5

9.0

—

5.7

—

changes in consumer needs based on its concept of “Yoki-

Analysis of Income Statement

Monozukuri,”* which emphasizes research and development 

geared to customers and consumers. The Kao Group also 

Net sales decreased 1.1% compared with the previous fiscal 

conducted cost reduction activities and other measures.

year to ¥1,457.6 billion. Excluding the effect of currency 

*  The Kao Group defines Yoki-Monozukuri as a strong commitment by all 

members to provide products and brands of excellent value for consumer 
satisfaction. In Japanese, Yoki literally means “good/excellent,” and 
Monozukuri means “development/manufacturing of products.”

translation, net sales would have increased 3.2%. In the 

Consumer Products Business, sales increased in Japan due 

to factors including market growth, launches of new and 

  To improve capital efficiency and increase shareholder 

improved products, and further enhancement of sales 

returns, Kao Corporation resolved at a meeting of its Board of 

promotion activities. Outside Japan, sales in Asia increased, 

Directors held on August 25, 2016 to repurchase its own 

shares, and repurchased shares totaling ¥50.0 billion. 

excluding the effect of currency translation. In the Chemical 

Business, sales increased compared with the previous fiscal 

year, excluding the effect of currency translation, as the Kao 

Net Income Attributable to Owners of the Parent* / 
Return on Sales  

Basic Earnings per Share

(Billions of yen)

150

100

50

0

126.6

8.7

98.9

6.7

105.2

7.1

79.6

5.7

64.8

4.9

53.1

4.4

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

(%)
15

10

5

0

(Yen)
300

200

100

0

253.43

209.82

197.19

156.46

126.03

101.77

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Net Income Attributable to Owners of the Parent (Left)
Return on Sales (Right)

* Net income attributable to owners of the parent was reported as net 
   income under Japanese GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2012 
   (restated) to 2015.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

4

Group worked to adjust selling prices in response to rising 

In Japan, sales increased 2.1% to ¥943.0 billion. The Kao 

costs for natural fats and oils, although sales were impacted 

Group made efforts that included working to respond to 

by a decline in demand in some customer industries. 

the changing lifestyles and diversifying preferences of 

  Net sales outside Japan were 33.8% of net sales compared 

consumers, and social issues such as the environment, 

with 35.2% for the previous year. Excluding the effect of 

health, the aging society and hygiene, by launching numerous 

currency translation, net sales outside Japan would have been 

high-value-added products and enhancing proposal-oriented 

36.6% of net sales.

sales activities. 

  As for profits, due to the effect of increased sales in the 

In Asia, sales decreased 1.1% to ¥180.8 billion. Excluding 

Consumer Products Business in Japan and Asia, a decrease in 

the effect of currency translation, sales would have increased 

the cost of petrochemical raw materials and other factors, 

13.0%. Growth continued as the Kao Group worked in areas 

operating income was ¥185.6 billion, an increase of ¥18.3 

such as launching and nurturing products targeting the middle-

billion compared with the previous fiscal year, the operating 

class consumer segment, collaborating with retailers, utilizing 

margin was 12.7% and income before income taxes was 

wholesale channels and expanding sales regions. 

¥183.4 billion, an increase of ¥17.4 billion. Net income was 

In the Americas, sales decreased 10.7% to ¥80.1 billion. 

¥127.9 billion, an increase of ¥21.9 billion. 

Excluding the effect of currency translation, sales would have 

  Basic earnings per share were ¥253.43, an increase of 

decreased 0.5%. Although sales of skin care products and 

¥43.61, or 20.8%, from ¥209.82 in the previous fiscal year.

professional hair care products grew, sales of hair care products 

Information by Segment 

Consumer Products Business

decreased compared with the previous fiscal year. 

In Europe, sales decreased 13.1% to ¥78.1 billion. Excluding 

the effect of currency translation, sales would have decreased 

0.8%. Although sales of professional hair care products were 

nearly flat, sales of hair care products decreased compared 

Sales decreased 0.5% compared with the previous fiscal year 

with the previous fiscal year.

to ¥1,219.8 billion. Excluding the effect of currency translation, 

  Operating income increased ¥17.7 billion compared with 

sales would have increased 3.0%.

the previous fiscal year to ¥155.1 billion due to factors 

Consumer Products Business

Net Sales / Operating Income

Beauty Care Business
Net Sales / Operating Income

(Billions of yen)
1,400

(Billions of yen)
200

(Billions of yen)
750

(Billions of yen)
80

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

1,091.9

1,154.5

1,019.4

1,222.8

1,225.6

1,219.8

155.1

134.2

137.4

93.4

103.0

111.3

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

150

100

50

0

500

250

0

570.3

589.9

537.8

607.7

608.6

601.6

51.1

37.9

23.9

20.1

28.4

29.4

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

60

40

20

0

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Net Sales (Left)
Operating Income (Right)

Net Sales (Left)
Operating Income (Right)

5

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
Management Discussion and Analysis

including the effect of increased sales in the Fabric and Home 

increased due to growth in sales of Bioré facial cleanser and 

Care Business in Japan, increased sales in Asia, a decrease in 

UV care as well as Curél derma care products. Sales also 

the cost of raw materials and the completion of amortization 

grew in Asia and in the Americas as Bioré sold strongly.

of trademarks. 

Note:  The Kao Group’s Consumer Products Business consists of the Beauty 
Care Business, the Human Health Care Business, and the Fabric and 
Home Care Business.

Beauty Care Business

  Sales of hair care products decreased. In Japan, the Kao 

Group conducted a complete renewal of Essential shampoos 

and conditioners and other measures, but sales were flat due 

to intensifying competition. The Kao Group also launched new 

easy-to-use, environmentally conscious refill products, which 

Sales decreased 1.1% compared with the previous fiscal year 

gained the support of consumers. Outside Japan, sales 

to ¥601.6 billion. Excluding the effect of currency translation, 

decreased as severe conditions continued. 

sales would have increased 2.9%. 

  Operating income increased ¥13.2 billion compared with 

  Sales of cosmetics were on a par with the previous fiscal 

the previous fiscal year to ¥51.1 billion, due to the effect of 

year at ¥255.0 billion. Excluding the effect of currency translation, 

increased sales in Japan, the completion of amortization of 

sales would have increased 2.8%. In Japan, sales increased 

trademarks related to Kanebo Cosmetics, and an impairment 

due to factors including good performance by new products 

loss and other items recorded in the previous fiscal year. 

launched in 2015 and enhanced in-store sales promotion 

activities. Major reforms in the cosmetics business started in 

Human Health Care Business

September 2016 and sales of the SOFINA iP series, for which 

Sales decreased 3.1% compared with the previous fiscal year 

sales channels have expanded, and of the new global brand 

to ¥273.1 billion. Excluding the effect of currency translation, 

KANEBO were steady. In counseling cosmetics, the ALBLANC 

sales would have increased 1.3%.

skin brightening brand and the RMK brand performed strongly, 

  For food and beverage products, signs of recovery became 

and in self-selection cosmetics, sales of KATE and media 

apparent as the Kao Group strengthened its promotion of the 

makeup grew. Sales increased outside Japan, due in part to 

function of highly concentrated tea catechins in Healthya 

strong performance in China and Taiwan. 

Green Tea, a functional drink that enhances the body’s ability 

  Sales of skin care products increased. In Japan, sales 

to metabolize fat and facilitates reduction of body fat, and 

Human Health Care Business
Net Sales / Operating Income

(Billions of yen)

300

250

200

189.6

280.7

281.7

(Billions of yen)
50

273.1

240.1

210.6

35.5

33.4

25.9

150

100

50

0

21.9

16.9

13.6

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Net Sales (Left)
Operating Income (Right)

40

30

20

10

0

worked to cultivate new users. 

  Sales of sanitary products increased. Sales of the Laurier 

brand of sanitary napkins grew steadily. In Japan, a high-

value-added scented version of Laurier Slim Guard, which 

offers both high absorbency and comfort, was launched and 

sales increased. In Asia, sales of high-value-added products 

increased strongly. Sales of Merries baby diapers were nearly 

flat excluding the effect of currency translation. In Japan, amid 

a decline in demand for purchasing with the purpose of resale 

in China compared with the previous fiscal year, the Kao 

Group began full-scale efforts for cross-border e-commerce 

for the Chinese market, but sales decreased. In addition, the 

Kao Group has mostly resolved prolonged shortages in stores, 

and resumed marketing activities. Market share is recovering, 

supported by the June 2016 launch of an improved product 

with even better breathability, among other factors. In China, 

where market growth continues, sales increased even as the 

Kao Group conducted a transformation of its sales structure. 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

6

In Indonesia, sales of locally produced Merries targeting the 

with dishwashing detergent, the product created a new 

middle-class consumer segment were favorable. 

market with the entirely new concept of “spraying away 

  Sales of personal health products increased. Sales of oral 

residue from places a sponge can’t reach.” Sales of Magiclean 

care products increased with good performance by Pure Oral 

household cleaners for the bath, toilet, kitchen and other 

toothpaste and mouthwash. Sales of bath additives increased. 

areas grew with value-added offerings such as deodorizing, 

Although sales of MegRhythm steam thermo sheets decreased 

disinfecting and anti-staining. In addition, sales of Resesh 

due to a decline in inbound demand, the product is on a recovery 

clothing, fabric and air refresher and Quickle household 

trend as a result of factors including enhanced in-store sales 

cleaning mop kit grew steadily. Sales grew in Asia as Magiclean, 

promotion activities and advertising. 

a high-value-added household cleaner that responds to lifestyles 

  Operating income decreased ¥7.4 billion compared with 

in each country for use in various daily life settings, performed 

the previous fiscal year to ¥25.9 billion due to factors including 

strongly in Thailand and elsewhere.

the effect of aggressive marketing expenditures, an increase 

  Operating income increased ¥12.0 billion compared with 

in depreciation, the effect of exchange rate fluctuations and a 

the previous fiscal year to ¥78.1 billion due to factors including 

decrease in inbound demand. 

the effect of increased sales and a decrease in the cost of 

Fabric and Home Care Business

Sales increased 2.9% compared with the previous fiscal year 

Chemical Business

raw materials.

to ¥345.2 billion. Excluding the effect of currency translation, 

Sales decreased 5.1% compared with the previous fiscal year 

sales would have increased 4.7%. 

to ¥273.8 billion. Excluding the effect of currency translation, 

  Sales of fabric care products increased compared with the 

sales would have increased 2.5%.

previous fiscal year. In Japan’s fiercely competitive market 

In Japan, sales were impacted by a trend toward a 

environment, both sales and market share increased from 

decrease in demand in some customer industry markets, 

responding to the larger-sized products category and the 

including construction materials. Outside Japan, excluding the 

contribution of new and improved products. Sales of laundry 

effect of currency translation, sales increased despite the 

detergents increased, centered on ultra-concentrated liquid 

negative effects from the decrease in demand among customer 

laundry detergent Ultra Attack Neo and the rest of the Neo 

series, as well as conventional-type Attack Antibacterial EX 

Super Clear Gel. For fabric softeners, as the market for high-

value-added products expanded, the Kao Group launched a 

new Flair Fragrance product that features a new fragrance 

Fabric and Home Care Business
Net Sales / Operating Income

release function, and Flair Fragrance IROKA, a premium fabric 

softener, and sales increased. Humming Fine, which has a 

strong deodorizing effect, sold strongly. Sales also increased 

in Asia compared with the previous fiscal year. In particular, 

sales were strong for Attack Jaz1, a powder detergent for 

hand washing targeting the middle-class consumer segment 

in Indonesia. 

  Sales of home care products increased. In Japan, for 

CuCute dishwashing detergent, the Kao Group launched 

CuCute CLEAR Foam Spray, a new foam spray type product. 

In response to the conventional notion that a sponge is used 

7

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

(Billions of yen)

400

300

292.0

(Billions of yen)
100

311.0

324.5

334.4

335.3

345.2

78.1

59.6

62.2

61.0

69.2

66.1

200

100

0

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Net Sales (Left)
Operating Income (Right)

80

60

40

20

0

 
Management Discussion and Analysis

industries, as the Kao Group worked to expand sales and 

Financial Structure 

adjust the selling prices of oleo chemicals. 

  Sales of oleo chemicals continued to increase as the Kao 

Total assets increased ¥27.2 billion from December 31, 2015 

Group worked to adjust selling prices in line with the continuing 

to ¥1,338.3 billion. The principal increases in assets were a 

rise of raw material prices. In performance chemicals, the Kao 

¥13.9 billion increase in inventories and a ¥32.8 billion increase in 

Group worked to develop and expand sales of high-value-

property, plant and equipment. The principal decreases in assets 

added products with a reduced environmental footprint, but 

were a ¥6.9 billion decrease in cash and cash equivalents and 

was impacted by worsening conditions in the construction 

a ¥14.2 billion decrease in other current assets. 

materials and other markets. Sales of specialty chemicals 

  Total liabilities increased ¥27.8 billion from December 31, 

decreased due to ongoing sluggish demand and structural 

2015 to ¥646.8 billion. The principal increases in liabilities 

changes in the personal computer market. 

were a ¥10.1 billion increase in trade and other payables, a 

  Operating income increased ¥1.1 billion compared with the 

¥5.7 billion increase in other current liabilities and a ¥19.1 

previous fiscal year to ¥29.7 billion as the Kao Group promoted 

billion increase in retirement benefit liabilities. The principal 

high-value-added products, worked to adjust selling prices 

decrease in liabilities was a ¥9.3 billion decrease in provisions.

and conducted other measures in response to rising costs for 

  Total equity decreased ¥0.5 billion from December 31, 2015 

natural fats and oils in a severe business environment. 

to ¥691.5 billion. The principal increase in equity was net income 

In June 2016, the Kao Group announced the acquisition of 

totaling ¥127.9 billion. The principal decreases in equity were 

ink companies in the United States and Europe to accelerate 

¥50.0 billion due to purchase of treasury shares from the market, 

the development of its water-based pigment inkjet ink, which 

exchange differences on translation of foreign operations of 

contributes to reducing environmental footprint, and the 

¥16.2 billion, remeasurements of defined benefit plans totaling 

global rollout of the business. The company in the United 

¥16.1 billion and dividends totaling ¥45.1 billion. 

States became a consolidated subsidiary in July 2016. 

  As a result of the above factors, the ratio of equity attributable 

to owners of the parent to total assets was 50.8% compared 

with 51.9% at December 31, 2015.

Chemical Business
Net Sales / Operating Income

(Billions of yen)

300

261.2

236.5

(Billions of yen)

288.0

288.5

288.5

273.8

30.1

28.6

29.7

200

100

0

21.5

22.1

18.1

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Net Sales (Left)
Operating Income (Right)

Note:  Net sales include intersegment sales.

40

30

20

10

0

Total Assets / Equity Attributable to Owners of 
the Parent*

(Billions of yen)
1,500

1,030.3

1,000

1,281.9

1,311.1

1,338.3

1,198.2

1,133.3

582.7

628.7

658.2

675.6

681.0

679.8

500

0

Dec.
2012

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Total Assets
Equity Attributable to Owners of the Parent

* Equity attributable to owners of the parent is presented as net worth 
   under Japanese GAAP as of December 31, 2012 to 2015. Net worth is 
   equity, excluding minority interests and stock acquisition rights.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

8

 
Cash Flows

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash flows from financing activities totaled negative 

The balance of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 

¥95.0 billion. This primarily consisted of ¥50.0 billion for 

2016 decreased ¥6.9 billion compared with December 31, 

purchase of treasury shares and ¥45.1 billion for dividends 

2015 to ¥303.0 billion, including the effect of exchange rate 

paid to owners of the parent and non-controlling interests. 

changes.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities totaled ¥184.3 billion. 

The principal increases in net cash were income before income 

Basic Policies Regarding Distribution of 
Profits and Dividends for the Period 

taxes of ¥183.4 billion, depreciation and amortization of ¥51.1 

In order to achieve profitable growth, Kao Corporation (the 

billion and increase in retirement benefit liabilities of ¥20.0 

Company) secures an internal reserve for capital investment 

billion. The principal decreases in net cash were increase in 

and acquisitions from a medium-to-long-term management 

inventories of ¥17.4 billion, other, which includes accrued 

perspective and places priority on providing shareholders with 

expenses, of ¥7.2 billion and income taxes paid of ¥48.7 billion. 

steady and continuous dividends. In addition, the Company 

flexibly considers share repurchase and retirement of treasury 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

shares from the standpoint of improving capital efficiency. 

Net cash flows from investing activities totaled negative ¥88.6 

In accordance with these policies, the Company announced 

billion. This primarily consisted of payments into time deposits 

a year-end dividend for fiscal 2016 of ¥48.00 per share, an 

of ¥11.6 billion, purchase of property, plant and equipment of 

increase of ¥6.00 per share compared with the previous fiscal 

¥74.6 billion and purchase of intangible assets of ¥5.1 billion.

year. Consequently, cash dividends for the fiscal year increased 

  Free cash flow, the sum of net cash flows from operating 

¥14.00 per share compared with the previous fiscal year, 

activities and net cash flows from investing activities, was 

resulting in a total of ¥94.00 per share. The consolidated 

¥95.7 billion. 

payout ratio was 37.1%. 

  For fiscal 2017, the Company plans to pay total cash dividends 

Capital Expenditures

(Billions of yen)
120

80

40

0

83.4

82.8

89.9

63.7

68.5

41.9

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Free Cash Flows*

(Billions of yen)
150

121.0

100

50

0

106.8

107.5

95.7

81.3

52.7

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

* Free cash flow is the sum of net cash flows from operating activities 
   and net cash flows from investing activities.

9

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
Management Discussion and Analysis

of ¥108.00 yen share, an increase of ¥14.00 per share compared 

and for consumer products in Indonesia. The Kao Group also 

with the previous fiscal year. Although the operating environment 

opened a new research facility in Japan, the Beauty Research & 

is challenging, this plan is in accordance with the Company’s 

Innovation Center, as one of the major reforms of its cosmetics 

basic policies regarding distribution of profits, and free cash flow 

business. Research and development expenditures were 

and other factors have also been taken into consideration. As a 

¥54.6 billion, which was the equivalent of 3.7% of net sales, 

result, the Company is aiming for its 28th consecutive fiscal year 

remaining at a high level relative to net sales. 

of increases in dividends.

EVA and Related Activities 

Increasing Profit: During the fiscal year ended December 31, 

2016, the Kao Group invested in proactive research and 

development, marketing activities and major reforms of the 

cosmetics business. As a result, sales of the Consumer 

In conjunction with the introduction of IFRS from the fiscal year 

Products Business increased in Japan and continued to grow 

ended December 31, 2016, the Kao Group has begun disclosing 

by double digits in the rest of Asia, excluding the effect of 

the monetary amount of EVA, its principal management 

currency translation. Moreover, the Kao Group also benefitted 

metric. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, EVA 

from a decline in petrochemical raw material prices in addition 

was ¥73.4 billion, an increase of ¥14.8 billion from the 

to its cost reduction activities, which covered the increase in 

previous fiscal year due to an increase in NOPAT. The Kao 

expenses and significantly improved NOPAT.

Group conducted the following EVA-related activities during 

the fiscal year. 

Financial Improvement: In addition to achieving its 27th 

consecutive fiscal period of dividend growth with cash 

Investing for Growth: During the fiscal year ended December 

dividends of ¥94.00 per share, a 17.5% year-on-year increase 

31, 2016, the Kao Group invested aggressively for future growth. 

that exceeded its initial forecast, Kao Corporation repurchased 

Capital expenditures were at a high level of ¥89.9 billion. 

¥50.0 billion of its own shares. 

The main item was expansion of manufacturing facilities for 

sanitary products and fabric and home care products in Japan, 

Total Dividend Payment / Share Repurchases*

EVA*

(Billions of yen)
120

100

50

0

96.8
50.0

85.5
50.0

62.8
30.0

32.4
32.4

32.8

35.5

40.2
40.2

46.8

100

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Mar.
2000

Dec.
2012
(Restated)

Dec.
2013

Dec.
2014

Dec.
2015

(Billions of yen)
100

80

60

40

20

0

73.4

58.6

Dec.
2015

Dec.
2016

Total Dividend Payment
Share Repurchases

* Excludes repurchase of shares of less than one trading unit

Japanese GAAP

IFRS

* EVA under Japanese GAAP is presented as an index with 100 representing 
   the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

10

Business Risks and Other Risks

and expansion of new retail channels. The Consumer Products 

Business conducts sales activities and makes new offerings 

Various risks arise in the course of a company’s business. The 

that respond to these structural changes. However, as a 

Kao Group manages risks appropriately by identifying and 

consequence of uncertainties in these business activities due 

evaluating risks to formulate and implement necessary 

to various factors, the Consumer Products Business may be 

countermeasures, among other activities. In addition, in the 

unable to conduct sales activities or make new offerings that 

event a risk manifests itself, the Kao Group sets up an 

respond to these structural changes. This could have an impact 

emergency response organization and strives to minimize 

on the Kao Group’s business results and financial condition.

damage and loss by responding promptly. However, in the 

event a major risk such as those described below manifests 

(2) Chemical Business

itself, it may exert a significant impact on the Kao Group’s 

The Kao Group’s Chemical Business is affected by factors 

business results and financial condition. The major risks 

including trends in customer demand and fluctuations in raw 

described below are not a comprehensive list of risks the Kao 

material prices. The Chemical Business promotes creation of 

Group faces. Other risks exist and may have an impact on 

high-value-added products that match customer needs, 

investment decisions. Any statements below concerning the 

conducts research and development of products in 

future are judgments made by Kao Corporation as of the 

consideration of the environment, and provides such products 

submission of its securities report to the Ministry of Finance 

while working to reduce costs and deal with product prices. 

on March 21, 2017.

However, as a consequence of uncertainties in these 

business activities due to various factors, the Chemical 

(1)  Consumer Products Business

Business may be unable to provide products that match 

1. Response to Changes in Consumer Needs

customer needs or respond to matters such as fluctuations in 

The Kao Group’s Consumer Products Business is affected by 

raw material prices. This could have an impact on the Kao 

business cycles and changes in consumers’ values in the 

Group’s business results and financial condition.

market of each country. The Consumer Products Business 

maintains and improves brand value by understanding 

(3) Business Acquisitions, Business Alliances and Mergers

changes in consumer needs and using the comprehensive 

The Kao Group may implement business acquisitions, 

strength of the Kao Group’s product development and 

business alliances, mergers or other such measures. When 

manufacturing in working to create high-value-added products 

implementing them, the Kao Group makes decisions after 

and provide services through approaches in areas including 

thoroughly assessing economic value and its partner 

the environment, health, the aging society and hygiene. 

companies. However, due to various unforeseeable 

However, as a consequence of uncertainties in these 

uncertainties in its business activities, the Kao Group may be 

business activities due to various factors, the Consumer 

unable to produce the results it initially expected. This could 

Products Business may be unable to provide products and 

have an impact on the Kao Group’s business results and 

services that respond to changes in consumer needs and 

financial condition.

brand value could decrease. This could have an impact on the 

Kao Group’s business results and financial condition.

(4) Overseas Business Expansion

As one of its growth strategies, the Kao Group is conducting 

2. Response to Changes in Retailing

operations in markets in Asia, the Americas, Europe and 

The Kao Group’s Consumer Products Business is affected by 

elsewhere, with a particular emphasis on strengthening its 

changes in the structure of retailing, including progress in the 

operations in countries where higher economic growth rates 

creation of new corporate groups through retail industry 

and market expansion are forecast. However, the Kao Group 

mergers and integration in the market, and the emergence 

may be unable to strengthen its operations as a consequence 

11

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Management Discussion and Analysis

of uncertainties due to various factors in the course of 

(7)  Response to Natural Disasters, Accidents and Other 

business including the occurrence of a slowdown in economic 

Incidents

growth or uncertain political or social conditions, intensifying 

To deal with earthquakes and other natural disasters, the Kao 

competition, the inability to conduct sufficient cost 

Group has formulated disaster countermeasures for its 

management or the emergence of problems in relationships 

production facilities and primary offices and a business 

with retail outlets, sales agents or other trading partners. This 

continuity plan (BCP), and will continue to strengthen and 

could have an impact on the Kao Group’s business results and 

reinforce them in the future. However, the occurrence and 

financial condition.

consequent damage of an earthquake on a scale exceeding 

assumptions that hinder the supply of products to the market 

(5) Procurement of Raw Materials

due to problems in areas such as securing raw materials and 

Market prices for natural fats and oils and petroleum-related 

maintaining production, among other impediments, could 

materials used as raw materials for products of the Kao Group 

have a serious impact on the Kao Group’s business results 

are affected by factors including geopolitical risks, the balance 

and financial condition. In addition, the emergence of major 

between supply and demand, abnormal weather and 

changes in demand trends due to a worsening economic 

exchange rate fluctuations. The Kao Group has moved to 

environment associated with the earthquake could have a 

reduce the effect of increases in raw material prices through 

serious impact on the Kao Group’s business results and 

measures including cost reductions and passing on increases 

financial condition. Furthermore, the occurrence of an explosion 

in raw material costs into product prices. In addition, the Kao 

or fire at production facilities, information system malfunction, 

Group is conducting development of substitute raw materials 

problems at a supplier of raw materials, dysfunction of social 

for natural fats and oils through research into advanced 

infrastructures such as electric power and water, environmental 

effective utilization of non-edible raw materials. However, 

pollution from harmful substances, the spread of infectious 

unexpected radical changes in market conditions and pricing 

disease, terrorism, political change, riots and other incidents 

could have an impact on the Kao Group’s business results and 

could hinder the supply of products to the market. This could 

financial condition.

(6) Product Quality

have a serious impact on the Kao Group’s reputation, business 

results and financial condition.

The Kao Group designs and manufactures products from the 

(8) Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

viewpoint of consumers, in compliance with related laws and 

Foreign currency-denominated transactions are affected by 

regulations and voluntary standards. In the development 

changes in currency exchange rates. The Kao Group hedges 

stage prior to market launch, the Kao Group conducts 

foreign exchange risk through various measures such as 

thorough safety testing and survey research to confirm the 

settlement of transactions through foreign currency accounts, 

safety of products. After market launch, the Kao Group works 

foreign exchange contracts, and currency swaps to mitigate 

to further improve quality by incorporating the opinions and 

the effect on business results. The Kao Group does not engage 

desires of consumers through its consumer communication 

in derivative transactions for the purpose of speculation. 

centers. However, the unanticipated occurrence of a serious 

However, because items on the financial statements of 

quality problem or concerns about product safety or reliability 

overseas consolidated subsidiaries are translated into 

resulting from new scientific knowledge would not only cause 

Japanese yen, substantial variance in the exchange rate from 

difficulties for the relevant brand, but would also have a major 

the expected rate at the time of conversion will have an impact 

impact on the reputation of all of the Kao Group’s products. 

on the Kao Group’s business results and financial condition.

This could have an impact on the Kao Group’s business 

results and financial condition.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

12

Management Discussion and Analysis

(9) Impact of Deferred Tax Assets and Impairment

(12) Information Management

The Kao Group records various tangible fixed assets and 

The Kao Group possesses confidential information related to 

intangible assets and deferred tax assets including assets 

matters including research and development, production, 

used in the course of business and goodwill incurred in 

marketing and sales, as well as the personal information of 

corporate acquisitions. The Kao Group may not generate the 

numerous customers used for product development, sales 

expected cash flow due to divergence from planned future 

promotion and other purposes. The Kao Group conducts 

business results, a decline in market value or other factors. 

thorough information management using guidelines for handling 

This could have an impact on the Kao Group’s business 

information and implements appropriate security measures 

results and financial condition.

for its information systems, including both hardware and 

(10) Securing Human Capital

held by the Kao Group resulting from an attack on its server, 

The Kao Group strives to secure diverse, superior human 

unlawful access, a computer virus or other factor that exceeds 

capital to achieve its business goals globally. Human capital 

expectations could have an impact on the Kao Group’s 

with advanced expertise in areas such as research and 

reputation, business results and financial condition.

software. However, a leak of confidential or personal information 

development, production technologies, marketing and sales 

activities are indispensable in aiming for the Yoki-Monozukuri 

(13) Litigation

(see note on page 4) that consumers support. However, 

The Kao Group conducts diverse businesses globally, and 

an inability to secure the necessary human capital due to 

various types of litigation may be brought against it. The result 

changes in employment conditions or other factors could 

of such litigation could have an impact on the Kao Group’s 

have an impact on the Kao Group’s business results and 

business results and financial condition.

financial condition.

(11) Compliance with Laws and Regulations

In the course of its business activities, the Kao Group must 

comply with a variety of laws and regulations concerning 

areas such as standards for product quality and safety, the 

environment and chemical substances, as well as accounting 

standards, tax law and regulations related to labor and 

transactions. The Kao Group has constructed a compliance 

system and strives to comply with all related laws and 

regulations. However, a serious legal violation by the Kao 

Group or by a consignee or other party could have an impact 

on the Kao Group’s reputation, business results and financial 

condition. Moreover, a change in current laws and regulations, 

or new laws and regulations could restrict the Kao Group’s 

business activities, require investment for compliance, or 

otherwise affect the Kao Group. This could have an impact on 

the Kao Group’s business results and financial condition.

13

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, and at the transition date 

Assets
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents ................................................................
  Trade and other receivables ...............................................................
Inventories ..........................................................................................
Income tax receivables ......................................................................
  Other financial assets ........................................................................
  Other current assets ..........................................................................
  Subtotal ...........................................................................................
  Non-current assets held for sale .........................................................
  Total current assets ......................................................................

Non-current assets
  Property, plant and equipment ..........................................................
  Goodwill..............................................................................................
Intangible assets ................................................................................
Investments accounted for using the equity method ......................
  Other financial assets ........................................................................
  Other non-current assets ...................................................................
  Deferred tax assets ............................................................................
  Total non-current assets .............................................................

Notes

2016

2015

Transition date

(Millions of yen)

8,34

9,34

10

34

11

12

13

14

14

15

34

11,20

16

303,026 
208,459 
165,200 
1,462 
13,038 
23,812 
714,997 
344 
715,341 

370,835 
137,783 
14,689 
4,701 
25,473 
18,548 
50,939 
622,968 

309,922 
210,707 
151,271 
2,077 
5,065 
38,005 
717,047 
1,330 
718,377 

337,997 
138,251 
15,705 
4,209 
29,339 
17,732 
49,454 
592,687 

228,967 
212,742 
151,876 
1,261 
4,034 
47,299 
646,179 
— 
646,179 

319,282 
138,751 
23,626 
3,544 
26,088 
7,966 
61,194 
580,451 

  Total assets ..............................................................................

1,338,309

1,311,064

1,226,630 

Liabilities and equity
Liabilities
Current liabilities
  Trade and other payables ...................................................................
  Bonds and borrowings .......................................................................
Income tax payables ..........................................................................
  Other financial liabilities .....................................................................
  Provisions ...........................................................................................
  Other current liabilities ......................................................................
  Total current liabilities .................................................................

Non-current liabilities
  Bonds and borrowings .......................................................................
  Retirement benefit liabilities ..............................................................
  Other financial liabilities .....................................................................
  Provisions ...........................................................................................
  Other non-current liabilities ...............................................................
  Deferred tax liabilities ........................................................................
  Total non-current liabilities ..........................................................

Notes

2016

2015

Transition date

19,34

17,34

18,34

21

22

17,34

20

18,34

21

16

216,893 
30,289 
32,621 
8,164 
11,370 
131,112 
430,449 

90,357 
94,773 
11,666 
13,809 
5,264 
528 
216,397 

206,760 
339 
32,184 
6,929 
16,772 
125,422 
388,406 

120,207 
75,706 
11,817 
17,704 
4,919 
318 
230,671 

193,460 
21,422 
28,283 
5,765 
33,360 
123,916 
406,206 

80,188 
77,895 
12,813 
5,296 
5,411 
433 
182,036 

  Total liabilities ...........................................................................

646,846 

619,077 

588,242 

Equity

  Share capital ..................................................................................

  Capital surplus ...............................................................................

  Treasury shares..............................................................................
  Other components of equity ..........................................................

  Retained earnings ..........................................................................

23

23

23

23

23

  Equity attributable to owners of the parent ................................

  Non-controlling interests ................................................................

  Total equity ..........................................................................

85,424 

107,648 

(57,124)
(21,821)

565,715 

679,842 

11,621 

691,463 

85,424 

108,659 

(8,202)
(4,184)

499,299 

680,996 

10,991 

691,987 

85,424 

109,561 

(9,719)
7,601 

431,975 

624,842 

13,546 

638,388 

  Total liabilities and equity ........................................................

1,338,309 

1,311,064 

1,226,630 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Income

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

  Net sales .............................................................................................................
  Cost of sales ........................................................................................................
  Gross profit ..........................................................................................................

Notes
6,26

10,13,14,20

  Selling, general and administrative expenses .......................................................
  Other operating income .......................................................................................
  Other operating expenses.................................................................................... 12,13,14,20,29
  Operating income .................................................................................................

13,14,20,27
13,28

6

  Financial income ..................................................................................................
  Financial expenses ...............................................................................................
  Share of profit in investments accounted for using the equity method ................
Income before income taxes  ..............................................................................

Income taxes  ......................................................................................................
  Net income ..........................................................................................................

6,20,30

6,20,30

6,15

6

16

2016
1,457,610 
(637,502)
820,108 

(633,368)
13,677 
(14,846)
185,571 

1,389 
(5,424)
1,894 
183,430 

(55,541)
127,889 

(Millions of yen)

2015
1,474,550 
(658,865)
815,685 

(642,729)
14,099 
(19,737)
167,318 

1,416 
(4,213)
1,517 
166,038 

(60,086)
105,952 

Attributable to:
  Owners of the parent...........................................................................................
  Non-controlling interests ......................................................................................
  Net income ..........................................................................................................

126,551 
1,338 
127,889 

105,196 
756 
105,952 

Earnings per share
  Basic (Yen) ...........................................................................................................
  Diluted (Yen) .........................................................................................................

31

31

253.43 
253.18 

209.82 
209.53 

15

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

Net income .................................................................................................................
Other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
  Net gain (loss) on revaluation of financial assets measured 

  at fair value through other comprehensive income ..............................................
  Remeasurements of defined benefit plans ............................................................
  Share of other comprehensive income of investments 

  accounted for using the equity method ...............................................................
  Total of items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss .....................................

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations .....................................
  Net gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges .............................
  Share of other comprehensive income of investments 

  accounted for using the equity method ...............................................................
  Total of items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss  ...................

  Other comprehensive income, net of taxes ..............................................................
Comprehensive income ..............................................................................................

Attributable to:
  Owners of the parent................................................................................................
  Non-controlling interests ...........................................................................................
  Comprehensive income .............................................................................................

Notes

2016
127,889 

(Millions of yen)

2015
105,952 

32,34

32

32

32

32

32

(906)
(16,111)

(72)
(17,089)

(16,661)
—

(10)
(16,671)

(33,760)
94,129 

93,284 
845 
94,129 

1,795 
(770)

245 
1,270 

(15,064)
12 

(19)
(15,071)

(13,801)
92,151 

93,011 
(860)
92,151 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

(Millions of yen)

Notes

Share 
Capital 
capital
surplus
85,424  108,659 
— 

— 

Treasury 
shares
(8,202)
— 

Subscription 
rights to 
shares
902 
— 

Exchange 
differences on 
translation of 
foreign 
operations
(13,513)
— 

Other components of equity
Net gain (loss) on 
revaluation of 
financial assets 
measured at fair 
value through other 
compre-
hensive income
8,430 
— 

Net gain (loss) 
on derivatives 
designated 
as cash flow 
hedges
(3)
— 

Remeasure-
ments of defined 
benefit plans
— 
— 

Total
(4,184)
— 

Retained 
earnings
499,299 
126,551 

Total
680,996 
126,551 

Non-
controlling 
interests
10,991 
1,338 

Total
equity
691,987 
127,889 

— 
— 

— 
— 

(16,248)
(16,248)

(970)
(970)

(16,056)
(16,056)

(33,267)
(33,267)

— 
126,551 

(33,267)
93,284 

(493)
845 

(33,760)
94,129 

23 

23 

33

25 

23 

23 

33 

25 

January 1, 2016 ...............

  Net income ....................

 Other comprehensive 
   income .......................

Comprehensive income ....

 Disposal of treasury 
   shares .........................

 Purchase of treasury 
   shares .........................

 Share-based payment 
   transactions ................

  Dividends ......................

 Changes in the 
    ownership interest in  
subsidiaries ................

 Transfer from other 
    components  of equity 
to retained earnings ...

 Other increase 
   (decrease) ...................

 Total transactions with 
   the owners .................

December 31, 2016 .........

January 1, 2015 ...............

  Net income ....................

 Other comprehensive 
   income .......................

Comprehensive income ....

 Disposal of treasury 
   shares .........................

 Purchase of treasury 
   shares .........................

 Share-based payment 
   transactions ................

  Dividends ......................

 Changes in the 
    ownership interest in a 
subsidiary ...................

 Transfer from other 
    components of equity 
to retained earnings ...

 Other increase 
   (decrease) ...................

 Total transactions with 
   the owners .................

December 31, 2015 .........

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

1,099 

(189)

— 

(50,021)

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

227 
— 

(29)

— 

9 
911 

980 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(1,011)
85,424  107,648 

(48,922)
(57,124)

85,424  109,561 
— 

— 

(9,719)
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

1,571 

(231)

(54)

— 

— 
— 

225 
— 

— 

(902)

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(902)
85,424  108,659 

1,517 
(8,202)

(72)

— 

(78)
902 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
(29,761)

— 
— 

(13,513)
(13,513)

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
(13,513)

7 
7 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
4 

(4)
— 

1 
1 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
(3)

(189)

(404)

506 

— 

506 

— 

227 
— 

— 

(50,021)

— 

(50,021)

— 
(44,139)

227 
(44,139)

— 
(955)

227 
(45,094)

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

(4)

— 

— 

— 

(435)

16,056 

15,592 

(15,592)

— 

— 

— 

— 

(267)

(267)

16,056 
— 

15,630 
(21,821)

(60,135)
565,715 

(94,438)
679,842 

(215)
11,621 

(94,653)
691,463 

— 
— 

(714)
(714)

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

714 

— 

714 
— 

7,601 
— 

431,975 
105,196 

624,842 
105,196 

13,546 
756 

638,388 
105,952 

(12,185)
(12,185)

— 
105,196 

(12,185)
93,011 

(1,616)
(860)

(13,801)
92,151 

(231)

(375)

965 

(54)

— 

— 

965 

(54)

— 

— 
(37,091)

225 
(37,091)

— 
(1,248)

225 
(38,339)

— 

225 
— 

— 

— 

(902)

(334)

(1,236)

406 

(406)

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(113)

(113)

400 
(4,184)

(37,872)
499,299 

(36,857)
680,996 

(1,695)
10,991 

(38,552)
691,987 

— 

(435)
7,025 

6,625 
— 

2,041 
2,041 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

(236)

— 

(236)
8,430 

— 

(1,011)

— 

— 

— 

— 

(1,011)

1,007 

17

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

Notes

2016

2015

(Millions of yen)

Cash flows from operating activities

Income before income taxes ..........................................................................................
  Depreciation and amortization ........................................................................................
Interest and dividend income ..........................................................................................
Interest expense .............................................................................................................
  Share of profit in investments accounted for using the equity method ..........................

(Gains) losses on sale and disposal of property, plant and 

       equipment, and intangible assets ................................................................................
(Increase) decrease in trade and other receivables  ..........................................................
(Increase) decrease in inventories ..................................................................................
Increase (decrease) in trade and other payables ............................................................. 
Increase (decrease) in retirement benefit liabilities ........................................................
  Other ...............................................................................................................................
  Subtotal .......................................................................................................................
Interest received .............................................................................................................
  Dividends received ..........................................................................................................
Interest paid ....................................................................................................................
Income taxes paid ...........................................................................................................
  Net cash flows from operating activities .................................................................

Cash flows from investing activities
  Payments into time deposits ..........................................................................................
  Proceeds from withdrawal of time deposits  ..................................................................
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment ....................................................................
  Purchase of intangible assets .........................................................................................
  Acquisition of subsidiaries ..............................................................................................
  Other ...............................................................................................................................
  Net cash flows from investing activities ..................................................................

Cash flows from financing activities

Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings ................................................................
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings .............................................................................
  Repayments of long-term borrowings ............................................................................
  Purchase of treasury shares ...........................................................................................
  Dividends paid to owners of the parent ..........................................................................
  Dividends paid to non-controlling interests .....................................................................
  Other  ..............................................................................................................................
  Net cash flows from financing activities ..................................................................

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ..................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year ..............................................
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents ...................................
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year .........................................................

8

8

183,430 
51,116 
(1,247)
1,484 
(1,894)

3,466 
(4,049)
(17,450)
4,388 
19,967 
(7,175)
232,036 
1,003 
1,479 
(1,503)
(48,708)
184,307 

(11,570)
3,703 
(74,637)
(5,060)
(3,659)
2,584 
(88,639)

(44)
200 
(317)
(50,021)
(44,188)
(955)
282 
(95,043)

625 
309,922 
(7,521)
303,026 

166,038 
57,423 
(1,266)
1,528 
(1,517)

3,497 
(4,882)
(3,964)
9,707 
(997)
2,321 
227,888 
1,004 
1,315 
(1,462)
(47,073)
181,672 

(2,669)
1,355 
(69,023)
(5,598)
—
1,811 
(74,124)

(1,128)
40,080 
(20,068)
(55)
(37,137)
(1,248)
(1,217)
(20,773)

86,775 
228,967 
(5,820)
309,922 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

1

Reporting Entity

Kao Corporation (hereinafter the “Company”) is a corporation 
established pursuant to the Companies Act of Japan (hereinafter 
the “Companies Act”) with its headquarters in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. 
  The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its 
subsidiaries (hereinafter the “Group”) have a closing date as of 
December 31 and comprise the financial statements of the Group 
and the interests in associates of the Company.

  The Group manufactures consumer products including 
cosmetics, skin care products, hair care products, sanitary 
products, fabric care products, and chemical products including 
fatty alcohols and surfactants. The Group delivers its products to 
customers through its sales companies and distributors in Japan 
and other countries. Details of these principal business activities 
of the Group are presented in Note 6 “Segment Information.”

2

Basis of Preparation

(1)  Compliance with International Financial Reporting 

Standards (hereinafter “IFRS”) and Matters Concerning Its 
First-time Adoption

The Group’s consolidated financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRS issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board, permitted by the provision of Article 
93 of the Ordinance on Terminology, Forms, and Preparation 
Methods of Consolidated Financial Statements (Ordinance of the 
Ministry of Finance of Japan No. 28 of 1976), as they satisfy the 
requirements for an “IFRS Specified Company” in Article 1-2 of 
the same ordinance.
  The Group adopted IFRS for the fiscal year ended December 
31, 2016. The Group made the transition to IFRS on January 1, 
2015 (hereinafter the “transition date”), and applied IFRS 1 “First-
time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” 
(hereinafter “IFRS 1”). Note 39 “First-time Adoption of IFRS” 
presents the effect of the transition to IFRS on amounts at the 
transition date and comparative information for financial position, 
operating results and cash flows for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2015.
  The Group’s accounting policies are in compliance with IFRS 
effective as of December 31, 2016, excluding the IFRS provisions 

3

Significant Accounting Policies

(1) Basis of Consolidation

1) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries refer to all business entities controlled by the 
Company. The Company controls an entity when it has 
exposure, or rights, to variable returns from involvement 
with an investee and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the investee.
  The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the 
consolidated financial statements of the Group from the 
date the Company gains control until the date it loses 
control of the subsidiary.
  All intergroup balances, transactions, income and 
expenses and unrealized gains and losses arising from 
intergroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements.
  A change in the Company’s ownership interest in a 
subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an 
equity transaction. Any difference between the amount by 

19

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

that have not been early adopted and the exemptions available in 
IFRS 1.

(2) Basis of Measurement
The Group’s consolidated financial statements have been 
prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain assets and 
liabilities including financial instruments measured at fair value as 
presented in Note 3 “Significant Accounting Policies.”

(3) Functional Currency and Presentation Currency
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in 
Japanese yen, which is the Company’s functional currency. All 
financial information presented in Japanese yen is rounded to the 
nearest million yen. 

(4) Early Adoption of New or Revised Standards and

Interpretations

The Group has early adopted IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” 
(issued in November 2009, revised in July 2014) (hereinafter “IFRS 
9”) in preparing its consolidated financial statements.

which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair 
value of the consideration paid or received is recognized 
directly in equity attributable to the Group.
  Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified 
separately from the Group’s equity therein. Comprehensive 
income of subsidiaries is attributed to owners of the parent 
company and to the non-controlling interests even if this 
results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. 
  All subsidiaries have the same closing date as the Company. 

2) Associates

An associate is defined as an entity over which the 
Company has significant influence on financial and operating 
policy decisions but does not have control over the entity. 
The Company is presumed to have significant influence over 
another entity when it directly or indirectly holds at least 
20%, but no more than 50% of the voting rights of that 
entity. Entities over which the Company is able to exercise 

significant influence on financial and operating policy 
decisions are also included in associates, even if it holds 
less than 20% of the voting rights.

Investments in associates are initially recognized at cost, 
and are accounted for by the equity method from the date 
the Company gains significant influence until the date it 
loses that influence.
  Goodwill recognized on acquisition of associates (less any 
accumulated impairment losses) is included in investments 
in associates.
  The closing dates of some associates differ from that of 
the Company. Associates with different closing dates 
prepare additional financial closing as of the closing date of 
the Company.

(2) Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition 
method. The consideration of an acquisition is measured as the 
aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the assets 
transferred, liabilities assumed and equity securities issued by the 
Company to the former owners of the acquiree in exchange for 
control of the acquiree.

Identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree in business 
combinations are measured at their acquisition-date fair value, 
with the following exceptions:

•  Deferred tax assets or liabilities and assets or liabilities related 

to employee benefit arrangements are recognized and 
measured in accordance with IAS 12 “Income Taxes” and IAS 
19 “Employee Benefits”, respectively.

•  Non-current assets and disposal groups that are classified as 
held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets 
Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations” are measured in 
accordance with that Standard.

•  Liabilities or equity instruments related to share-based payment 

transactions of the acquiree or share-based payment transactions 
of the Company entered into to replace such transactions of the 
acquiree are measured in accordance with IFRS 2 “Share-based 
Payment.”

  Any excess of the consideration over the net fair value of 
identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the 
acquisition date is recognized as goodwill in the consolidated 
statement of financial position. Conversely, any deficit is 
immediately recognized as income in the consolidated statement 
of income.
  Costs associated with business combinations, such as advisory 
fees, attorney fees and due diligence costs, are expensed as incurred.
  The additional acquisition of non-controlling interests is accounted 
for as an equity transaction, and therefore no goodwill is 
recognized with respect to such a transaction.
  Business combinations under common control are business 
combinations in which all of the combining entities or combining 
businesses are ultimately controlled by the same party or parties 
both before and after the business combination, and that control 
is not transitory. These business combinations are accounted for 
based on the carrying amounts.

(3) Foreign Currency Translation

1) Functional currency and presentation currency

The presentation currency used in the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements is Japanese yen, which is the Company’s 
functional currency. Subsidiaries and associates in the Group 
determine their own functional currencies and each entity’s 
transactions are measured in its functional currency.

2) Foreign currency transactions

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency at the spot exchange rate at the date of the transaction, 
or an exchange rate that approximates the spot rate. 
  At the end of each reporting period, foreign currency 
monetary items are translated into the functional currency 
using the rates at the end of each reporting period. 
  Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical 
cost in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange 
rates at the date of acquisition. Non-monetary items that are 
measured at fair value in foreign currencies are translated into 
the functional currency using the exchange rates at the date 
when the fair value was measured. Exchange differences 
arising from such translations and settlements are recognized 
in profit or loss. However, exchange differences arising from 
equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income and cash flow hedges are recognized 
in other comprehensive income.

3) Financial statements of foreign operations

Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at 
the rates at the end of each reporting period. Income and 
expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the 
period, provided that there were no significant fluctuations in 
the exchange rates during the period. Exchange differences 
arising from translation of the financial statements of foreign 
operations are recognized in other comprehensive income. 
On the disposal of a foreign operation, the cumulative amount 
of exchange differences relating to that foreign operation is 
reclassified from equity to profit or loss when the gain or loss 
on disposal is recognized.

(4) Financial Instruments
The Group has early adopted IFRS 9 effective from the transition date.

1) Financial assets

(i) Initial recognition and measurement

The Group initially recognizes trade and other receivables 
at the date they are originated. Other financial assets are 
initially recognized at the transaction date when the 
Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of 
the financial instrument.
  At initial recognition, all financial assets are measured 
at fair value, but those that are not classified as financial 
assets measured at fair value through profit or loss are 
measured at fair value plus transaction costs directly 
attributable to acquisition of the financial asset. 
Transaction costs of financial assets measured at fair 
value through profit or loss are recognized in profit or loss.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

20

 
 
(ii) Classification and subsequent measurement

The Group classifies the financial assets it holds as (a) 
financial assets measured at amortized cost; (b) debt 
instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income; (c) equity instruments measured 
at fair value through other comprehensive income; or (d) 
financial assets measured at fair value through profit or 
loss. This classification is determined at initial recognition, 
and measurement of financial assets after initial recognition 
is performed as follows according to the classification of 
the financial asset.

(a) Financial assets measured at amortized cost

Financial assets held by the Group are measured at 
amortized cost if both of the following conditions are 
met:

•  The financial asset is held in a business model 

whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to 
collect contractual cash flows; and

•  The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise 

on specified dates to cash flows that are solely 
payments of principal and interest on the principal 
amount outstanding.

  After initial recognition, the carrying amounts of 
financial assets measured at amortized cost are 
recognized using the effective interest method less 
impairment loss, if any. Amortization using the effective 
interest method and gains and losses on derecognition 
are recognized in profit or loss for the period.

(b) Debt instruments measured at fair value through other 

comprehensive income
Financial assets held by the Group are classified as 
debt instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income if both of the following 
conditions are met:

•  The financial asset is held within a business model 

whose objective is achieved by both collecting 
contractual cash flows and selling the financial asset; 
and

•  The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise 

on specified dates to cash flows that are solely 
payments of principal and interest on the principal 
amount outstanding.

(c) Equity instruments measured at fair value through 

other comprehensive income
The Group has made an irrevocable election to present 
subsequent changes in fair value of certain equity 
instruments in other comprehensive income, and 
classifies them in equity instruments measured at fair 
value through other comprehensive income.
  These financial assets are measured at fair value 
after initial recognition, and changes in fair value are 
included in other comprehensive income. If the Group 
disposes of an investment, or if the fair value of the 

21

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

investment declines significantly, the cumulative gain 
or loss recognized in other comprehensive income is 
reclassified from other components of equity to 
retained earnings.
  Dividends from equity instruments measured at fair 
value through other comprehensive income are 
recognized as financial income in profit or loss.

(d) Financial assets measured at fair value through profit 

or loss
Financial assets that are not classified as financial 
assets measured at amortized cost, debt instruments 
measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
income, or equity instruments measured at fair value 
through other comprehensive income are classified as 
financial assets measured at fair value through profit 
or loss. The Group’s financial assets that are measured 
at fair value through profit or loss include certain short-
term investments and derivative assets. The Group has 
not irrevocably designated any financial assets as 
measured at fair value through profit or loss.
  These financial assets are measured at fair value 
after initial recognition, and changes in their fair value 
are recognized in profit or loss. Gains and losses on 
financial assets measured at fair value through profit 
or loss are recognized in profit or loss.

(iii) Impairment of financial assets

With respect to impairment of financial assets measured 
at amortized cost, the Group recognizes a loss allowance 
for expected credit losses on such financial assets.
  At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether 
the credit risks on the financial assets have increased 
significantly since initial recognition.

If credit risk on a financial instrument has not 

increased significantly since initial recognition, the loss 
allowance for that financial instrument is measured at an 
amount equal to the 12-month expected credit losses. If 
credit risk on a financial instrument has increased 
significantly since initial recognition, the loss allowance 
is measured in an amount equal to the lifetime expected 
credit losses.
  However, the loss allowance on trade receivables and 
others is always measured in an amount equal to the 
lifetime expected credit losses.
  The expected credit losses of financial assets are 
estimated in a way that reflects the following:

•  An unbiased and probability-weighted amount 

determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes

•  The time value of money
•  Reasonable and supportable information about past 

events, current conditions and forecasts of economic 
conditions that is available without undue cost or effort 
at the reporting date

  The amounts of these measurements are recognized 
in profit or loss.

 
If an event that reduces an impairment loss occurs 

after the impairment loss has been recognized, the 
impairment loss will be reversed to the extent of the 
decrease and credited to profit or loss.

(iv) Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognizes financial assets only when the 
contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial 
assets expire, or when the Group transfers financial 
assets and substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership of the financial assets.

2) Financial liabilities

(i) Initial recognition and measurement

The Group initially recognizes bonds and borrowings at 
the date they are issued, and other financial liabilities at 
the transaction date.
  Upon initial recognition, all financial liabilities are 
measured at fair value. However, financial liabilities 
measured at amortized cost are measured in the full amount 
after deducting directly attributable transaction costs from 
the fair value.
  Transaction costs of financial liabilities measured at fair 
value through profit or loss are recognized in profit or loss.

(ii) Classification and subsequent measurement

The Group classifies financial liabilities as either financial 
liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, or 
financial liabilities measured at amortized cost. This 
classification is determined at initial recognition. 
Measurement of financial liabilities after initial recognition 
is performed as follows, according to the classification of 
the financial liability.
  The Group’s financial liabilities measured at fair value 
through profit or loss are derivative liabilities. The Group 
has not irrevocably designated any financial liabilities as 
measured at fair value through profit or loss at initial 
recognition. Financial liabilities measured at fair value 
through profit or loss are measured at fair value after 
initial recognition, and any changes in their fair value are 
recognized in profit or loss for the period.
  Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost are 
subsequently measured at amortized cost using the 
effective interest method. Amortization using the 
effective interest method and gains and losses on 
derecognition are recognized in profit or loss for the 
period.

(iii) Derecognition of financial liabilities

The Group derecognizes financial liabilities when they 
are extinguished (i.e., when the obligation specified in 
the contract is discharged or cancelled or expires).

3) Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the 
net amount is presented in the consolidated statement of 
financial position only when the Group currently has a 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

legally enforceable right to set off the recognized amount 
and intends either to settle on a net basis or realize the 
assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

4) Fair value of financial instruments

The Group recognizes the fair value of financial instruments 
using various valuation methodologies and inputs. The fair 
values recognized based on the observability of inputs into 
the valuation methodologies are grouped into the following 
three levels:

Level 1:  Fair value measured with quoted prices in active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2:  Fair value measured with inputs other than quoted 
prices categorized within Level 1 that are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 
indirectly

Level 3:  Fair value measured with unobservable inputs for 

the asset or liability

5) Hedge accounting

The Group uses interest rate swaps and other derivatives to 
hedge interest rate risk. At the inception of a hedging 
relationship, the Group formally designates and documents the 
hedging relationship and the interest rate risk management 
objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. The 
documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, 
the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged, and the 
methods of assessing whether the hedging relationship meets 
the hedge effectiveness requirements. In addition, the Group 
assesses whether the hedging relationship meets the hedge 
effectiveness requirements, both at the inception and on an 
ongoing basis. Ongoing assessments are conducted either at 
each reporting date or upon a significant change in the 
circumstances affecting the hedge effectiveness requirements, 
whichever comes first.

In accordance with the Group’s risk management policy, 
derivatives that meet the criteria for hedge accounting with 
respect to interest rate risk are designated as cash flow 
hedges and accounted for as follows.
  Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash 
flow hedges are interest rate swaps to convert floating-rate 
financial liabilities to fixed-rate financial liabilities. The effective 
portion of changes in the fair values of derivatives designated 
as cash flow hedges is recognized in other components of 
equity until the associated hedged transactions are executed 
and profit or loss is recognized. Gains or losses on derivatives 
recognized in other components of equity are reclassified 
into profit or loss at the time when the associated hedged 
transactions are recognized in profit or loss. However, 
any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the 
derivatives is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
  Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively only 
when the hedging relationship ceases to meet the qualifying 
criteria. This includes instances when the hedging instrument 
expires or is sold, terminated or exercised.
  The Group does not use fair value hedges or net investment 
hedges in foreign operations.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

22

 
 
(5) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, demand 
deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid and 
readily convertible to known amounts of cash subject to an 
insignificant risk of changes in value, and that mature or become 
due within three months from the date of acquisition.
  Cash and cash equivalents include certificates of deposit, time 
deposits, commercial paper, public and corporate bonds in 
investment trusts, and money in trust.

(6) Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable 
value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the 
ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion 
and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. The cost of 
inventories includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and 
other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present 
location and condition, and are determined principally by the 
weighted average method.

(7) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are measured using the cost model 
and carried at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any 
accumulated impairment losses.
  The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises 
any costs directly attributable to acquisition of the asset and the 
initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item 
and restoring the site on which it is located.
  Depreciation of assets other than land and construction in 
progress is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated 
useful lives of the assets.
  The estimated useful lives of major asset items are as follows:

(cid:119)(cid:1)Buildings and structures: 10 to 35 years
(cid:119)(cid:1)Machinery and vehicles: 7 to 14 years
(cid:119)(cid:1)Tools, furniture and fixtures: 3 to 10 years

  The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation 
method are reviewed at each fiscal year end, and any revisions are 
applied prospectively as changes in accounting estimates.
  The Group changed estimated useful lives from the fiscal year 
ended December 31, 2016. The details are presented in Note 4 
“Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments (3) Useful Lives 
of Property, Plant and Equipment.”

(8) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

1) Goodwill

Goodwill arising from a business combination is not 
amortized, and is carried at cost, determined at the 
acquisition date, less any accumulated impairment losses. 
In addition, goodwill is allocated to the cash generating 
unit or group of cash-generating units that is expected to 
benefit from the synergies of the business combination, and 
is tested for impairment at least once a year by each fiscal 
year end or if there are indications of impairment. 
Impairment loss on goodwill is recognized in profit or loss 
and is not reversed in subsequent periods.
  Goodwill measurements at initial recognition are 
presented in Note 3 “Significant Accounting Policies (2) 
Business Combinations.”

23

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

2) Intangible assets

Intangible assets are measured using the cost model and 
carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and any 
accumulated impairment losses.
  The costs of separately acquired intangible assets comprise 
any costs directly attributable to acquisition of the assets.
  The costs of intangible assets acquired in business 
combinations are measured at fair value at the acquisition date.
  Expenditures related to internally generated intangible 
assets are recognized as expenses when incurred, with the 
exception of development expenses that meet the criteria 
for capitalization. Software development expense only 
meets the criteria for capitalization.
  After initial recognition, with the exception of intangible 
assets with indefinite useful lives, intangible assets are 
amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful 
lives.
  The Group has no intangible assets with indefinite useful 
lives. The estimated useful lives of major intangible assets 
are as follows:

(cid:119)(cid:1)Trademarks: 10 years
(cid:119)(cid:1)Software: 5 years

  The estimated useful lives, residual values and 
amortization method are reviewed at each fiscal year end, 
and any revisions are applied prospectively as changes in 
accounting estimates.

3) Research and development expenses

Research expenditures are expensed as incurred. 
Development expenditures are capitalized only if they can 
be measured reliably, future economic benefits are probable, 
and the Group intends to, and has sufficient resources to, 
complete development and to use or sell the asset. If 
research expenditures and development expenditures 
cannot be clearly distinguished, they are expensed as 
incurred as research expenditures.

(9) Leases
The Group classifies a lease that transfers substantially all the 
risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset as a finance 
lease and a lease other than a finance lease as an operating lease.

In finance lease transactions, leased assets and lease 

obligations are initially recognized at the lower of the fair value of 
leased property and the present value of the minimum lease 
payments, each determined at the inception of the lease.
  Leased assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the 
shorter of their estimated useful lives and lease terms. Lease 
payments are apportioned between the finance charges and the 
reduction of the outstanding liability using the interest method.
  Lease payments under operating leases are recognized as an 
expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
  Determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a 
lease is based on the substance of the arrangement, in 
accordance with IFRIC Interpretation 4 “Determining Whether an 
Arrangement Contains a Lease.”

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(10) Impairment of Non-financial Assets
Non-financial assets, excluding inventories, deferred tax assets, 
non-current assets classified as held for sale and assets arising 
from employee benefits, are assessed at the end of each reporting 
period to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. 
If there is an indication of impairment, the recoverable amount of 
the asset is estimated. For goodwill, the recoverable amount is 
estimated at least once a year by each fiscal year end, irrespective 
of whether there is any indication of impairment.
  The recoverable amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit is 
the higher of its value in use and fair value less cost of disposal. 
The discount rate used in calculating the asset’s value in use is a 
pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the asset, for which the 
future cash flow estimates have not been adjusted.

If it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an 
individual asset, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating 
unit to which the asset belongs is measured. Goodwill acquired in 
business combinations is allocated to each of the cash-generating 
units or groups of cash-generating units of the Group that is 
expected to benefit from synergies of the business combinations 
after the acquisition date, and is tested for impairment.
  Because corporate assets do not generate separate cash 
inflows, the recoverable amount of individual corporate assets 
cannot be measured unless management has decided to dispose 
of the asset. If there is an indication that a corporate asset may be 
impaired, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit or 
group of cash-generating units to which the asset belongs is 
measured and compared with the carrying amount.

Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss whenever the 

recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount. Such 
impairment losses of the cash-generating unit or group of cash-
generating units are recognized by first reducing the carrying 
amount of any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit or 
group of cash-generating units, and then allocating the rest of the 
losses to other assets of the unit pro rata on the basis of the 
carrying amount of each asset in the unit.
  The Group reviews assets other than goodwill at each fiscal 
year end to determine whether there is any indication that 
previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or 
may have decreased. If there are any such indications, the Group 
estimates the recoverable amount of the asset.

Impairment losses on assets other than goodwill that were 
recognized in prior fiscal years are reversed only when there have 
been changes in the estimates used to determine the recoverable 
amount of the asset since the last impairment loss was recognized. 
In this case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased as a 
reversal of impairment loss to the recoverable amount.

Impairment losses are reversed up to the carrying amount, net 
of amortization or depreciation, that would have been determined 
had no impairment loss for the asset been recognized in prior 
fiscal years.

(11) Employee Benefits

1) Post-employment benefits

The Group sponsors a defined benefit plan and a defined 
contribution plan as post-employment benefit plans for 
employees.

(i) Defined benefit plan

For the defined benefit plan, the projected unit credit 
method is used to individually determine the present 
value of defined benefit obligations, related current 
service costs and past service costs of each plan.
  The discount rate is determined by referring to market 
yields at the end of the fiscal year on high quality 
corporate bonds corresponding to the period until the 
expected date of future benefit payment.
  The net amount of the present value of defined benefit 
obligations and the fair value of plan assets is accounted 
for as a liability or asset. However, if the defined benefit 
plan has surplus, the net defined benefit asset is limited 
to the present value of any economic benefits available 
in the form of refunds from the plan or reductions in the 
future contributions to the plan. Net interest on the net 
defined benefit liability (asset) is recognized in profit or 
loss as financial expenses (income).
  Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability 
(asset) are recognized in other comprehensive income 
and immediately reclassified to retained earnings in the 
period in which they occur.
  Past service costs are recognized in profit or loss for 
the period in which they are incurred. 

(ii) Defined contribution plan

Payments to defined contribution plan are recognized as 
expenses when employees have rendered services 
entitling them to the contributions.

2) Other employee benefits

Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on 
an undiscounted basis, and are recognized as an expense 
when the related services are rendered.
  For bonuses, when there is a present legal or constructive 
obligation to make payments of bonuses, and a reliable 
estimate of the obligation can be made, the estimated amount 
to be paid is accounted for as a liability.
  For the paid absence expenses, when there is a legal or 
constructive obligation with respect to accumulating paid 
absence systems and a reliable estimate of the obligation 
can be made, the estimated amount to be paid based on 
those systems is accounted for as a liability.

(12) Share-based Payments
The Company has a stock option plan accounted for as an equity-
settled share-based payment plan. 
  Stock options are estimated using their fair value at the grant 
date and recognized in profit or loss as expenses over the vesting 
periods with corresponding increases to equity and taking into 
account the estimated number of options to be finally vested. The 
fair value of options granted is measured using the Black-Scholes 
model based on the terms and conditions of the options.
  The terms and conditions are periodically reviewed and the 
estimated number of options vested is revised as necessary.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

24

 
 
 
 
 
(13) Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present obligation 
(legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that 
an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be 
required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be 
made of the amount of the obligation.
  The amounts recognized as provisions are the best estimates of 
necessary expenditures to settle the present obligation at the end 
of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and 
uncertainties associated with the obligation. When the effect of the 
time value of money is material, the amount of provision is 
measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be 
required to settle the obligation.

(14) Revenue
The Group is engaged in the sale of consumer products, including 
cosmetics, skin care products, hair care products, sanitary products 
and fabric care products, as well as chemical products, including 
fatty alcohols and surfactants. Revenue from the sale of these 
goods is recognized when the Group has transferred the significant 
risks and rewards of ownership of the goods to the buyer; the 
Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement nor 
effective control over the goods sold; it is probable that economic 
benefits related to the transaction will flow to the Group; and these 
benefits and corresponding costs can be measured reliably. 
Therefore, revenue is usually recognized at the time of delivery of 
goods to customers. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable less any discounts, rebates, 
consumption taxes and other taxes.

(15) Income Taxes
Income taxes consist of current income taxes and deferred income 
taxes. Income taxes are recognized as income or expenses and 
included in profit or loss, except for taxes related to business 
combinations and taxes related to items that are recognized 
directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.

1) Current income taxes

Current income taxes are recognized in the amount of the 
expected taxes payable to or receivable from the taxation 
authorities. Calculation of the amount of tax is based on the 
tax rates and tax laws enacted or substantively enacted by 
the end of the reporting period in countries where the 
Group conducts business and earns taxable income.

2) Deferred income taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for 
temporary differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets or liabilities at the end of the reporting period and its 
tax base, and for tax loss carryforwards and tax credits.
  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary 
differences, the carryforwards of unused tax losses and the 
carryforwards of unused tax credits to the extent that it is 
probable that future taxable income will be available against 
such deferred tax assets. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized, 
in principle, for all taxable temporary differences.
  The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed each 
period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable 

25

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

that sufficient future taxable income will be available to realize 
benefits from all or part of the assets. Unrecognized deferred 
tax assets are reassessed each period and are recognized to 
the extent that it has become probable that future taxable 
income will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered.
  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized for 
the following temporary differences:

  •  Taxable temporary differences arising from initial 

recognition of goodwill

  •  Temporary differences arising from initial recognition of 
assets and liabilities from transactions that are not 
business combinations and affect neither accounting 
income nor taxable income

  •  Taxable temporary differences on investments in 

subsidiaries and associates, when the timing of the 
reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled 
and it is probable that the temporary differences will not 
reverse in the foreseeable future

  •  Deductible temporary differences on investments in 

subsidiaries and associates, when it is probable that the 
temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable 
future

  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax 
rates that are expected to apply to the period when the 
assets are realized or the liabilities are settled, based on the 
tax rates and tax laws enacted or substantively enacted by 
the end of the reporting period.
  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if the Group 
has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets 
against current tax liabilities and income taxes are levied by 
the same taxation authority on the same taxable entity.
  The Company and some of its subsidiaries have adopted 
the consolidated tax system.

(16) Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net 
income attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted- 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the 
period, adjusted for treasury shares held. Diluted earnings 
per share are calculated by adjusting the effects of all dilutive 
potential ordinary shares.

(17) Non-current Assets Held for Sale

A non-current asset or disposal group whose carrying amount 
is expected to be recovered principally through a sale 
transaction rather than through continuing use is classified as 
a non-current asset or disposal group held for sale if it is 
highly probable that the asset or disposal group will be sold 
within one year and is available for immediate sale in its 
present condition, and the Group’s management is 
committed to a plan to sell. Non-current assets are not 
depreciated or amortized while they are classified as held for 
sale or are part of a disposal group classified as held for sale. 
Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for 
sale are measured at the lower of the carrying amount and 
fair value less costs to sell.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(19) Dividends
Dividend distributions to shareholders of the Company are 
recognized as liabilities in the period in which year-end dividends 
are resolved upon by the General Meeting of Shareholders and 
interim dividends are resolved upon by the Board of Directors.

(18) Equity and Other Capital

1) Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares are recognized in share capital and capital 
surplus at their issue price. Share issuance costs are 
deducted from the issue price.

2) Treasury shares

Treasury shares are recognized at cost and deducted from 
equity. No gain or loss is recognized on the purchase, sale or 
retirement of the Company’s treasury shares. Any difference 
between the carrying amount and consideration received on 
the sale of treasury shares is recognized directly in equity.

4

Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The Group’s consolidated financial statements include estimates 
and assumptions made by the management regarding income and 
expenses, measurement of the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities, and disclosure of contingencies and others at the end of 
the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based 
on management’s best judgment at the end of the reporting 
period, and take into account historical experience and various 
other factors that can be considered as reasonable. However, due 
to their nature, actual results may differ from these estimates and 
assumptions.
  The estimates and their underlying assumptions are reviewed 
by management on an ongoing basis. The effects of revisions to 
accounting estimates and assumptions are recognized in the 
period when the estimates are revised and in future periods.
  Estimates and assumptions that significantly affect the 
amounts recognized in the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements are as follows.

(1) Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill 

and Intangible Assets

The Group conducts impairment tests for property, plant and 
equipment, goodwill and intangible assets when there is an 
indication that the recoverable amount of the asset or cash-
generating unit is less than the carrying amount.
  Triggering events for impairment testing include, for example, 
significant changes with adverse effects on past or projected 
business performance, significant changes in the use of acquired 
assets, or changes in overall business strategy.
  Furthermore, goodwill is tested for impairment at least once a year 
by each fiscal year end, irrespective of indication of impairment, to 
verify that the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to 
which goodwill is allocated exceeds the carrying amount.

Impairment tests are performed by comparing the carrying 

amount and the recoverable amount of the asset or cash-
generating unit. If the recoverable amount is less than the carrying 
amount, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount 
and the reduction is recognized as an impairment loss. The 
recoverable amount is the higher of the value in use and the fair 
value less cost of disposal of the asset or cash-generating unit.
In calculating the value in use, the Group makes certain 

assumptions about the remaining useful life and future cash flows 

of the asset, discount rate, growth rate and other factors. These 
assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and 
judgments, but may be affected by changes in future business 
plans, economic conditions or other factors. If revisions to the 
assumptions become necessary, such revisions could have a 
material effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated 
financial statements in future periods.
  Note 13 “Property, Plant and Equipment” and Note 14 
“Goodwill and Intangible Assets” present the method for 
calculating the recoverable amount. Note 14 “Goodwill and 
Intangible Assets” presents sensitivity associated with goodwill.

(2) Post-employment Benefits
The Group provides a variety of post-retirement benefit plans that 
include a defined benefit plan. The present value of defined 
benefit obligations and related service costs are determined 
based on actuarial assumptions.
  Actuarial assumptions are based on management’s best 
estimates and judgments, but may be affected by the revision of 
inputs including discount rate and mortality rate due to changes in 
economic conditions. If revisions to the assumptions become 
necessary, such revisions could have a material effect on the 
amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements in 
future periods.
  Note 20 “Employee Benefits” presents actuarial assumptions 
and related sensitivity.

(3) Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment
The Group focuses on machinery and equipment in making 
proactive capital investments, and prioritizes management issues 
such as global analysis to optimize production bases and enable 
manufacturing cost comparisons.
  Consequently, the Group globally unified its property, plant and 
equipment systems in January 2016. The Group decided to take 
advantage of this change to make the estimated useful lives of 
machinery and equipment consistent (generally 9 or 10 years 
depending on the type of equipment) from the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2016 to better reflect the actual use of machinery 
and equipment in global production. 
  The effect of this change in accounting estimates on the 
consolidated financial statements is immaterial.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

26

 
 
(4) Provisions
The Group has recognized a provision for loss related to cosmetics, 
a provision for sales returns, a provision for asset retirement 
obligations and other provisions in the consolidated statement of 
financial position.
  The amounts recognized are the best estimates of the 
expenditures required to settle the present obligations, taking into 
account historical experience and other factors at the end of the 
reporting period.
  The provision for loss related to cosmetics may be affected by 
changes in compensation-related and other expenses.
  The provision for sales returns may be affected by factors such 
as plans to discontinue production and sales of products.
  The provision for asset retirement obligations and other 
provisions may be affected by factors such as changes in future 
business plans.

(6) Fair Value
The Group uses various inputs, including unobservable inputs, and 
valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of specific assets 
and liabilities. When measuring fair value, the Group maximizes the 
use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of 
unobservable inputs, and management’s best estimates and 
judgments are required in that process.
  The fair value of these assets and liabilities is based on 
management’s best estimates and judgments, but could be affected 
by factors including changes in inputs due to changes in economic 
conditions. Any revisions that become necessary could have a 
material effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated 
financial statements in future periods.
  Note 34 “Financial Instruments” presents fair value 
measurement methods and amounts for major financial assets 
and liabilities measured at fair value.

If the actual amounts paid differ from the estimates, such 

In its first-time adoption of IFRS, the Group applies the exemption 

differences could have a material effect on the amounts recognized 
in the consolidated financial statements in future periods. 
  Note 21 “Provisions” presents the nature and amounts of these 
provisions.

under IFRS 1 and uses the deemed cost as the acquisition cost for 
certain property, plant and equipment. Note 39 “First-time Adoption 
of IFRS” presents fair value measurement methods and amounts for 
these assets.

(7) Contingencies
Contingencies are disclosed when there are items that could have a 
material effect on future business after considering the probability 
of occurrence and the amount of financial impact, taking into 
account all available evidence at the end of the reporting period.

(5) Income Taxes
The Group recognizes and measures income tax payables and 
income taxes based on reasonable estimates of the amounts to 
be paid to the taxation authorities in each country. Such estimates 
are made using the tax rates and tax laws enacted or 
substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.
  Calculating income tax payables and income taxes requires 
estimates and judgments of various factors, including 
interpretations of tax regulations by the Group and the taxation 
authorities and the experience of past tax audits.
  Therefore, if the final tax outcome is different from the amount 
initially recognized, the difference is recognized in the period 
when the tax outcome is finalized. 
  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary 
differences, the carryforwards of unused tax losses and the 
carryforwards of unused tax credits to the extent that it is probable 
that future taxable income will be available. The realizability of 
deferred tax assets is assessed using the tax rates that are 
expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized, based 
on tax rates and tax laws enacted or substantively enacted by the 
end of the reporting period.
  Recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets are based 
on management’s best estimates and judgments, but may be 
affected by future changes in business plans or other conditions, 
or by the amendment or promulgation of related laws. Any 
revisions that become necessary could have a material effect on 
the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements 
in future periods.
  Note 16 “Income Taxes” presents income taxes and amounts.

27

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

New Standards and Interpretations Not Yet Adopted 

New or revised major Standards and Interpretations that were issued by the date of approval presented in Note 40 “Approval of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements,” but were not yet adopted by the Group as of December 31, 2016 are as follows. 

IFRS

Title

Revenue from 
Contracts with 
Customers

IFRS 15

Mandatory adoption
(From the fiscal year beginning)

January 1, 2018

IFRS 16

Leases

January 1, 2019

Adoption by the Group

Early adoption being 
planned in fiscal year ending 
December 31, 2017

Overview of new or revised 
Standards and Interpretations

Revised accounting treatment for 
revenue recognition and disclosure

Fiscal year ending 
December 31, 2019

Revised lease definition, accounting 
treatment and disclosure

  The main impact resulting from the early adoption of IFRS 15 
“Revenue from Contracts with Customers” is the accounting 
treatment of consideration payable to customers. Some of the 
consideration payable to customers previously recognized as 
selling, general and administrative expenses will be accounted for 
as reductions of net sales or as cost of sales. The expected major 
impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements for the 

fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 is a decrease of 
approximately 40 billion yen in net sales in the consolidated 
statement of income. The impact on operating income will be 
immaterial.
  The Group is currently evaluating the possible impacts on the 
consolidated financial statements resulting from the adoption of 
IFRS 16 “Leases” and the estimates are currently not available.

6

Segment Information

(1) Summary of Reportable Segments
The Group’s reportable segments are the components of the 
Group for which discrete financial information is available and 
which are regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors in deciding 
how to allocate resources and in assessing their performance. Net 
sales and operating income are the key measures used by the 
Board of Directors to evaluate the performance of each segment.
  The Group is an organization comprising four main business 
units - the Beauty Care Business, the Human Health Care 

Business, the Fabric and Home Care Business (collectively, the 
“Consumer Products Business”) and the Chemical Business. In 
each business unit, the Group plans comprehensive business 
strategies and carries out business activities on a global basis.
  Accordingly, the Group has four reportable segments: the 
Beauty Care Business, the Human Health Care Business, the 
Fabric and Home Care Business and the Chemical Business.

Information about major customers has been omitted as the revenue 

from each customer is less than 10% of the Group’s net sales.

Reportable segments

Major products

Beauty Care
Business

Consumer 
Products 
Business

Human Health Care
Business

Cosmetics 

Skin care products

Hair care products

Food and beverage 
products 

Sanitary products

Counseling cosmetics, self-selection cosmetics

Soaps, facial cleansers, body cleansers

Shampoos, conditioners, hair styling agents, hair coloring agents

Beverages

Sanitary napkins, baby diapers

Personal health products

Bath additives, oral care products, men’s products

Fabric care products 

Laundry detergents, fabric treatments

Fabric and 
Home Care
Business

Home care products

Oleo chemicals

Chemical Business

Performance chemicals

Specialty chemicals

Kitchen cleaning products, house cleaning products, paper 
cleaning products, commercial-use products

Fatty alcohols, fatty amines, fatty acids, glycerin, commercial-use 
edible fats and oils

Surfactants, plastics additives, superplasticizers for concrete 
admixtures

Toner and toner binder for copiers and printers, ink and colorants 
for inkjet printers, fragrances and aroma chemicals

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

28

 
(2) Sales and Results of Reportable Segments

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 

(Millions of yen)

Reportable segments

Consumer Products Business

Beauty Care 
Business

Human Health 
Care Business

Fabric and Home 
Care Business

Subtotal

Chemical 
Business

Total

Reconciliation1 Consolidated

601,620

273,067

345,163

1,219,850

237,760

1,457,610

—

 1,457,610

—
601,620
51,086

—
273,067
25,948

—
345,163
78,099

— 36,025
273,785
29,683

1,219,850
155,133

36,025
1,493,635
184,816

(36,025)
(36,025)
755

—
1,457,610
185,571
1,389
(5,424)

1,894

183,430

18,399
43
20,135

12,930
26
41,752

7,876
40
16,050

39,205
109
77,937

11,650
—
11,877

50,855
109
89,814

261
—
86

51,116
109
89,900

Net sales
  Sales to customers ...............

Intersegment sales and 
   transfers2 ............................
Total net sales ...........................
Operating income .....................
  Financial income ...................
  Financial expenses ................
 Share of profit in investments 
   accounted for using the 

equity method .....................
Income before income taxes .....

Other items

 Depreciation and 
  amortization3 .......................
Impairment losses3  ..............
  Capital expenditures4 ............

Notes: 1.   The operating income reconciliation of 755 million yen includes corporate expenses not allocated to reportable segments, as well as elimination of 

intersegment inventory transactions.

2. Intersegment sales and transfers are mainly calculated based on market price and manufacturing cost.
3.  Note 13 “Property, Plant and Equipment” and Note 14 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” present the details of depreciation, amortization and impairment 

losses.

4. Capital expenditures include investments in property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other non-current assets.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 

(Millions of yen)

Reportable segments

Consumer Products Business

Beauty Care 
Business

Human Health 
Care Business

Fabric and Home 
Care Business

Subtotal

Chemical 
Business

Total

Reconciliation1 Consolidated

608,617

281,672

335,308

1,225,597

248,953

1,474,550

—

1,474,550

—

—

608,617
37,929

281,672
33,368

—

335,308
66,124

—

39,517

39,517

(39,517)

—

1,225,597
137,421

288,470
28,593

1,514,067
166,014

(39,517)
1,304

1,474,550
167,318
1,416
(4,213)

1,517

166,038

26,028
2,476
20,458

10,236
510
30,962

8,072
657
15,150

44,336
3,643
66,570

12,804
388
16,244

57,140
4,031
82,814

283
—
34

57,423
4,031
82,848

Net sales
  Sales to customers ...............

Intersegment sales and 
   transfers2 ............................

Total net sales ...........................
Operating income .....................
  Financial income ...................
  Financial expenses ................
 Share of profit in investments 
   accounted for using the 

equity method .....................
Income before income taxes .....

Other items

 Depreciation and 
  amortization3 .......................
Impairment losses3  ..............
  Capital expenditures4 ............

Notes: 1.   The operating income reconciliation of 1,304 million yen includes corporate expenses not allocated to reportable segments, as well as elimination of 

intersegment inventory transactions.

2. Intersegment sales and transfers are mainly calculated based on market price and manufacturing cost.
3.  Note 12 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale,” Note 13 “Property, Plant and Equipment,” and Note 14 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” present the details 

of depreciation, amortization and impairment losses.

4. Capital expenditures include investments in property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other non-current assets.

29

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3) Geographical Information
Sales to customers and non-current assets (excluding financial assets, deferred tax assets and retirement benefit assets) by region 
consist of the following.

Sales to Customers  

Japan ..............................................................................................................................

Asia .................................................................................................................................

  China ...........................................................................................................................

Americas .........................................................................................................................

  United States ..............................................................................................................

Europe ............................................................................................................................

  Total .........................................................................................................................

Note: Sales are classified by country or region based on the location of customers.

2016
964,904

251,284

103,346

120,782

93,148

(Millions of yen)

2015
956,033

249,335

96,565

134,080

102,865

120,640
1,457,610

135,102
1,474,550

Non-current Assets (excluding Financial Assets, Deferred Tax Assets and Retirement Benefit Assets)  

Japan ..............................................................................................................................

Asia .................................................................................................................................

Americas .........................................................................................................................

Europe ............................................................................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................

2016
415,993

81,927

22,854

24,731
545,505

2015
375,831

86,362

21,535

29,126
512,854

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
357,162

81,980

20,738

32,238
492,118

7

Business Combinations

(1) Outline of Business Combination

Name of the acquiree:

Collins Inkjet Corporation and SAMGAM, LLC, which owns and manages its 
real estate and other assets used by Collins Inkjet Corporation
(collectively, “Collins”)

Business outline:

Acquisition date:

Development, manufacturing and sales of inkjet ink

July 1, 2016

Acquisition method:

Cash consideration to acquire shares 

Percentage of voting rights acquired:

100%

  By taking advantage of newly acquired technologies, 
manufacturing facilities and sales networks from Collins in 
addition to its own technologies, the Group aims to provide global 
customers with innovative products and services that can 
contribute to the mitigation of environmental impact.

(2) Primary Reason for Business Combination
Collins, based in the U.S., is engaged in development, 
manufacturing and sales of inkjet ink. Collins was an early entrant 
into the rapidly growing inkjet ink market for industrial printing. 
With its advanced ink designing technologies responding to a 
wide variety of inkjet heads and its reliability, Collins has built a 
wide customer network. Collins continues to focus on ink 
development to broaden the application range and expand 
business globally.

(3) Acquisition Cost of Acquiree and Its Components

Acquisition cost of acquiree:

3,715 million yen

Components of acquisition cost:

Cash

3,715 million yen

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

30

 
 
(4) Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed at the Acquisition Date

Current assets ..................................................................

1,496 million yen

Non-current assets ...........................................................

913 million yen

  Total assets ...................................................................

2,409 million yen

Current liabilities ...............................................................

377 million yen

Non-current liabilities ........................................................

232 million yen

  Total liabilities ................................................................

609 million yen

(5) Goodwill

Goodwill recognized .................................................................. 1,915 million yen

Components of goodwill:

Goodwill recognized for this business 
combination reflects excess earning 
power in future from using newly acquired 
technologies, manufacturing systems and 
sales networks from Collins in addition to 
the Group’s technologies. Certain goodwill 
is deductible for tax purposes.

(6) Net Sales and Income of Acquired Business
Information on income associated with this business combination after the acquisition date and information on income assuming that 
the business combination took place on the date of January 1, 2016 are not presented because the impacts on the consolidated 
statement of income are immaterial.

8

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following.

Cash and deposits ..........................................................................................................

Short-term investments ..................................................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................

2016
186,226

116,800
303,026

2015
121,371

188,551
309,922

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
105,328

123,639
228,967

  Cash and deposits include time deposits that mature or become due within three months from the date of acquisition. In addition, the 
balance of cash and cash equivalents presented in the consolidated statement of financial position is equal to the balance of cash and cash 
equivalents presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

9

Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and other receivables consist of the following.

Trade receivables ............................................................................................................

Other receivables ...........................................................................................................

Allowance for doubtful receivables .................................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................

2016
205,099

4,546

(1,186)
208,459

2015
206,966

5,049

(1,308)
210,707

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
205,674

8,372

(1,304)
212,742

31

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

         
 
         
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10

Inventories

Inventories consist of the following.        

Merchandise and finished goods ....................................................................................

Work in progress ............................................................................................................

Materials and supplies ....................................................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................

2016
122,479

12,253

30,468
165,200

2015
112,087

12,356

26,828
151,271

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
111,998

12,910

26,968
151,876

  The amount of inventories recognized as expenses and included in cost of sales for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 
were 636,969 million yen and 658,325 million yen, respectively.
  Write-downs of inventories recognized as expenses for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 4,534 million yen and 
4,982 million yen, respectively.

11 Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following.        

2016

2015

Transition date

(Millions of yen)

Other current assets

Insurance receivable ...................................................................................................

  Prepaid expenses ........................................................................................................

  Other ...........................................................................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................

Other non-current assets

Insurance receivable ...................................................................................................

  Long-term prepaid lease payments ............................................................................

  Long-term prepaid expenses ......................................................................................

  Other ...........................................................................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................

6,330

9,410

8,072
23,812

11,095

5,337

881

1,235
18,548

20,219

8,487

9,299
38,005

9,919

5,818

754

1,241
17,732

30,357

8,426

8,516
47,299

—

5,175

1,563

1,228
7,966

12 Non-current Assets Held for Sale

Certain assets including the land for a training center and the 
buildings and land for sales offices were classified as non-current 
assets held for sale in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 
pursuant to the decision to sell these assets. Impairment loss of 
694 million yen was recognized upon classification of these assets 
as non-current assets held for sale and included in other operating 
expenses in the consolidated statement of income for the fiscal 
year ended December 31, 2015. The sale of these assets was 
largely completed in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

  Certain assets including the buildings and land for sales offices 
were classified as non-current assets held for sale in the fiscal 
year ended December 31, 2016 pursuant to the decision to sell 
these assets. 
  The fair value of these assets was based on third-party appraisal 
values using sales comparison and other approaches and sales 
prices determined with reference to sales contracts, and was 
categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13

Property, Plant and Equipment

(1) Changes in Property, Plant and Equipment
The following tables present changes in acquisition costs, accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, and carrying 
amounts of property, plant and equipment.

Acquisition Cost         

January 1, 2015............................................................
  Additions ..................................................................
  Sales and disposals ..................................................
  Reclassification ........................................................
  Reclassification to assets held for sale ....................
  Exchange differences on translation of 

foreign operations ................................................
  Other ........................................................................
December 31, 2015 .....................................................
  Additions ..................................................................
  Acquisitions through business combinations ..........
  Sales and disposals ..................................................
  Reclassification ........................................................
  Reclassification to assets held for sale ....................
  Exchange differences on translation of 

foreign operations ................................................
  Other ........................................................................
December 31, 2016 .....................................................

Buildings 
and 
structures
379,857
270
(5,464)
25,689
(486)

Machinery 
and 
vehicles
701,384
556
(21,628)
46,784
—

Tools, 
furniture and 
fixtures

113,312
6,033
(7,449)
5,126
(1)

Land

77,934
1
(1,228)
345
(3,710)

(Millions of yen)

Construction 
in 
progress

27,247
70,328
(24)
(77,944)
—

Total

1,299,734
77,188
(35,793)
—
(4,197)

(5,502)

(11,298)

(1,500)

(362)

(409)

(19,071)

(370)
393,994
313
272
(5,355)
24,591
(585)

(185)
715,613
245
175
(29,108)
39,877
(22)

118
115,639
4,490
31
(7,642)
9,055
(7)

—
72,980
36
126
(97)
384
(216)

(464)
18,734
79,781
14
(13)
(73,907)
—

(901)
1,316,960
84,865
618
(42,215)
—
(830)

(4,410)

(10,069)

(1,860)

(194)

(64)

(16,597)

79
408,899

86
716,797

(94)
119,612

(1)
73,018

(57)
24,488

13
1,342,814

Accumulated Depreciation and Accumulated Impairment Losses         

(Millions of yen)

January 1, 2015............................................................
  Depreciation1 ............................................................
Impairment losses 2 .................................................
Impairment losses reversed2  ...................................
  Sales and disposals ..................................................
  Reclassification to assets held for sale ....................
  Exchange differences on translation of 

foreign operations ................................................
  Other ........................................................................
December 31, 2015
  Depreciation1 ............................................................
Impairment losses2  .................................................
Impairment losses reversed2  ..................................
  Sales and disposals ..................................................
  Reclassification to assets held for sale ....................
  Exchange differences on translation of 

foreign operations ................................................
  Other ........................................................................
December 31, 2016 .....................................................

Buildings 
and 
structures
277,771
11,765
154
(196)
(4,841)
(336)

Machinery 
and 
vehicles
604,104
21,393
117
—
(20,677)
—

Tools, 
furniture and 
fixtures

89,346
10,074
27
—
(7,200)
(1)

Land

9,231
—
3,039
—
(96)
(1,853)

(2,978)

(8,458)

(1,216)

—

(96)
281,243
11,934
13
(0)
(4,990)
(497)

(198)
596,281
22,448
—
—
(28,415)
(22)

88
91,118
10,396
—
(1)
(7,264)
(7)

—
10,321
—
96
—
(1)
—

(2,220)

(7,024)

(1,392)

—

(23)
285,460

(66)
583,202

51
92,901

—
10,416

Construction 
in 
progress

—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—

Total

980,452
43,232
3,337
(196)
(32,814)
(2,190)

(12,652)

(206)
978,963
44,778
109
(1)
(40,670)
(526)

(10,636)

(38)
971,979

Notes: 1.   Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is included in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating expenses in 

the consolidated statement of income.

2.  Impairment losses on property, plant and equipment are included in other operating expenses and impairment losses reversed are recognized in other 

operating income in the consolidated statement of income.

33

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Carrying Amount         

January 1, 2015............................................................

Buildings 
and 
structures
102,086

December 31, 2015 .....................................................

112,751

December 31, 2016 .....................................................

123,439

(Millions of yen)

Machinery 
and 
vehicles
97,280

119,332

133,595

Tools, 
furniture and 
fixtures

23,966

24,521

26,711

Land

68,703

62,659

62,602

Construction 
in 
progress

27,247

18,734

24,488

Total

319,282

337,997

370,835

(2) Leased Assets
The carrying amount of leased assets from finance leases included in property, plant and equipment is as follows:

January 1, 2015............................................................

December 31, 2015 .....................................................

December 31, 2016 .....................................................

(Millions of yen)

Buildings 
and 
structures
6,472

5,441

4,060

Other
125

83

54

Total

6,597

5,524

4,114

(3) Impairment Losses
The Group allocates property, plant and equipment into cash-
generating units based on the smallest identifiable group of 
assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent. 
For idle assets, the Group considers whether to recognize 
impairment losses for individual properties.

Impairment losses recognized for the fiscal years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 109 million yen and 3,337 
million yen, respectively.

Impairment losses of 3,337 million yen for the fiscal year 

ended December 31, 2015 consisted mainly of impairment losses 
of 3,039 million yen recognized for idle land owned by the 
Company and Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. Based on the projection that 
the Group would no longer use these assets as a result of 

organizational restructuring, the Group separated these assets 
from the cash-generating units, reduced carrying amounts to fair 
value less costs of disposal as independent assets, and 
consequently recognized impairment losses. Fair value less costs 
of disposal was based on third-party appraisals using a sales 
comparison approach, and was categorized within Level 3 of the 
fair value hierarchy. The assets held by the Company belong to the 
segments of the Beauty Care Business, the Human Health Care 
Business and the Fabric and Home Care Business. The assets 
held by Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. belong to the Beauty Care Business.

(4) Commitments
Note 37 “Commitments” presents information on commitments 
to acquire property, plant and equipment. 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

34

         
 
 
14 Goodwill and Intangible Assets

(1) Changes in Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following tables present changes in acquisition costs, accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, and carrying 
amounts of goodwill and intangible assets.

Acquisition Cost 

January 1, 2015..................................................................................
  Additions ........................................................................................
  Sales and disposals ........................................................................
  Reclassification ..............................................................................
  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations ............
  Other ..............................................................................................
December 31, 2015 ...........................................................................
  Additions ........................................................................................
  Acquisitions through business combinations ................................
  Sales and disposals ........................................................................
  Reclassification ..............................................................................
  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations ............
  Other ..............................................................................................
December 31, 2016 ...........................................................................

Note: 1. Software in progress is included in other in intangible assets.

Intangible assets

(Millions of yen)

Goodwill
138,751
—
—
—
(500)
—
138,251
—
1,915
—
—
(2,383)
—
137,783

Software
24,031
199
(4,736)
5,666
(316)
(20)
24,824
85
4
(2,629)
5,122
(246)
124
27,284

Trademarks
133,526
—
(3)
—
—
—
133,523
—
—
(133,523)
—
—
—
—

Other1
5,317
5,432
(23)
(5,046)
(104)
(15)
5,561
4,948
316
(361)
(5,115)
(164)
(22)
5,163

Total
162,874
5,631
(4,762)
620
(420)
(35)
163,908
5,033
320
(136,513)
7
(410)
102
32,447

Accumulated Amortization and Accumulated Impairment Losses         

(Millions of yen)

January 1, 2015..................................................................................
  Amortization1  .................................................................................
  Sales and disposals ........................................................................
  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations ............
  Other ..............................................................................................
December 31, 2015 ...........................................................................
  Amortization1 ..................................................................................
  Sales and disposals ........................................................................
  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations ............
  Other ..............................................................................................
December 31, 2016 ...........................................................................

Goodwill
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

Intangible assets

Software
14,037
4,143
(4,732)
(359)
(44)
13,045
4,650
(2,626)
(225)
71
14,915

Trademarks
122,222
9,977
(3)
—
—
132,196
1,327
(133,523)
—
—
—

Other1
2,989
71
—
(98)
—
2,962
361
(346)
(135)
1
2,843

Total
139,248
14,191
(4,735)
(457)
(44)
148,203
6,338
(136,495)
(360)
72
17,758

Note: 1.  Amortization of intangible assets is included in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating expenses 

in the consolidated statement of income.

Carrying Amount 

January 1, 2015...................................................................................
December 31, 2015 ............................................................................
December 31, 2016 ............................................................................

Intangible assets

(Millions of yen)

Goodwill
138,751
138,251
137,783

Software
9,994
11,779
12,369

Trademarks
11,304
1,327
—

Other
2,328
2,599
2,320

Total
23,626
15,705
14,689

35

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2) Goodwill
The following table presents the carrying amount of goodwill 
recognized in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial 
position. Goodwill arising from business combinations is allocated 

at the acquisition date to cash-generating units benefiting from 
the business combination, and the goodwill belongs to the Beauty 
Care Business and the Chemical Business. The goodwill primarily 
relates to the acquisition of the Kanebo Cosmetics Group.

Beauty Care Business ....................................................................................................

  Kanebo Cosmetics Group ...........................................................................................

  Molton Brown Group ..................................................................................................

  Other ...........................................................................................................................

Chemical Business .........................................................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................  

2016
135,618

119,400

11,327

4,891

2,165
137,783

2015
138,251

119,400

13,771

5,080

—
138,251

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
138,751

119,400

14,270

5,081

—
138,751

(3) Impairment Test for Goodwill
The Group tests goodwill for impairment each period or at least 
once a year by each fiscal year end, irrespective of indication of 
impairment.
  The recoverable amount on the impairment test is calculated 
based on value in use. The Group primarily recognizes goodwill 
associated with the Kanebo Cosmetics Group.
  For the goodwill associated with the Kanebo Cosmetics Group, 
cash flow projections that are the basis for value in use are 
estimated using four-year medium-term plans that reflect past 
year’s performance. The key assumptions used in formulating 
these estimates include sales growth rates and discount rates and 
the sales growth rates are consistent with the growth rate 
projections of the markets in which cash-generating units operate. 
Estimated cash flows in years beyond the four-year forecasts 
approved by management were calculated using an annual growth 
rate of 0% and were discounted to present value using a 
weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 7.4% for the fiscal 

year ended December 31, 2016 (8.7% and 8.9% for the fiscal year 
ended December 31, 2015 and at the transition date, respectively). 
Management assumes the probability that material impairment 
will occur in this cash-generating unit is low even in cases where 
the key assumptions used for the impairment test change within 
the reasonably possible ranges for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2016. While value in use exceeded carrying amount 
at the transition date and at December 31, 2015, increasing the 
discount rate by 1.8% at the transition date or 2.8% at December 
31, 2015 would result in impairment.

(4) Intangible Assets with Indefinite Useful Lives
The intangible assets above include no intangible assets with 
indefinite useful lives.

(5) Commitments
Note 37 “Commitments” presents information on commitments 
associated with the acquisition of intangible assets.

15

Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method

Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. The carrying 
amount of investments in associates that are not individually material is as follows:

Investments accounted for using the equity method .....................................................

2016
4,701

2015
4,209

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
3,544

  Changes in the Group’s share of net income and other comprehensive income of associates that are not individually material are 
as follows:

The Group’s share of net income  ..................................................................................

The Group’s share of other comprehensive income .......................................................

The Group’s share of comprehensive income ................................................................

2016
1,894

(82)
1,812

(Millions of yen)

2015
1,517

226
1,743

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

36

 
 
 
 
16

Income Taxes

(1) Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Details of major causes of occurrence and changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016  

(Millions of yen)

January 1, 
2016

Recognized in 
profit or loss

Recognized 
in other 
comprehensive 
income

Other

December 31, 
2016

Deferred tax assets

  Property, plant and equipment and 

intangible assets ................................................
  Retirement benefit liabilities ..................................
  Accrued expenses .................................................
  Unused tax losses .................................................
  Other ......................................................................
Total deferred tax assets ...........................................

Deferred tax liabilities
  Property, plant and equipment and 

intangible assets ................................................
  Retirement benefit assets .....................................
  Financial assets ......................................................
  Undistributed foreign earnings ..............................
  Other ......................................................................
Total deferred tax liabilities ........................................
Deferred tax assets, net ............................................

19,570

22,708
13,040
1,385
17,739
74,442

7,959

(1)
3,649
12,390
1,309
25,306
49,136

(1,292)

(1,024)
(889)
(135)
(1,696)
(5,036)

92

1
—
340
45
478
(5,514)

—

6,298
—
—
—
6,298

—

—
(663)
—
—
(663)
6,961

38

(135)
(224)
(10)
(202)
(533)

(106)

—
(222)
—
(33)
(361)
(172)

18,316

27,847
11,927
1,240
15,841
75,171

7,945

—
2,764
12,730
1,321
24,760
50,411

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015  

(Millions of yen)

January 1, 
2015

Recognized in 
profit or loss

Recognized 
in other 
comprehensive 
income

Other

December 31, 
2015

Deferred tax assets

  Property, plant and equipment and 

intangible assets ................................................
  Retirement benefit liabilities ..................................
  Accrued expenses .................................................
  Unused tax losses .................................................
  Other ......................................................................
Total deferred tax assets ...........................................

Deferred tax liabilities
  Property, plant and equipment and 

intangible assets ................................................
  Retirement benefit assets .....................................
  Financial assets ......................................................
  Undistributed foreign earnings ..............................
  Other ......................................................................
Total deferred tax liabilities ........................................
Deferred tax assets, net ............................................

21,459
26,424
14,089
4,990
20,428
87,390

7,758
1,676
3,381
12,500
1,314
26,629
60,761

(1,582)
(3,212)
(725)
(3,562)
(3,053)
(12,134)

(203)
(1,703)
—
96
(115)
(1,925)
(10,209)

—
(482)
—
—
(6)
(488)

—
—
405
—
—
405
(893)

(307)
(22)
(324)
(43)
370
(326)

404
26
(137)
(206)
110
197
(523)

19,570
22,708
13,040
1,385
17,739
74,442

7,959
(1)
3,649
12,390
1,309
25,306
49,136

37

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

Deferred tax assets .........................................................................................................

Deferred tax liabilities ......................................................................................................
Deferred tax assets, net ..................................................................................................

2016
50,939 

528
50,411

2015
49,454

318
49,136

Deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognized are as follows:

Unused tax losses ...........................................................................................................

Deductible temporary differences ...................................................................................
  Total  .............................................................................................................................

Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognized will expire as follows:

Not later than 1 year ........................................................................................................

Later than 1 year and not later than 2 years ....................................................................

Later than 2 years and not later than 3 years ..................................................................

Later than 3 years and not later than 4 years ..................................................................

Later than 4 years ............................................................................................................
  Total  .............................................................................................................................

2016
35,274

21,091
56,365

2016
10,974

4,132

5,551

7,320

7,297
35,274

2015
39,784

22,049
61,833

2015
3,902

10,370

4,630

6,400

14,482
39,784

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
61,194

433
60,761

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
46,367

12,904
59,271

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
5,968

8,025

7,353

5,198

19,823
46,367

  The aggregate amount of taxable temporary differences 
associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates for 
which deferred tax liabilities were not recognized at December 31, 
2016 and 2015, and the transition date were 12,385 million yen, 
14,496 million yen and 25,767 million yen, respectively. The Group 

did not recognize deferred tax liabilities for these temporary 
differences because it was able to control the timing of the 
reversal of these temporary differences, and it was probable that 
the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable 
future.

(2) Income Taxes 
Income taxes consist of the following.

Current taxes  .............................................................................................................

Deferred taxes1 ...........................................................................................................
  Total  ........................................................................................................................

2016
50,027

5,514
55,541

(Millions of yen)

2015
49,877

10,209
60,086

Note: 1.   Deferred taxes include 2,698 million yen and 3,838 million yen for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, 

due to tax rate changes.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

38

 
 
 
 
(3) Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate
The details of difference between the statutory income tax rate and the Group’s average actual tax rate 
consist of the following. 

Effective statutory tax rate  ........................................................................................

  Tax credit for experimental research costs and other .............................................

  Different tax rates applied to subsidiaries ...............................................................

  Reassessment of recoverability of unused tax losses and deferred tax assets .....

  Change in tax rates .................................................................................................

  Other .......................................................................................................................
Average actual tax rate ...............................................................................................

2016
33.06

(3.00)

(2.06)

0.32

1.47

0.49
30.28

(%)

2015
35.64

(2.68)

(2.44)

1.94

2.31

1.42
36.19

Note:  Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

 The “Act for Partial Revision of the Income Tax Act, etc.” (Act. No. 15 of 2016) and the “Act for Partial Revision of the Local Tax Act, etc.” 
(Act No. 13 of 2016) enacted in Japan on March 29, 2016 reduced the income tax rate for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2016. 
Accordingly, the effective statutory tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities has changed from  32.26% to 
30.86% for temporary differences expected to be reversed in the fiscal years beginning January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018, and to 
30.62% for temporary differences expected to be reversed in or after the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
 The “Act for Partial Revision of the Income Tax Act, etc.” (Act. No. 9 of 2015) and the “Act for Partial Revision of the Local Tax Act, etc.” (Act 
No. 2 of 2015) enacted in Japan on March 31, 2015 reduced the income tax rate for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2015. 
Accordingly, the effective statutory tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities has changed from 35.64% to 
33.06% for temporary differences expected to be reversed in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016, and to 32.26% for temporary 
differences expected to be reversed in or after the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017.

17

Bonds and Borrowings

Bonds and borrowings consist of the following. 

Short-term borrowings ..............................................
Current portion of long-term borrowings ...................
Long-term borrowings ...............................................
Bonds2  .......................................................................
  Total ....................................................................

Current liabilities
  Bonds and borrowings ...........................................
Non-current liabilities
  Bonds and borrowings ...........................................
  Total ....................................................................

2016

220
30,069
40,410
49,947
120,646

2015

267
72
70,282
49,925
120,546

Transition date
1,357
20,065
30,285
49,903
101,610

30,289

339

21,422

90,357
120,646

120,207
120,546

80,188
101,610

(Millions of yen)

Average interest 
rate1 (%)
0.95
0.29
0.13
—

Maturity

—
—
2019-2023
—

Notes:  1.   The average interest rate is the weighted-average interest rate on the balance of borrowings as of December 31, 2016.

2. Details of bonds issued are as follows:

Issue date

2016

2015

Transition date

Interest rate (%)

Collateral Maturity date

(Millions of yen)

24,958

24,945

49,903

0.39

0.62

None

June 20, 2018

None

June 19, 2020

Issuer

The Company

The Company

Bond name
3rd unsecured 
bonds 2018
4th unsecured 
bonds 2020

June 14, 2013   24,982

  24,970

June 14, 2013   24,965

  24,955

  Total(cid:1).....................................................   49,947

  49,925

39

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

18

Leases

(1) Finance Lease Payables
As a lessee, the Group leases assets including buildings. Some lease contracts include renewal options. The Group has no lease 
contracts with covenants such as restrictions on additional borrowings or additional leases.
  The total of future minimum lease payments and the present value under finance lease contracts consist of the following. 

Not later than 1 year ...................................
Later than 1 year and not 

later than 5 years ....................................
Later than 5 years .......................................
  Total  ........................................................
Financial charges ........................................
  Present value of minimum 

lease payments ...................................

Minimum lease payments
2015
968

Transition date
1,050

2016
884

Present value of minimum lease payments
2015
2016
917
842

Transition date
989

(Millions of yen)

2,622
634
4,140
(140)

4,000

3,008
1,125
5,101
(190)

4,911

3,306
1,786
6,142
(252)

5,890

2,532
626
4,000
—

4,000

2,888
1,106
4,911
—

4,911

3,153
1,748
5,890
—

5,890

(2) Non-cancellable Operating Leases
As a lessee, the Group leases assets including land. 

  The total of future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lease contracts consists of the following.

Not later than 1 year ................................................................................................................
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years ............................................................................
Later than 5 years ....................................................................................................................
  Total  .....................................................................................................................................

2016
8,808
16,660
7,627
33,095

2015
8,649
16,889
8,815
34,353

(Millions of yen)
Transition date
10,291
18,030
10,156
38,477

  The total of minimum lease payments under operating lease contracts recognized as expenses is as follows:

Total of minimum lease payments ...........................................................................................

2016
9,858

(Millions of yen)
2015
11,590

19

Trade and Other Payables

Trade and other payables consist of the following.

Trade payables .........................................................................................................................
Non-trade payables ..................................................................................................................
  Total  .....................................................................................................................................

2016
130,348
86,545
216,893

2015
134,278
72,482
206,760

(Millions of yen)
Transition date
130,264
63,196
193,460

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
20

Employee Benefits

(1) Post-employment Benefits
The Company and most of its domestic subsidiaries have a cash 
balance plan as a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution 
plan as post-employment benefits (The cash balance plan is linked 
to market interest rates). Defined benefit plan obligations held in 
Japan account for a large proportion of the Group’s defined 
benefit plan obligations.
  Cash balance plan benefits are calculated using points acquired 
during the enrollment period and a multiplier based on the enrollment 
period. The Group may also pay an early retirement bonus allowance 
to employees who retire earlier than retirement age.

In accordance with laws and regulations, the defined benefit 
plan is operated as a pension fund that is legally separated from 
the Group. The pension fund is managed by a Board of 
Representatives composed of representatives elected by the 
participating companies and the representatives of participating 
employees. Pension fund management institutions manage the 
pension fund’s assets in accordance with management policies 

specified by the Board of Representatives. The Board of 
Representatives and the pension fund management institutions 
are legally required to act in the best interests of plan participants 
in executing their responsibilities for managing plan assets. 
  Certain foreign subsidiaries have defined benefit plans and/or 
defined contribution plans as post-employment benefits. 

  The defined benefit plan is exposed to the actuarial risk and to 
the risk of fluctuation in the fair value of plan assets. Actuarial risk 
primarily involves interest rate risk. Interest rate risk involves the 
potential for an increase in defined benefit plan obligations if the 
discount rate used to calculate their present value decreases, 
because this discount rate is based on market yields on 
instruments including high-quality corporate bonds. The risk of 
fluctuation in the fair value of plan assets involves underfunding if 
actual interest rates are lower than the interest rate criteria for 
managing plan assets. 

1)  Defined benefit liabilities recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position

 Net defined benefit liabilities and assets recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position, defined benefit obligations 
and plan assets are as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations ...................................................................
Fair value of plan assets ..................................................................................................
  Funded status ..............................................................................................................
Effect of asset ceiling ......................................................................................................
  Net defined benefit liabilities .......................................................................................

Amounts recognized in consolidated statement of financial position
  Retirement benefit liabilities ........................................................................................
  Retirement benefit assets1 ..........................................................................................
  Net defined benefit liabilities .......................................................................................

2016
355,579
(261,857)
93,722
—
93,722

94,773
(1,051)
93,722

2015
331,494
(256,828)
74,666
—
74,666

75,706
(1,040)
74,666

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
332,385
(255,541)
76,844
0
76,844

77,895
(1,051)
76,844

Note: 1. Retirement benefit assets are included in other non-current assets in the consolidated statement of financial position.

2) Defined benefit obligations
  Changes in the present value of defined benefit obligations are as follows:

The present value of the defined benefit obligations at beginning of year ................................................
  Current service cost1 .............................................................................................................................
Interest expense2  ..................................................................................................................................

  Remeasurements

  Actuarial (gains) losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions ......................................
  Actuarial (gains) losses arising from changes in financial assumptions .............................................
  Actuarial (gains) losses arising from experience adjustments............................................................
  Benefits paid3 .........................................................................................................................................
  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations and other ....................................................
The present value of the defined benefit obligations at end of year .........................................................

2016
331,494
8,784
3,619

(2,374)
28,545
(1,245)
(10,964)
(2,280)
355,579

(Millions of yen)

2015
332,385
9,110
3,679

4,614
(5,013)
(468)
(11,148)
(1,665)
331,494

Notes: 1.   Current service cost is recognized in profit or loss and included in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating 

expenses in the consolidated statement of income.

2.  Interest expense or interest income associated with the net of the present value of the defined benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets is 

recognized in profit or loss and included in financial expenses or financial income in the consolidated statement of income.

3.  The weighted-average duration of the defined benefit obligations in Japan was mainly 17.3 years at December 31, 2016, 16.1 years at December 31, 

2015 and 15.7 years at the transition date.

41

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3) Plan assets
  Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:

The fair value of plan assets at beginning of year ......................................................................................
Interest income  .....................................................................................................................................

  Remeasurements 

  Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in interest income) ...........................................
  Contributions to the plan by the employer1 ............................................................................................
  Payments from the plan .........................................................................................................................
  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations and other ....................................................
The fair value of plan assets at end of year ...............................................................................................

2016
256,828
2,692

2,517
10,768
(9,752)
(1,196)
261,857

(Millions of yen)

2015
255,541
2,665

(1,155)
10,483
(10,140)
(566)
256,828

Note: 1.  Pursuant to laws and regulations, the Group and the pension fund review the financial condition of the pension plan regularly and recalculate contributions 

for allocating future benefits and maintaining the balance of pension financing when the plan is underfunded. The Group plans to contribute 8,972 million 
yen to the defined benefit plan for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. 

  Plan assets consist of the following.

Equity securities ..............
  Japan ...........................
  Overseas ......................
Debt securities
  Japan ...........................
  Overseas ......................
Other ...............................
  Total ..........................

2016
Market price in an active market

Quoted 
7,723
— 
7,723
7,489
 — 
7,489
237
15,449

Unquoted
51,195
24,704
26,491
180,216
116,734
 63,482 
14,997
246,408

Total
58,918
24,704
34,214
187,705
116,734
70,971
15,234
261,857

2015
Market price in an active market
Total
Unquoted
54,049
46,838
23,801
23,801
30,248
23,037
186,851
181,072
122,107
122,107
64,744
 58,965 
15,928
13,680
256,828
241,590

Quoted
7,211
—
7,211
5,779
—
5,779
2,248
15,238

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
Market price in an active market
Total
Unquoted
43,569
35,793
22,118
22,118
21,451
13,675
196,075
189,992
169,917
169,917
26,158
20,075
15,897
13,733
255,541
239,518

Quoted
7,776
—
7,776
6,083
—
6,083
2,164
16,023

Note: Plan assets invested in pooled funds of trust banks are classified without a quoted market prices in active markets.

   Pension assets in Japan account for a large proportion of 
the Group’s plan assets. The objective in managing plan 
assets is to raise total returns to the greatest extent 
possible in order to ensure stable benefits and lump-sum 
payments for plan participants in the future and beneficiaries 
with a long-term view under acceptable risks. Specifically, 
the Group considers factors including expected rate of 

return on investments in appropriate assets, risks of each 
asset, and asset combinations to set an asset mix policy 
for an appropriate basic portfolio in future years as the 
basis for maintaining asset allocation. The Group reviews 
the basic portfolio annually and realigns it as necessary if 
the asset allocation conditions have changed since the asset 
mix was set.

4) Significant actuarial assumptions and related sensitivity analysis
  Significant actuarial assumptions are as follows:

Discount rate .................................................................................................................

Mainly 0.8%

Mainly 1.3%

Mainly 1.2%

2016

2015

Transition date

Note: The above table presents the discount rate used by the Company and major domestic subsidiaries.

   Sensitivity analysis of the effect of changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligations of the Company and major 
domestic subsidiaries given changes in the discount rate used as a significant actuarial assumption is as follows:

2016

2015

Transition date

(Millions of yen)

The impact on defined benefit obligations
  0.5% increase in discount rate ..................................................................................
  0.5% decrease in discount rate .................................................................................

(25,807)
26,774

(21,946)
23,706

(21,944)
23,306 

Note:   This sensitivity analysis estimates the effect on the defined benefit obligations at the end of each reporting period from changes in the discount rate 

while all of the other assumptions remain constant.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5) Defined contribution plans

 Expenses related to the defined contribution plan recognized 
in profit or loss were 3,551 million yen and 3,707 million 
yen for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 
2015, respectively and included in cost of sales, selling, 
general and administrative expenses and other operating 
expenses in the consolidated statement of income.

(2) Other Employee Benefit Expenses
Other employee benefit expenses recognized in cost of sales, 
selling, general and administrative expenses, and other operating 
expenses in the consolidated statement of income for the fiscal 
years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 258,225 million 
yen and 254,287 million yen, respectively.

21

Provisions

Components of and changes in provisions consist of the following.

January 1, 2016..........................................................
Increase .................................................................
Interest expense on discounted provision ................
  Decrease (Provision used) .....................................
  Decrease (Provision reversed) ...............................

 Exchange differences on translation of 
   foreign operations ...............................................
December 31, 2016 ...................................................

Provision for loss 
related to 
cosmetics
23,447
—
8
(9,601)
(144)

Provision for 
asset retirement 
obligations
4,022
260
68
(87)
—

Provision for 
sales returns
2,083
4,749
—
(2,751)
(9)

—
13,710

(21)
4,242

(107)
3,965

Other 
provisions
4,924
2,030
—
(3,210)
(452)

(30)
3,262

(Millions of yen)

Total
34,476
7,039
76
(15,649)
(605)

(158)
25,179

(1) Provision for Loss Related to Cosmetics
The Group has recognized estimated compensation and other 
expenses related to cosmetics for brightening products of Kanebo 
Cosmetics containing the ingredient Rhododenol, for which a 
voluntary recall was announced on July 4, 2013. The Group expects 
insurance to cover 9,143 million yen of the estimated expenses.

(2) Provision for Asset Retirement Obligations
The Group recognizes asset retirement obligations principally based 
on or pursuant to reasonably estimated future expenditures using 
historical experience and other factors when the Group has a legal 
or contractual obligation associated with the retirement of property, 
plant and equipment and leased assets held for use. 
  These expenditures are generally expected to take place after a year 
or more, but are affected by factors including future business plans.

(3) Provision for Sales Returns
The Group recognizes expected losses from product returns 
based on reasonable estimates using historical experience and 
other factors when the Group expects that customers will return 
products that the Group has sold, primarily when the Group 
terminates the production and sale of products. These 
expenditures are generally expected to take place after a year or 
more, but are affected by factors including future business plans.

(4) Other Provisions
Estimated expenses for business transformation at European 
subsidiaries and other expenses are included.

22 Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities consist of the following.

Accrued expenses ...........................................................................................................
Consumption tax payables ..............................................................................................
Obligation for unused paid absences ..............................................................................
Other   .............................................................................................................................
  Total  .............................................................................................................................

2016
104,425
8,655
6,199
11,833
131,112

2015
100,651
10,249
5,974
8,548
125,422

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
96,227
13,077
5,775
8,837
123,916

43

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

23

Equity and Other Equity Items

(1) Share Capital
The numbers of shares authorized and issued are as follows:

Authorized...................................................................................................................
Issued1
  Beginning balance ...................................................................................................
  Change during the year ...........................................................................................
  Ending balance ........................................................................................................

(Shares)

2016
1,000,000,000

2015
1,000,000,000

504,000,000
—
504,000,000

504,000,000
—
504,000,000

Note: 1.  All of the issued shares of the Company are ordinary shares that have no par value and no limitations on rights. Issued shares are 

fully paid.

(2) Capital Surplus
Capital surplus consists of capital reserve and other capital surplus. 
  The Companies Act stipulates that over half of the capital contributed from the issue of shares must be included in share capital and 
that the remainder must be included in capital reserve. Moreover, capital reserve may be included in share capital by resolution of the 
General Meeting of Shareholders.

(3) Treasury Shares
The changes in treasury shares are as follows:

Beginning balance1 .....................................................................................................
Increase2  .................................................................................................................
  Decrease3  ...............................................................................................................
Ending balance1  .........................................................................................................

2016
2,541,816
8,862,432
(266,594)
11,137,654

(Shares)

2015
2,921,992
9,340
(389,516)
2,541,816

Notes:  1. 556,492 shares of treasury shares held by associates were included at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the transition date.

2.  The increase of 8,862,432 shares of treasury shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 resulted from the 
acquisition of 8,858,700 shares by resolution of the Board of Directors and the purchase of 3,732 fractional shares.
   The increase of 9,340 shares of treasury shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 resulted from the purchase 
of fractional shares.

3.  The decrease of 266,594 shares of treasury shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 resulted from a decrease 

of 266,000 shares due to the exercise of stock options, and the sale of 594 fractional shares.
   The decrease of 389,516 shares of treasury shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 resulted from a 
decrease of 389,000 shares due to the exercise of stock options, and the sale of 516 fractional shares.

(4) Other Components of Equity
  1) Subscription rights to shares

The Company employs a stock option system and issues 
subscription rights to shares in accordance with the 
Companies Act. Note 33 “Share-based Payments” presents 
information including terms and conditions and amounts.

  2) Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Foreign currency translation differences arise from the 
translation of financial statements of foreign operations 
prepared in foreign currencies.

  3)  Net gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow 

hedges
The Group hedges its exposure to the risk of variability in 
future cash flows. The effective portion of changes in the fair 
value of cash flow hedges is the portion of the change in the 
fair value of the hedging instrument recognized as effective 
under hedge accounting.

  4)  Net gain (loss) on revaluation of financial assets measured 

at fair value through other comprehensive income
This is the accumulated amount of changes in the fair value 
of financial assets measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income. The Group reclassifies net gain (loss) 
on revaluation of financial assets from other components of 
equity to retained earnings when it disposes of an 
investment or when fair value declines significantly.

  5) Remeasurements of defined benefit plans

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans includes the effect 
of variance between actuarial assumptions at the beginning 
of the year and actual results, the effects of changes in 
actuarial assumptions, actual return on plan assets and 
interest income on plan assets (excluding amounts included 
in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset)), and 
any change in the effect of the asset ceiling (excluding 
amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit 
liability (asset)). Remeasurements of defined benefit plans 
are recognized in other comprehensive income and 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
immediately reclassified from other components of equity to 
retained earnings in the period when they occur.

(5) Retained Earnings
Retained earnings consist of legal reserve and other retained 
earnings. 
  The Companies Act requires that an amount equal to one-tenth 

of dividends must be appropriated as capital reserve or as legal 
reserve until the total of aggregate amount of capital reserve and 
legal reserve equals a quarter of share capital. Legal reserve may 
be appropriated to reduce a deficit, and also may be reversed by 
resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

24

Basic Strategy for Capital Policy

The Group’s capital policy follows a basic strategy of securing a 
sound financial structure to make investments for sustainable growth 
and tolerate the related risks, and to make stable, continuous returns 
to shareholders. To realize this policy, the Group uses Economic Value 
Added (hereinafter “EVA®1”), a management indicator that takes 
capital cost into account, as its main indicator and works to enhance 
its corporate value by improving EVA.
  The Group manages all equity and interest-bearing liabilities as 
subject of capital cost and intends to optimize capital cost from 
the viewpoint of safety and capital efficiency. For equity, the 
Group aims for a streamlined and sound structure from a medium- 
to long-term perspective with efficiency in mind and, while 
maintaining interest-bearing liabilities at a moderate level, aims to 
obtain high credit ratings which will allow it to procure capital for 
large-scale investments. The Group is not subject to significant 
capital regulations except for general requirements under the 
Companies Act and others.
  Although the Group emphasizes shareholder returns, it realizes 

that investment for growth will meet the expectations of its 
stakeholders, and therefore prioritizes such investment. In 
addition to providing stable dividends, the Group aims to 
continuously increase dividends to reflect improvement in 
business results. The Group also uses surplus funds to flexibly 
conduct share repurchases. 

In addition to making returns to shareholders, the Group retains 

the capital necessary to conduct investments for growth in a 
timely fashion and to ensure sufficient soundness to deal with 
situations that exceed assumptions while improving EVA.

  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, EVA increased 
14.8 billion yen compared with the previous fiscal year to 73.4 
billion yen, due in part to an increase in net operating profit after 
tax (hereinafter “NOPAT”) and efforts to reduce capital invested 
including the implementation of shareholder returns through a 
share repurchase.

Note: 1. EVA is a monetary metric defined as NOPAT less capital cost. EVA is a registered trademark of Stern Stewart & Co.

25 Dividends

Dividends paid are as follows:

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

Date of resolution

110th Annual General Meeting 
    of Shareholders held on 
    March 25, 2016
Board of Directors held on 
    July 28, 2016 

Total dividends1 
(Millions of yen)

Dividends per share 
(Yen)

Record date

Effective date

21,061

23,077

42

46

December 31, 2015

March 28, 2016

June 30, 2016

September 1, 2016

Note: 1.  Dividends on treasury shares held by associates accounted for using the equity method are reduced by an amount corresponding to the Group’s equity 

in these associates. The dividend resolved at the 110th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 25, 2016 was 21,085 million yen before 
the reduction. The dividend resolved at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on July 28, 2016 was 23,103 million yen before the reduction.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

Date of resolution

109th Annual General Meeting  
    of Shareholders held on 
    March 25, 2015
Board of Directors held on 
    July 28, 2015 

Total dividends1 
(Millions of yen)

Dividends per share 
(Yen)

Record date

Effective date

18,039

19,052

36

38

December 31, 2014

March 26, 2015

June 30, 2015

September 1, 2015

Note: 1.  Dividends on treasury shares held by associates accounted for using the equity method are reduced by an amount corresponding to the Group’s equity in 

these associates. The dividend resolved at the 109th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 25, 2015 was 18,059 million yen before the 
reduction. The dividend resolved at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on July 28, 2015 was 19,073 million yen before the reduction.

45

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Dividends with an effective date after the fiscal year end are as follows:

Total dividends 
(Millions of yen)

Dividends per share 
(Yen)

Record date

Effective date

23,684

48

December 31, 2016

March 22, 2017

Total dividends 
(Millions of yen)

Dividends per share 
(Yen)

Record date

Effective date

21,085

42

December 31, 2015

March 28, 2016

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

Date of Resolution

111th Annual General Meeting  
    of Shareholders held on 
    March 21, 2017

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

Date of Resolution

110th Annual General Meeting 
    of Shareholders held on 
    March 25, 2016

26 Net Sales

Net sales consist of the following.

Sale of goods .............................................................................................................................................
Rendering of services ................................................................................................................................
  Total  .......................................................................................................................................................

2016
1,456,950
660
1,457,610

(Millions of yen)

2015
1,473,956
594
1,474,550

27

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the following.

Freight/warehouse .....................................................................................................................................
Advertising .................................................................................................................................................
Sales promotion .........................................................................................................................................
Employee benefits .....................................................................................................................................
Depreciation ..............................................................................................................................................
Amortization ..............................................................................................................................................
Research and development .......................................................................................................................
Other   .......................................................................................................................................................
  Total  .......................................................................................................................................................

28 Other Operating Income

Other operating income consists of the following.

Revenue of logistics services to third party ...............................................................................................
Royalty income ..........................................................................................................................................
Other   .......................................................................................................................................................
  Total  .......................................................................................................................................................

2016
58,168
97,437
83,161
191,122
11,236
6,173
54,567
131,504
633,368

(Millions of yen)

2015
60,737
94,745
79,910
191,392
11,695
13,957
52,699
137,594
642,729

2016
8,300
1,022
4,355
13,677

(Millions of yen)

2015
8,885
829
4,385
14,099

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

46

29 Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses consist of the following.

Expenses of logistics services to third party .............................................................................................
Losses on sale and disposal of property, plant and equipment .................................................................
Impairment losses1 ....................................................................................................................................
Loss related to cosmetics .........................................................................................................................
Expenses for business transformation at European subsidiaries ..............................................................
Other   .......................................................................................................................................................
  Total  .......................................................................................................................................................

2016
7,454
3,817
109
—
1,776
1,690
14,846

(Millions of yen)

2015
8,159
3,910
4,031
1,961
—
1,676
19,737

Note: 1. Note 12 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale” and Note 13 “Property, Plant and Equipment” present impairment losses.

30

Financial Income and Financial Expenses

Financial income consists of the following.

Interest income
  Financial assets measured at amortized cost ........................................................................................
  Retirement benefit assets .....................................................................................................................
Dividend income
  Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

  Financial assets derecognized during the year ..................................................................................
  Financial assets held at year end .......................................................................................................
  Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss ...............................................................
Other   .......................................................................................................................................................
  Total ...............................................................................................................................................

Financial expenses consist of the following.

Foreign exchange loss1 .............................................................................................................................
Interest expenses2
  Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost ...................................................................................
  Retirement benefit liabilities .................................................................................................................
Other   .......................................................................................................................................................
  Total ................................................................................................................................................

2016

1,012
26

9
205
21
116
1,389

2016
2,859

1,484
953
128
5,424

(Millions of yen)

2015

1,048
21

46
135
37
129
1,416

(Millions of yen)

2015
1,633

1,528
1,035
17
4,213

Notes: 1. Valuation gains or losses on currency derivatives that are not designated as hedges are included in foreign exchange loss.
2. Valuation gains or losses on interest rate derivatives that are not designated as hedges are included in interest expenses.

47

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

31

Earnings per Share

(1) The Basis for Calculating Basic Earnings per Share

Net income attributable to owners of the parent ........................................................................................
Amounts not attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent ................................................................
Net income used to calculate basic earnings per share ..............................................................................

(Millions of yen, unless otherwise noted)

2016
126,551
—
126,551

2015
105,196
—
105,196

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (Thousands of shares) ........................................................

499,355

501,352

Basic earnings per share (Yen) ....................................................................................................................

253.43

209.82

(2) The Basis for Calculating Diluted Earnings per Share

Net income used to calculate basic earnings per share ...............................................................................
Adjustments to net income ..........................................................................................................................
Net income used to calculate diluted earnings per share .............................................................................

(Millions of yen, unless otherwise noted)

2016
126,551
—
126,551

2015
105,196
—
105,196

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (Thousands of shares) .........................................................
Increase in ordinary shares
  Subscription rights to shares (Thousands of shares) ................................................................................
Weighted average number of ordinary shares after dilution (Thousands of shares) ....................................

499,355

501,352

483
499,838

701
502,053

Diluted earnings per share (Yen) ..................................................................................................................

253.18

209.53

Summary of potential ordinary shares not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share 
  because they have no dilutive effect ........................................................................................................

—

—

32 Other Comprehensive Income

Amount arising during the fiscal year, reclassification adjustments to profit or loss and tax effects for each component of other 
comprehensive income are as follows:

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

(Millions of yen)

Gains (losses) 
arising for the year

Reclassification 
adjustments

Before tax effect

Tax effect

After tax effect

Other comprehensive income that will not be 

reclassified to profit or loss

  Gains (losses) on financial assets measured at 

fair value through other comprehensive income ......
  Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans ......
  Share of other comprehensive income of 

  associates accounted for by the equity method .......
  Total of other comprehensive income that will 

(1,569)
(22,409)

(128)

  not be reclassified to profit or loss ....................

(24,106)

Other comprehensive income that can be 

reclassified to profit or loss

  Exchange differences on translation of foreign 

  operations .................................................................

(16,661)

  Share of other comprehensive income of 

  associates accounted for by the equity method .......
  Total of other comprehensive income that can 

(7)

  be reclassified to profit or loss ..........................

(16,668)

  Total ............................................................... 

(40,774)

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,569)
(22,409)

(128)

663
6,298

56

(906)
(16,111)

(72)

(24,106)

7,017

(17,089)

(16,661)

(7)

(16,668)

—

(3)

(3)

(16,661)

(10)

(16,671)

(40,774)

7,014

(33,760)

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

(Millions of yen)

Gains (losses) 
arising for the year

Reclassification 
adjustments

Before tax effect

Tax effect

After tax effect

Other comprehensive income that will not be 

reclassified to profit or loss

  Gains (losses) on financial assets measured at 

fair value through other comprehensive income ......
  Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans ......
  Share of other comprehensive income of 

  associates accounted for by the equity method .......
  Total of other comprehensive income that will 

2,200
(288)

332

  not be reclassified to profit or loss ....................

2,244

Other comprehensive income that can be 

reclassified to profit or loss

  Exchange differences on translation of 

—
—

—

—

2,200
(288)

332

2,244

foreign operations .....................................................

(14,236)

(828)

(15,064)

  Effective portion of changes in the fair value of 

  cash flow hedges ......................................................

  Share of other comprehensive income of 

  associates accounted for by the equity method .......
  Total of other comprehensive income that can 

18

(26)

—

1

18

(25)

  be reclassified to profit or loss ..........................

(14,244)

(827)

(15,071)

(405)
(482)

(87)

(974)

—

(6)

6

—

1,795
(770)

245

1,270

(15,064)

12

(19)

(15,071)

  Total ............................................................... 

(12,000)

(827)

(12,827)

(974)

(13,801)

33

Share-based Payments

(1) Share-based Payment System
The Company issues the following two types of stock options to 
directors, executive officers and employees of the Group.

  1) Stock options for share-based payment

 Stock options for share-based payment are granted as 
compensation for directors and executive officers who do not 
concurrently serve as directors. These stock options are 
intended to motivate and inspire recipients to enhance the 
Company’s results and value of shares and to further enhance 
corporate value by aligning the interests of recipients with 
those of shareholders by further increasing the linkage among 
the compensation of recipients, the Company’s results and 
value of shares.

  •  Vesting conditions: Set on date of grant
  •  Settlement: Shares settled

(2) Number of Stock Options and Weighted Average Exercise Price

  •   Exercise period: Five years from July 1 of two years after the 

subscription rights to shares are granted

  2) Conventional stock options

 Conventional stock options were granted to the employees of 
the Company and the directors and employees of its 
subsidiaries and associates as incentives. These stock options 
were intended to further enhance corporate value by aligning 
the interests of recipients with those of shareholders. The 
Group has ceased granting these stock options since the fiscal 
year ended December 31, 2012 after reviewing its system of 
compensation and incentives for managers.

  •  Vesting conditions: Set on date of grant
  •  Settlement: Shares settled
  •   Exercise period: Five years from September 1 of two years 

after the subscription rights to shares are granted

2016

2015

Number of shares
(Shares)

Weighted average 
exercise price
(Yen)

Number of shares
(Shares)

Weighted average 
exercise price
(Yen)

Beginning balance of outstanding ......................................
  Granted ...........................................................................
  Exercised ........................................................................
  Expired at maturity ..........................................................
Ending balance of outstanding ...........................................
Ending balance of exercisable ............................................

846,000
40,000
(266,000)
(71,000)
549,000
469,000

1,654
1
1,886
2,355
1,331
1,558

1,343,000
40,000
(389,000)
(148,000)
846,000
766,000

2,100
1
2,473
3,100
1,654
1,827

Notes: 1.   The weighted average share price on the date of exercise for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 5,821 yen and 5,443 yen, 

respectively.

49

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2.  The exercise price and the weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options outstanding at the end of the period are as follows:

Range of 
exercise price
(Yen)

1
2,190 - 2,254
Total

2016

Number of shares
(Shares)
222,000
327,000
549,000

Weighted average 
remaining contractual life
(Years)
4.0
1.4
2.4

Range of 
exercise price
(Yen)

1
2,190 - 2,355
Total

2015

Number of shares
(Shares)
231,000
615,000
846,000

Weighted average 
remaining contractual life
(Years)
4.1
1.8
2.4

(3) Fair Value of and Assumptions for Stock Options Issued during the Fiscal Year
The weighted average fair value of stock options issued was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions.

Fair value at date of grant ...............................................................................................................
Share price at date of grant ............................................................................................................
Exercise price .................................................................................................................................
Expected volatility ...........................................................................................................................
Expected remaining life ..................................................................................................................
Expected dividend yield ..................................................................................................................
Risk-free interest rate .....................................................................................................................

  Expected volatility is calculated using actual recent share prices for the expected remaining life.

Stock option 2016
5,681 yen
5,956 yen
1 yen
25.723%
3.5 years
1.343%
(0.235)%

Stock option 2015
5,630 yen
5,871 yen
1 yen
21.458%
3.5 years
1.192%
0.018%

(4) Share-based Payment Expenses
Share-based payment expenses recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 
2015 were 227 million yen and 225 million yen, respectively.

34

Financial Instruments

(1) Classification of Financial Instruments
The amounts of each classification of financial assets are as follows:

Financial assets

2016

2015

Transition date

(Millions of yen)

Financial assets measured at amortized cost
  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 8) ..............................................................................
  Trade and other receivables (Note 9) ............................................................................
  Other .............................................................................................................................
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 8) ..............................................................................
  Derivatives ....................................................................................................................
  Other .............................................................................................................................
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income
  Equity securities ...........................................................................................................
  Total ......................................................................................................................

Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents ...........................................................................................
  Trade and other receivables ..........................................................................................
  Other financial assets ...................................................................................................
  Subtotal ......................................................................................................................

Non-current assets
  Other financial assets ...................................................................................................
  Total ......................................................................................................................

268,126
208,459
22,404

34,900
791
2,888

12,428
549,996

303,026
208,459
13,038
524,523

25,473
549,996

240,363
210,707
14,319

69,559
2,240
2,858

14,987
555,033

309,922
210,707
5,065
525,694

29,339
555,033

181,323
212,742
13,140

47,644
656
2,853

13,473
471,831

228,967
212,742
4,034
445,743

26,088
471,831

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

50

 
 
 
 
 
  Equity securities held by the Group are mainly issued by the entities that maintain business relationships with the Group and held for the 
long-term without speculative purposes. The Group has designated such equity securities as financial assets measured at fair value 
through other comprehensive income. Names of major equity securities and their fair values are as follows:

As of December 31, 2016

Company name
Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. .........................................................................................
Seven Bank, Ltd. ..........................................................................................................
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. ..........................................................................................
Saiwai Trading Co., Ltd. ................................................................................................
Livedo Corporation .......................................................................................................
Aeon Co., Ltd. ...............................................................................................................
Settsu Oil Mill, Inc. .......................................................................................................
Izumi Co., Ltd. ..............................................................................................................
Japan Alcohol Trading Co., Ltd. ....................................................................................
Keytrading Co., Ltd. ......................................................................................................

As of December 31, 2015

Company name
Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. ..........................................................................................
Seven Bank, Ltd. ...........................................................................................................
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. ...........................................................................................
Livedo Corporation ........................................................................................................
Saiwai Trading Co., Ltd. .................................................................................................
Aeon Co., Ltd. ................................................................................................................
Settsu Oil Mill, Inc. ........................................................................................................
Izumi Co., Ltd. ...............................................................................................................
Japan Alcohol Trading Co., Ltd. .....................................................................................
Keytrading Co., Ltd. .......................................................................................................

(Millions of yen)

Fair value

2,863
1,675
913
863
835
687
533
502
462
359

(Millions of yen)

Fair value

3,568
2,665
1,000
831
766
728
621
468
418
353

As of the transition date

Company name
Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. ..........................................................................................
Seven Bank, Ltd. ...........................................................................................................
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. ...........................................................................................
Livedo Corporation ........................................................................................................
Saiwai Trading Co., Ltd. .................................................................................................
Aeon Co., Ltd. ................................................................................................................
Settsu Oil Mill, Inc. ........................................................................................................
Izumi Co., Ltd. ...............................................................................................................
Japan Alcohol Trading Co., Ltd. .....................................................................................
Keytrading Co., Ltd. .......................................................................................................

(Millions of yen)

Fair value

2,801
2,540
1,043
784
571
491
473
422
386
364

  The Group derecognizes some financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income by sale for reasons including 

asset efficiency and changes in business relationships. The total amounts of the fair value of such financial assets at the time of sale and 

the cumulative gains or losses on sales are as follows:

Fair value ....................................................................................................................
Cumulative gains (losses) ...........................................................................................

2016
1,036
658

(Millions of yen)

2015
690
367

  The Group transfers to retained earnings the cumulative gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of financial assets 
measured at fair value through other comprehensive income recognized as other components of equity when it disposes of an investment 
or when fair value declines significantly. Cumulative gains or losses of other comprehensive income, net of taxes, that were transferred to 
retained earnings for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 435 million yen and 236 million yen, respectively.

51

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The amounts of each classification of financial liabilities are as follows.

Financial liabilities

2016

2015

Transition date

(Millions of yen)

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost
  Trade and other payables (Note 19) ............................................................................
  Bonds and borrowings (Note 17) ................................................................................
  Other ...........................................................................................................................
Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss
  Derivatives ..................................................................................................................
  Total ....................................................................................................................

Current liabilities
  Trade and other payables ............................................................................................
  Bonds and borrowings ................................................................................................
  Other financial liabilities ..............................................................................................
  Subtotal ...................................................................................................................

Non-current liabilities
  Bonds and borrowings ................................................................................................
  Other financial liabilities ..............................................................................................
  Subtotal ...................................................................................................................
  Total ....................................................................................................................

216,893
120,646
19,057

773
357,369

216,893
30,289
8,164
255,346

90,357
11,666
102,023
357,369

206,760
120,546
17,919

827
346,052

206,760
339
6,929
214,028

120,207
11,817
132,024
346,052

193,460
101,610
17,492

1,086
313,648

193,460
21,422
5,765
220,647

80,188
12,813
93,001
313,648

  There are no significant assets pledged for the above financial liabilities. Deposits received, which is interest-bearing liability in other 
financial liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the transition date, was 13,275 million yen, 11,986 million yen and 10,561 million 
yen, respectively. The average interest rate on deposits received as of December 31, 2016 is 0.14%.

(2) Risk Management on Financial Instruments
The Group manages financial instrument risk based on the 
following policies to avoid and mitigate market risk, credit risk and 
liquidity risk.

mitigation needs, and does not use derivatives for trading or 
speculative purposes. Therefore, as a rule, changes in the fair 
value of derivative instruments that the Group holds effectively 
offset changes in the fair value or cash flow.

  1) Market risk management

  (i)  Exchange rate risk

 The Group is exposed to the risk of market variability such as 
fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates and share prices. 
The Group appropriately manages market risk to mitigate risk. 
In addition, the Group uses derivatives mainly consisting of 
foreign exchange forward contracts, currency swaps and 
interest rate swaps with the objective of appropriately 
managing market risk. The Group executes and manages 
derivatives in accordance with internal policies that define 
objective, position limit, scope, organizational structure and 
others. The Group limits the use of derivatives to actual risk 

 The Group also operates outside Japan, and therefore is 
exposed to the risks of exchange rate fluctuations 
associated with transactions conducted in foreign 
currencies and with net investments in foreign operations. 
The Group minimizes the effect of exchange rate 
fluctuations on operating results by settling transactions 
denominated in foreign currency through foreign currency 
accounts, and by hedging the risk of exchange rate 
fluctuations using derivative instruments such as foreign 
exchange forward and currency swaps.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Details of foreign exchange forward contracts and 
currency swaps between the Japanese yen, which is the 
Group’s functional currency, and its main foreign 
currencies including the U.S. dollar, the euro and the 
Chinese yuan are as follows:

   The Group did not apply hedge accounting for these 
derivative transactions, but determined that these 
transactions effectively offset the impact of fluctuations in 
exchange rates.

(Millions of yen)

2016
Contract 
amount over 
1 year

Carrying 
amount 
(fair value)1

Contract 
amount

2015
Contract 
amount over 
1 year

Carrying 
amount 
(fair value)1

Contract 
amount

Derivatives transactions
Foreign exchange forward contracts:
  Selling

Transition date
Contract 
amount over 
1 year

Carrying 
amount 
(fair value)1

Contract 
amount

  U.S. dollar .................................
  Euro ..........................................
  Chinese yuan ...........................

16,308
74
1,065

  Buying

  Euro ..........................................
  Chinese yuan ...........................

151
701

7,280
—
—

—
701

60
3
(1)

(6)
(52)

16,824
76
4,578

43
778

9,729
—
3,379

—
778

(83)
(0)
110

1
(100)

—
54
3,053

55
808

—
—
3,053

—
808

—
1
(67)

(1)
(114)

Currency swaps:

 Receiving Japanese yen, paying 
  Chinese yuan ...........................

2,279

2,279

(158)

2,279

2,279

(417)

2,279

2,279

(602)

Note: 1. Note 34 “Financial Instruments (4) Fair Value of Financial Instruments” presents the method of measuring the fair value of the above derivatives.

   The above assets or liabilities related to derivative transactions are included in other financial assets or other financial liabilities 
in the consolidated statement of financial position.

   Net exposure to exchange rate risk consists of the following. Amounts hedged against exchange rate fluctuation risk with 
derivatives are excluded.

As of December 31, 2016

Net exposure

As of December 31, 2015

Net exposure

U.S. dollar
2,210

U.S. dollar
1,598

Euro
707

Euro
1,354

(Millions of yen)

Chinese yuan
5,342

(Millions of yen)

Chinese yuan
4,183

   The following table illustrates the impact on income 
before income taxes in the consolidated statement of 
income from foreign currency-denominated financial 
instruments held by the Group at the end of each fiscal 
year if the Japanese yen appreciated by 10% against the 
U.S. dollar, the euro and the Chinese yuan.

   The effects of translating financial instruments 
denominated in the Group’s functional currency, and the 
assets, liabilities, income and expenses of foreign 
operations are not included in the analysis. The analysis 
also assumes that currencies other than those used in the 
calculation remain constant.

U.S. dollar ...............................................................................................................................................
Euro ........................................................................................................................................................
Chinese yuan ..........................................................................................................................................

2016
(221)
(71)
(534)

(Millions of yen)

2015
(160)
(135)
(418)

   (ii) Interest rate fluctuation risk

 The Group finances through long-term borrowings and 
bonds for maintaining an appropriate cost of capital and 
strengthening its financial base for investment for growth. 
The Group considers interest rate market movements and 
the balance between floating and fixed interest rates in 
making decisions about long-term funding. The Group’s 
short-term borrowings generally have floating interest 
rates. The Group hedges interest rate risk as necessary 

using derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps, 
and therefore estimates its exposure to interest rate 
fluctuation risk is limited.

  (iii) Share price fluctuation risk

 The Group held marketable equity securities, primarily 
those of companies with which the Group has business 
relationships, totaled at 8,956 million yen, 11,775 million 
yen and 10,476 million yen at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 

53

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and the transition date, respectively. These equity 
securities are exposed to share price fluctuation risk. 
However, the Group annually evaluates the rationale and 
reviews ongoing advisability and position size of these 
holdings. Fluctuations in their prices do not affect net profit 
or loss because all of these equity securities are 
designated as financial assets measured at fair value 
through other comprehensive income.

  2) Credit risk management

 The Group is exposed to credit risk such as a counterparty’s 
default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial losses 
to the Group.
  (i)  Trade and other receivables

 Notes and accounts receivable are trade receivables that 
expose the Group to customer credit risk. The Group 
manages that risk with an internal process for investigating 
and approving customer credit on initial transactions, and 
by obtaining deposits, collateral or other guaranties as 
necessary. The Group also manages due dates and 
outstanding balances by customer, and periodically 
reconfirms creditworthiness of major customers. Non-trade 
receivables expose the Group to business partner credit 
risk, but these receivables are almost entirely settled in the 
short-term.

  (ii)  Short-term investments

 Short-term investments are recognized in cash and cash 
equivalents and other financial assets. They are highly safe 
and liquid financial instruments that include commercial 
paper issued by entities with high bond ratings, bond 
investment trusts, and money held in trust.

  (iii) Loan receivables

 Loan receivables expose the Group to borrower credit risk. 
The Group manages this risk with an internal process for 
investigating and approving borrower credit on initial 
lending transactions, and by obtaining deposits, collateral 
or other guaranties as necessary. The Group also 
periodically reconfirms creditworthiness of borrowers.

  (iv) Derivatives

 The Group executes and manages derivatives in 
accordance with internal policies that define objective, 
position limit, scope and organizational structure. The Group 
limits the use of derivatives to actual risk mitigation needs, 
and does not use derivatives for trading or speculative 
purposes, and reduces credit risk by limiting transactions to 
highly creditworthy financial institutions.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   The carrying amount after impairment of financial assets in 
the consolidated financial statements of financial position 
represents the Group’s maximum exposure to the credit risk of 
financial assets. The Group is not exposed to excessive credit 
risk associated with a particular customer that requires 
exceptional management.
   The Group recognizes an allowance for doubtful receivables 
for trade receivables and other financial assets measured at 
amortized cost by estimating future credit losses in 
consideration of recoverability and significant increases in credit 
risk. The Group determines if credit risk has increased 
significantly by evaluating changes in default risk with reference 
to factors including downgrading of internal credit ratings, the 
decline of counterparty results, and delinquency information.
   Trade receivables are particularly important financial assets 
for the Group. The Group collectively measures expected credit 
losses of the financial assets for the entire period to recognize 
the allowance for doubtful receivables. In the following 
situations that would adversely affect future cash flows, 
however, the Group measures expected credit losses 
individually by treating each receivable as a credit-impaired 
financial asset.

  •  Where the customer has serious financial difficulties
  •   Where the customer defaults or becomes delinquent in 

accounts receivable payments despite repeated demands 
for payment

  •   Where it is more likely that the customer will go into 

bankruptcy or face a situation that forces it to reconstruct 
its business

   The Group directly writes down carrying amount if it does not 
reasonably expect to recover all or part of the trade receivables, 
following an internal process of investigation and approval.
   The Group held security deposits for credit enhancement 
totaling 6,413 million yen, 6,271 million yen, and 6,105 million 
yen at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the transition date, 
respectively.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The carrying amount of trade receivables and changes in the related allowance for doubtful receivables are as follows:

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

(Millions of yen)

Trade receivables
January 1, 2016 .....................................................................
  Change during the year

(Recognition and derecognition) ....................................
  Transfer to credit-impaired financial assets .......................
  Other changes ...................................................................
December 31, 2016 ...............................................................

Allowance for doubtful receivables
January 1, 2016 .....................................................................
Increase during the year ....................................................
  Decrease during the year (charge-offs) ..............................
  Decrease during the year (other) .......................................
  Transfer to credit-impaired financial assets .......................
  Other changes ...................................................................
December 31, 2016 ...............................................................

Financial assets for which 
loss allowances are always 
measured at an amount 
equal to expected credit 
losses for the entire period
206,494

2,472
28
(4,258)
204,736

Credit-impaired 
financial assets

472

(36)
(28)
(45)
363

Financial assets for which 
loss allowances are always 
measured at an amount 
equal to expected credit 
losses for the entire period

Credit-impaired 
financial assets

803
217
(85)
(72)
(6)
(76)
781

465
18
(28)
(36)
6
(43)
382

Total
206,966

2,436
—
(4,303)
205,099

(Millions of yen)

Total
1,268
235
(113)
(108)
—
(119)
1,163

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

(Millions of yen)

Trade receivables
January 1, 2015 .....................................................................
  Change during the year

(Recognition and derecognition) ....................................
  Transfer to credit-impaired financial assets .......................
  Other changes ...................................................................
December 31, 2015 ...............................................................

Allowance for doubtful receivables
January 1, 2015 .....................................................................
Increase during the year ....................................................
  Decrease during the year (charge-offs) ..............................
  Decrease during the year (other) .......................................
  Transfer to credit-impaired financial assets .......................
  Other changes ...................................................................
December 31, 2015 ...............................................................

Financial assets for which 
loss allowances are always 
measured at an amount 
equal to expected credit 
losses for the entire period
205,186

5,749
(146)
(4,295)
206,494

Credit-impaired 
financial assets

488

(104)
146
(58)
472

Financial assets for which 
loss allowances are always 
measured at an amount 
equal to expected credit 
losses for the entire period

Credit-impaired 
financial assets

775
236
(115)
(46)
(7)
(40)
803

475
126
(35)
(49)
7
(59)
465

Total
205,674

5,645
—
(4,353)
206,966

(Millions of yen)

Total
1,250
362
(150)
(95)
—
(99)
1,268

55

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 The following tables present an analysis of the carrying amount of trade receivables and the allowance for doubtful receivables by days 
past due.

As of December 31, 2016

Trade receivables .......................................................
Allowance for doubtful receivables ...........................
Expected credit loss (%) ............................................

As of December 31, 2015

Trade receivables .......................................................
Allowance for doubtful receivables ...........................
Expected credit loss (%) ............................................

As of the transition date

Trade receivables .......................................................
Allowance for doubtful receivables ...........................
Expected credit loss (%) ............................................

(Millions of yen unless otherwise noted)

Days past due

Not due
197,543
256
0.1

Less than 30 
days
4,315
82
1.9

Over 30
days
1,248
30
2.4

Over 60
days

553
60
10.9

Over 90
days
1,440
735
51.0

Total
205,099
1,163
0.6

(Millions of yen unless otherwise noted)

Days past due

Not due
196,783
245
0.1

Less than 30 
days
6,795
89
1.3

Over 30 
days
1,414
28
2.0

Over 60 
days

504
34
6.6

Over 90 
days
1,470
872
59.3

Total
206,966
1,268
0.6

(Millions of yen unless otherwise noted)

Days past due

Not due
197,825
356
0.2

Less than 30 
days
4,853
26
0.5

Over 30 
days
1,142
43
3.8

Over 60 
days

511
39
7.6

Over 90 
days
1,343
786
58.6

Total
205,674
1,250
0.6

  3) Liquidity Risk Management

 Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group may not be able to fulfill 
its obligation to pay financial liabilities that come due.
   The Group uses methods such as scheduled medium- and 
long-term financing plans to understand its liquidity and 

consistently ensure the availability of sufficient funding.
   The Group has also implemented the Global Cash 
Management System to reduce liquidity risk through the 
focused and efficient management of the Group’s capital in 
Japan and overseas.

  Financial liabilities including derivative instruments by maturity date consist of the following.

As of December 31, 2016

(Millions of yen)

Carrying 
amount

Contract 
amount

Not later 
than 1 year

Later than 
1 year but 
not later than 
2 years

Later than 
2 years but 
not later than 
3 years

Later than 
3 years but 
not later than 
4 years

Later than 
4 years but 
not later than 
5 years

Later than 
5 years

Non-derivative financial liabilities
  Trade and other receivables ..........
  Bonds and borrowings ..................
  Lease obligations ..........................
  Long-term deposits payable .........
Derivative financial liabilities
  Currency related ...........................
Interest rate related ......................
  Total ..........................................

216,893
120,646
4,000
6,413

216,893
120,699
4,140
6,413

758
15
348,725

758
15
348,918

216,869
30,289
884
—

337
7
248,386

24
25,066
779
—

159
8
26,036

—
40,045
684
—

—
—
40,729

—
25,038
667
—

—
—
25,705

—
235
492
—

262
—
989

—
26
634
6,413

—
—
7,073

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015

Non-derivative financial liabilities
  Trade and other receivables ..........
  Bonds and borrowings ..................
  Lease obligations ..........................
  Long-term deposits payable .........
Derivative financial liabilities
  Currency related ...........................
Interest rate related ......................
  Total ..........................................

As of the transition date

Carrying 
amount

Contract 
amount

Not later 
than 1 year

206,760
120,546
4,911
6,271

206,760
120,621
5,101
6,271

790
37
339,315

790
37
339,580

206,732
339
968
—

54
—
208,093

Later than 
1 year but 
not later than 
2 years

Later than 
2 years but 
not later than 
3 years

Later than 
3 years but 
not later than 
4 years

Later than 
4 years but 
not later than 
5 years

Later than 
5 years

(Millions of yen)

28
30,070
882
—

54
25
31,059

—
25,067
782
—

515
12
26,376

—
40,046
683
—

58
—
40,787

—
25,038
661
—

109
—
25,808

—
61
1,125
6,271

—
—
7,457

Non-derivative financial liabilities
  Trade and other receivables ..........
  Bonds and borrowings ..................
  Lease obligations ..........................
  Long-term deposits payable .........
Derivative financial liabilities
  Currency related ...........................
Interest rate related ......................
  Total ..........................................

Carrying 
amount

Contract 
amount

Not later 
than 1 year

193,460
101,610
5,890
6,105

193,460
101,707
6,142
6,105

1,007
79
308,151

1,007
79
308,500

193,460
21,422
1,050
—

338
79
216,349

Later than 
1 year but 
not later than 
2 years

Later than 
2 years but 
not later than 
3 years

Later than 
3 years but 
not later than 
4 years

Later than 
4 years but 
not later than 
5 years

Later than 
5 years

(Millions of yen)

—
63
967
—

—
—
1,030

—
30,061
880
—

—
—
30,941

—
25,058
780
—

669
—
26,507

—
37
679
—

—
—
716

—
25,066
1,786
6,105

—
—
32,957

(3) Hedge Accounting
As described in Note 34 “Financial Instruments (2) Risk 
Management on Financial Instruments”, the Group designates 
interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges to hedge interest rate 
fluctuation risk for floating-rate liabilities. When applying hedge 
accounting, the Group periodically evaluates whether the hedged 
item and the hedging instrument meets key criteria and is closely 
matched in order to confirm an offsetting economic relationship 
between fluctuations in the cash flow of the hedged item 
attributable to the risk being hedged and fluctuations in the cash 
flow of the hedging instrument. The Group also assesses hedge 
effectiveness by quantitatively evaluating whether changes in the 
cash flows of the hedged item and the hedging instrument have an 
offsetting relationship due to the same risk. In addition, the Group 
sets hedge ratios that are appropriate in light of the economic 

relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item 
and the Group’s risk management strategy. The Group’s hedges 
generally do not have a significant ineffective hedge portion 
because the Group only applies the hedge accounting when the 
hedged item and the hedging instrument meet key criteria.
  The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives 
designated as cash flow hedges is recognized in other 
comprehensive income. Gains or losses on derivatives recognized 
in other components of equity are transferred to profit or loss when 
changes in the future cash flows associated with hedged items are 
recognized in profit or loss. Any ineffective portion is recognized in 
profit or loss. The Group discontinues hedge accounting for a 
hedging relationship if the risk management objective has changed.

  The carrying amount (fair value) of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges consists of the following. There was no hedging 
relationship for which the Group discontinued hedge accounting.

Consolidated 
statement of 
financial 
position line 
item
Other financial 
liabilities in 
current 
liabilities

Hedging 
instrument
Interest rate 
swap (pay 
fixed / receive 
variable)1

Type of risk

Interest Rate 
Risk

2016

Contract 
amount 
later than 
1 year

Nominal 
amount

Carrying 
amount 
(fair value)

Nominal 
amount

2015

Contract 
amount 
later than 
1 year

(Millions of yen)

Transition date

Carrying 
amount 
(fair value)

Nominal 
amount

Contract 
amount 
later than 
1 year

Carrying 
amount 
(fair value)

—

—

—

—

—

— 20,000

—

(18)

Note: 1. The details of this swap contract are: pay fixed 0.53%, receive variable TIBOR+0.05%.

57

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that the Group recognized in other components of equity and in profit and loss (before tax 
effect) consist of the following.

As of December 31, 2016
None applicable.

As of December 31, 2015

Type of risk

Interest rate risk

Beginning of year: 
Effective portion of 
changes in the fair value of 
cash flow hedge
(18)

Hedge profit or loss 
recognized in other 
comprehensive income
18

Amount reclassified to 
other components of 
equity
—

(Millions of yen)

End of year:
Effective portion of 
changes in the fair value of 
cash flow hedge
—

(4) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
  1) Fair value hierarchy levels

 For financial instruments measured at fair value, the fair values 
developed based on the observability of inputs into the 
valuation techniques used in measurement are categorized 
within the following three levels.

  Level 1:  Fair value measured with quoted prices in active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities
  Level 2:  Fair value measured with inputs other than quoted 

  (ii)  Derivative assets and derivative liabilities

 Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are included in 
other financial assets and other financial liabilities, and are 
designated as financial assets and financial liabilities 
measured at fair value through profit or loss. Consisting of 
instruments including foreign exchange forward contracts, 
currency swaps and interest rate swaps, derivative assets 
and derivative liabilities are primarily measured with a 
model using observable inputs such as exchange rates 
and interest rates.

prices categorized within Level 1 that are observable 
for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

  (iii) Equity securities

  Level 3:  Fair value measured with inputs not based on 
observable market data for the asset or liability

  2) Financial instruments measured at fair value

 The measurement methods for the main financial instruments 
measured at fair value are as follows.

  (i)   Short-term investments (excluding short-term investments 

measured at amortized cost)
 Short-term investments are included in cash and cash 
equivalents, and are designated as financial assets 
measured at fair value through profit or loss. Short-term 
investments primarily consist of bond investment trusts 
and money held in trust, and are measured with a model 
using observable inputs such as interest rates.

 Equity securities are included in other financial assets, and 
are designated as financial assets measured at fair value 
through other comprehensive income. Equity securities 
that are categorized within Level 1 are publicly listed and 
traded in active markets, and are measured using market 
prices on exchanges. Equity securities that are 
categorized within Level 3 are unlisted, and are primarily 
measured using a net asset valuation model, which 
measures corporate value based on the net asset of the 
issuing company with adjustments based on fair value.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   The fair value hierarchy of financial instruments measured at fair value is as follows.
   The Group recognizes transfers of financial instruments between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of each fiscal year. No 
financial instruments were transferred between levels of the fair value hierarchy for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.

As of December 31, 2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(Millions of yen)

Financial assets
  Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss

  Short-term investments ............................................................
  Derivative assets .......................................................................
  Other .........................................................................................

  Financial assets measured at fair value through other 

  comprehensive income
  Equity securities ........................................................................
  Total ......................................................................................

Financial liabilities
  Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss

  Derivative liabilities ...................................................................
  Total ......................................................................................

—
—
—

8,956
8,956

—
—

34,900
791
2,888

—
38,579

773
773

—
—
—

3,472
3,472

—
—

34,900
791
2,888

12,428
51,007

773
773

As of December 31, 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(Millions of yen)

Financial assets
  Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss

  Short-term investments ............................................................
  Derivative assets .......................................................................
  Other .........................................................................................

  Financial assets measured at fair value through other 

  comprehensive income
  Equity securities ........................................................................
  Total ......................................................................................

Financial liabilities
  Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss ...
  Derivative liabilities ...................................................................
  Total ......................................................................................

—
—
—

11,775
11,775

—
—

69,559
2,240
2,858

—
74,657

827
827

—
—
—

3,212
3,212

—
—

69,559
2,240
2,858

14,987
89,644

827
827

As of the transition date

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(Millions of yen)

Financial assets
  Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss

  Short-term investments ............................................................
  Derivative assets .......................................................................
  Other .........................................................................................

  Financial assets measured at fair value through other 

—
—
—

  comprehensive income
  Equity securities ........................................................................
  Total ......................................................................................

10,476
10,476

Financial liabilities
  Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss

  Derivative liabilities ...................................................................
  Total ......................................................................................

—
—

47,644
656
2,853

—
51,153

1,086
1,086

—
—
—

2,997
2,997

—
—

47,644
656
2,853

13,473
64,626

1,086
1,086

59

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  Changes in financial instruments categorized within Level 3 are as follows:

Beginning balance .....................................................................................................................................
  Gains (Losses)1 ......................................................................................................................................
  Purchases ..............................................................................................................................................
  Sales ......................................................................................................................................................
  Other changes .......................................................................................................................................
Ending balance ..........................................................................................................................................

2016
3,212
231
30
—
(1)
3,472

(Millions of yen)

2015
2,997
290
—
(73)
(2)
3,212

Note: 1.  All gains and losses are associated with financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income at the end of each reporting 

period. These gains and losses are recognized in net gain (loss) on revaluation of financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

   Financial instruments categorized within Level 3 are primarily unlisted equity securities. Each responsible department of the Group 
refers to the Group accounting policies in measuring the fair value of unlisted equity securities each quarter using recently available 
data, and reports any changes in fair value and the reasons to the department manager, and to senior management as necessary.

  3) Financial instruments measured at amortized cost

 The following tables present the measurement techniques for 
measuring the fair value of major financial instruments 
measured at amortized cost. Financial instruments for which 
carrying amounts are a reasonable approximation of fair value 
or financial instruments that are not material are not included 
in the tables.

  (i)   Cash and cash equivalents (excluding short-term 

investments measured at fair value), trade and other 

receivables, and trade and other payables
 Carrying amounts approximate fair value because these 
are settled in the short-term.

  (ii)  Bonds and borrowings

 The fair value of bonds is based on market prices. The fair 
value of borrowings is the present value of remaining 
principal and interest discounted using a deemed interest 
rate on equivalent new borrowings.

  The carrying amount and fair value hierarchy of financial instruments measured at amortized cost are as follows:

As of December 31, 2016

Carrying amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Fair value

(Millions of yen)

Financial liabilities
  Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost
  Bonds .............................................................
  Borrowings .....................................................

As of December 31, 2015

Financial liabilities
  Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost
  Bonds ............................................................
  Borrowings ....................................................

As of the transition date

Financial liabilities
  Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost
  Bonds ............................................................
  Borrowings ....................................................

49,947
70,699

—
—

50,548
71,084

—
—

50,548
71,084

Carrying amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Fair value

(Millions of yen)

49,925
70,621

—
—

50,650
70,933

—
—

50,650
70,933

Carrying amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Fair value

(Millions of yen)

49,903
51,707

—
—

50,910
51,935

—
—

50,910
51,935

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
35

Principal Subsidiaries

Principal subsidiaries consist of the following. Voting rights at December 31, 2016 did not significantly change from a year earlier.

Company name

Country

Principal businesses

  Voting rights (%)

Kao Group Customer Marketing Co., Ltd.

Japan

Control of sales companies and other subsidiaries 
in Japan

Kao Customer Marketing Co., Ltd.

Kanebo Cosmetics Inc.

Kanebo Cosmetics Sales Inc.

Kao Transport & Logistics Co., Ltd.

Kao (China) Holding Co., Ltd.

Kao Corporation Shanghai

Kao (Hefei) Co., Ltd.

Kao Commercial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Kanebo Cosmetics (China) Co., Ltd.

Kao (Shanghai) Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

Kao (Taiwan) Corporation

Pilipinas Kao, Inc.

Beauty Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Beauty Care

Beauty Care

Logistics and related services in Japan

Control of subsidiaries in China
Beauty Care

Beauty Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Human Health Care

Beauty Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Beauty Care

Chemical

Beauty Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care
Chemical

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

China

China

China

China

China

China

Taiwan

Philippines

Chemical

Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Thailand

Beauty Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care
Chemical

Beauty Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Chemical

Beauty Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Thailand

Malaysia

Indonesia

U.S.A.

Beauty Care

U.S.A.

U.S.A.

Germany

Germany

Germany

Corporate service to subsidiaries in U.S.
Holding company for Chemical Business in the U.S.

Chemical

Beauty Care

Beauty Care

Chemical

U.K.

Beauty Care

Spain

Spain

Control of subsidiaries in Chemical Business in 
Europe, etc.

Chemical

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

92.2

100.0

100.0

100.0

70.0

72.2

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

Kao Commercial (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Fatty Chemical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

PT Kao Indonesia

Kao USA Inc.

Kao America Inc.

Kao Specialties Americas LLC

Kao Germany GmbH

Kao Manufacturing Germany GmbH

Kao Chemicals GmbH

Molton Brown Limited

Kao Chemicals Europe, S.L.

Kao Corporation S.A.

61

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

36

Related Parties

(1) Transactions with Related Parties
Disclosure is omitted because there is no material related party 
transaction.

(2) Primary Executive Management Compensation
Primary executive management compensation consists of the 
following. The Group’s primary executive management includes 
members of the Board of Directors and executive officers of the 
Company for each fiscal year.

Short-term benefits ...................................................................................................................................
Post-retirement benefits ............................................................................................................................
Share-based payment ................................................................................................................................
  Total .......................................................................................................................................................

2016
1,131
39
227
1,397

(Millions of yen)

2015
951
50
225
1,226

37

Commitments

Commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment and intangible assets after the end of each reporting period are as follows:

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment .............................................................
Acquisition of intangible assets ..................................................................................
  Total ........................................................................................................................

2016
27,100
1,306
28,406

2015
23,130
689
23,819

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
19,958
625
20,583

38

Significant Subsequent Events

The Board of Directors, at the meeting of the Board of Directors 
held on February 2, 2017, resolved to retire treasury shares in 
accordance with Article 178 of the Companies Act and the 
Company retired treasury shares of the Company. The number of 
shares retired corresponds to the number of shares of the 
Company’s shares purchased from the market during the fiscal year 

ended December 31, 2016.

  •  Shares retired: Ordinary shares of the Company
  •  Number of shares retired: 9,000,000 shares
  •  Total amount of shares retired: 48,429 million yen
  •  Retirement date: March 1, 2017

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

62

39

First-time Adoption of IFRS

The Group presents consolidated financial statements that comply 
with IFRS from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. The most 
recent consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles in Japan (hereinafter 
“Japanese GAAP”) were for the fiscal year ended December 31, 
2015, and the transition date is January 1, 2015.
  The first-time adopter shall, in principle, apply the standards 
required under IFRS retrospectively. However, an entity may elect 
to use the exemptions contained in IFRS 1 and shall apply the 
exceptions prohibiting retrospective application of some aspects of 
other IFRS. The Group mainly applies the following exemptions.

IFRS 1 Exemptions

(1) Business Combinations
Under IFRS 1, an entity may elect to apply IFRS 3 “Business 
Combinations” (hereinafter “IFRS 3”) either retrospectively or 
prospectively. The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 
retrospectively to past business combinations that occurred before 
the transition date. As a result, the Group has applied the accounting 
treatment under Japanese GAAP to the business combinations that 
occurred before the transition date, which were not restated.
  With respect to goodwill arising in business combinations, the 
Group has kept the Japanese GAAP carrying amounts that had been 
applied before the transition to IFRS, in principle, and has translated 
all goodwill denominated in a foreign currency at the closing rate for 
the retrospective application of IAS 21 “The Effects of Changes in 
Foreign Exchange Rates.”
  Goodwill is tested for impairment at the transition date, regardless 
of any indications of impairment.

(2) Deemed Cost
Under IFRS 1, an entity may elect to measure property, plant and 
equipment at its fair value at the transition date and use the fair 
value as its deemed cost at the transition date. The Group used fair 
value at the transition date as the deemed cost for certain property, 
plant and equipment.

(3) Cumulative Translation Differences for Foreign Operations
Under IFRS 1, the cumulative translation differences for all foreign 
operations are deemed to be zero at the transition date, or 
recalculated retrospectively up until the date the subsidiary or 
associate was established or acquired. The Group elected to reset 
the cumulative translation differences to zero at the transition date.

(4) Designation of Previously Recognized Financial Instruments
Under IFRS 1, an entity may designate financial instruments 
recognized before the transition date in accordance with IFRS 9 on 
the basis of the facts and circumstances that exist at the transition 
date. The Group designated financial instruments in accordance 
with IFRS 9 on the basis of the facts and circumstances that 
existed at the transition date.

Mandatory Exceptions of IFRS 1

IFRS 1 prohibits retrospective application of IFRS for estimates, 
derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities, hedge 
accounting, non-controlling interests, classification and 
measurement of financial assets, and impairment of financial 
assets. The Group has prospectively applied IFRS for these items 
from the transition date.

63

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The table below presents reconciliations required in first-time adoption of IFRS.

In the table, items that do not affect retained earnings and comprehensive income are included in the “Reclassification” column, 

differences from Japanese GAAP resulting from a review of the scope of consolidation under IFRS are included in the “Consolidation scope 
differences” column, and items that affect retained earnings and comprehensive income are included in the “Recognition and 
measurement differences” column.

Reconciliations of Equity as of the Transition Date (January 1, 2015)

Japanese 
GAAP

Reclassifi-
cation

Consolidation 
scope 
differences

Recognition and 
measurement 
differences

IFRS

Notes

Accounts under IFRS

(Millions of yen)

107,412

121,251

304

—

228,967

(13), (14)

204,060
110,639
157,787
6,832
20,232
—
—
36,420

7,279
(110,639)
(2,892)
(6,832)
(20,232)
1,023
4,130
10,428

(1,648)
641,734

1,648
5,164

1,290
—
1,161
—
—
238
(96)
(33)

—
2,864

113
—
(4,180)
—
—
—
—
484

—
(3,583)

212,742
—
151,876
—
—
1,261
4,034
47,299

—
646,179

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash 
equivalents
Trade and other 
receivables

(14)

(13)

(1), (14)

Inventories

(13)

(14)

(13), (14)

(13), (14)

Income tax receivables
Other financial assets
Other current assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and 

307,615

10,432

2,119

(884)

319,282

(2), (13), (14)

equipment 

Accounts under Japanese GAAP

Assets

Current assets

Cash and time deposits ............
Notes and accounts 

receivable - trade ....................
Short-term investments ............
Inventories ................................
Prepaid expenses ......................
Deferred tax assets ...................

Other .........................................
Allowance for doubtful 

receivables .............................
Total current assets ..................

Fixed assets 

Property, plant and equipment.....
Intangible assets ..........................
Goodwill ....................................
Trademarks ...............................
Other .........................................

139,941
15,145
12,844
—

—
(15,145)
(12,844)
27,965

Investments and other assets 

Investment securities ...............

20,984

(20,984)

Long-term loans ........................
Long-term prepaid expenses .....
Asset for retirement benefits ....

Other .........................................
Deferred tax assets ...................
Allowance for doubtful 

—
1,432
17,281
9,692
—
11,612
20,630

receivables .............................
Total fixed assets ......................
Total assets ....................................

(677)
556,499
1,198,233

9,264
(1,432)
(17,281)
(9,692)
23,916
4,982
20,232

677
20,090
25,254

—
—
—
7

—

(5,505)
—
—
—
424
44
1,189

—
(1,722)
1,142

(1,190)
—
—
(4,346)

138,751
—
—
23,626

—

—

(215)
—
—
—
1,748
(8,672)
19,143

—
5,584
2,001

3,544
—
—
—
26,088
7,966
61,194

—
580,451
1,226,630

(3)

Goodwill

(4), (14)

Intangible assets

Investments accounted 
for using the equity 
method

(14)

(13)

(5), (13), (14)

(9), (14)

(6), (13), (14)

Other financial assets
Other non-current assets
Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

64

  
Japanese 
GAAP

Reclassifi-
cation

Consolidation 
scope 
differences

Recognition and 
measurement 
differences

(Millions of yen)

IFRS

Notes

Accounts under IFRS

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Accounts under Japanese GAAP

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Notes and accounts 

payable - trade ........................
Short-term loans .......................
Current portion of long-
  term loans ...............................

Accounts payable - other ..........
Accrued expenses ....................
Income taxes payable ...............
Liability for loss related to 

cosmetics ...............................

Other .........................................
Total current liabilities ...............

Long-term liabilities 

Bonds ........................................
Long-term loans ........................

Liability for retirement 
  benefits ...................................

Other .........................................

129,711
1,137

20,013
—
66,230
94,666
28,108

8,220
—
—
32,451
380,536

50,000
30,083
—

42,414
—
—

22,807
—

65,491
(1,137)

(20,013)
21,150
(66,230)
(94,666)
112

(8,220)
10,122
35,962
81,754
24,325

(50,000)
(30,083)
80,083

798
11,877
4,447

(19,614)
3,421

929
25,254

Total long-term liabilities ...........
Total liabilities ............................

145,304
525,840

Net assets 

Common stock ..........................
Capital surplus ...........................
Treasury stock, at cost ..............
Unrealized gain on available-for-
sale securities.........................

Deferred gain (loss) on 

derivatives under hedge 
accounting ..............................

Foreign currency translation 

85,424
109,561
(9,719)

—
—
—

5,507

(5,507)

8

(8)

adjustments............................

(4,853)

4,853

Remeasurements of defined 

benefit plans ...........................
Stock acquisition rights .............

Retained earnings .....................

3,619
944

—
468,684

(3,619)
(944)

5,225
—

(14)

Trade and other payables

(14)

Bonds and borrowings

(14)

(13)

(13), (14)

(7), (13), (14)

(8), (13), (14)

Income tax payables

Other financial liabilities
Provisions
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

(14)

(9), (14)

(13), (14)

(13), (14)

Bonds and borrowings
Retirement benefit 

liabilities

Other financial liabilities
Provisions
Other non-current 

(10), (13), (14)

liabilities

(6), (13)

Deferred tax liabilities
Total non-current 

liabilities
Total liabilities

Equity

Share capital
Capital surplus
Treasury shares

(1,742)
—

—
272
—
—
63

—
(4,375)
(2)
4,210
(1,574)

—
—
202

763
936
370

108
—

2,379
805

—
—
—

—

—

—

—
—

—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—
18
(2,600)
5,501
2,919

—
—
(97)

33,920
—
479

2,110
(2,988)

33,424
36,343

—
—
—

—

—

—

—
—

193,460
—

—
21,422
—
—
28,283

—
5,765
33,360
123,916
406,206

—
—
80,188

77,895
12,813
5,296

5,411
433

182,036
588,242

85,424
109,561
(9,719)

—

—

—

—
—

(302)
151

2,678
(36,860)

7,601
431,975

(11), (14)

(12), (14)

Other components of 

equity

Retained earnings
Equity attributable to 

owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

Minority interests ......................
Total net assets .........................
Total liabilities and net assets .........

13,218
672,393
1,198,233

—
—
25,254

488
337
1,142

(160)
(34,342)
2,001

624,842
13,546
638,388
1,226,630

(14)

65

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes on Reconciliations of Equity as of the Transition Date 
(January 1, 2015)

(1) Adjustment to Inventories
Mainly, goods for sales promotion recognized in supplies under 
Japanese GAAP are recognized in an adjustment to retained 
earnings as they do not meet the definition of assets under IFRS.

(2) Adjustment to Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is adjusted mainly by applying 
deemed cost as follows.
  The Group used fair value as the deemed cost at the transition 
date for certain items of property, plant and equipment. At the 
transition date, the carrying amount of property, plant and 
equipment to which deemed cost was applied was 1,851 million 
yen under Japanese GAAP, and the fair value was 848 million yen.
  As a result of the above, property, plant and equipment at the 
transition date decreased by 1,003 million yen, and the adjustment 
was recognized in retained earnings.
  Fair value is based on valuation by independent appraisers with 
appropriate qualifications and other methods, and is categorized 
within Level 3.

(3) Adjustment to Goodwill
Under Japanese GAAP, certain foreign currency-denominated 
goodwill was translated at the exchange rate at the acquisition 
date, whereas under IFRS all foreign currency-denominated 
goodwill is translated at the closing rate and recognized in 
adjustments to retained earnings.

(4) Adjustment to Intangible Assets
Certain intangible assets recognized under Japanese GAAP are 
recognized in adjustments to retained earnings as they do not meet 
the definition of assets under IFRS.

(5) Adjustment to Other Financial Assets (Non-current Assets)
Under Japanese GAAP, non-marketable equity instruments were 
carried at the acquisition cost, and impairment loss was recognized 
as required depending on the financial condition of the issuing 
company. Under IFRS, these equity instruments are designated as 
financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
income, and are measured at fair value, irrespective of the 
existence of market activity, with the change recognized as other 
comprehensive income and reclassified to retained earnings in case 
of derecognition or a significant decrease in fair value.

(6)  Adjustments to Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax 

Liabilities

The amounts of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are 
adjusted mainly due to taxable temporary differences arising as a 
result of adjustments from Japanese GAAP to IFRS.

(7) Adjustment to Provisions (Current Liabilities)
Under Japanese GAAP, future expenses that fulfilled the required 
conditions were recognized as provisions, but are recognized in an 
adjustment to retained earnings as they do not meet the conditions 
for recognition of provisions under IFRS.

(8) Adjustment to Other Current Liabilities
Mainly, obligation for unused paid absences that was not recognized 
as a liability under Japanese GAAP is recognized as a liability under 
IFRS and recognized in an adjustment to retained earnings.

(9)  Adjustments to Retirement Benefit Liabilities and Other 

Non-current Assets

Under Japanese GAAP, actuarial gains and losses were recognized 
in other comprehensive income as incurred, and were recognized in 
profit or loss from the fiscal year when incurred, amortized on a 
straight-line basis over a certain number of years no longer than the 
average remaining service period of employees. Under IFRS, these 
actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive 
income as incurred, and immediately reclassified to retained 
earnings. Moreover, under Japanese GAAP, past service costs were 
recognized in other comprehensive income as incurred, and were 
recognized in profit or loss from the fiscal year when incurred, 
amortized on a straight-line basis over a certain number of years no 
longer than the average remaining service period of employees 
whereas under IFRS they are recognized in profit or loss as 
incurred.
  Under Japanese GAAP, the Company adopted the “Accounting 
Standard for Retirement Benefits” of the Accounting Standards 
Board of Japan (hereinafter “ASBJ”) (ASBJ Statement No. 26 
issued on May 17, 2012, hereinafter “Retirement Benefits 
Accounting Standard”), and the “Guidance on Accounting Standard 
for Retirement Benefits” (ASBJ Guidance No. 25 issued on March 
26, 2015, hereinafter “Retirement Benefits Guidance”) from the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, revising the methods for 
calculating retirement benefit obligations and service costs and 
changing the method for calculating projected retirement benefits 
from the straight-line basis to the benefit formula basis. In addition, 
determination of the discount rate changed from a method based 
on the number of years for the underlying obligations approximating 
the average remaining years of service of the eligible employees 
to a method using several discount rates set for each expected 
retirement benefit payment period. In accordance with the transitional 
handling set forth in Article 37 of the Retirement Benefits Accounting 
Standard, the effect associated with the change in the method of 
calculating retirement benefit obligations and service costs was 
recognized by adjusting retained earnings at the beginning of the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. Consequently, as the changes 
due to the revisions of the Retirement Benefits Accounting Standard 
and the Retirement Benefits Guidance were not recognized in the 
consolidated balance sheet under Japanese GAAP, which was 
already disclosed as of the transition date, the differences with the 
consolidated statement of financial position are recognized in 
retained earnings under IFRS.

(10) Adjustment to Other Non-current Liabilities
Special paid leave and bonuses granted conditional on a certain 
number of years of employment, which were not recognized as 
liabilities under Japanese GAAP, are recognized as liabilities under 
IFRS and recognized in adjustments to retained earnings.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

66

(11) Adjustment to Other Components of Equity
1)  As an exemption elected under IFRS 1, the cumulative translation 
differences for all foreign operations were reclassified to retained 
earnings as of January 1, 2015, the transition date. As a result, 
other components of equity increased by 4,853 million yen.
2)  Based on the fair value of non-marketable equity instruments 
stated in (5) above, other components of equity increased by 
1,120 million yen.

3)  Due to the impact of adjustment to retirement benefit liabilities 
stated in (9) above, other components of equity decreased by 
3,318 million yen.

(12) Adjustments to Retained Earnings

Adjustment to inventories ................................................................................................
Adjustment to property, plant and equipment ...............................................................
Adjustment to goodwill .....................................................................................................
Adjustment to intangible assets ......................................................................................
Adjustment to provisions (current liabilities) ..................................................................
Adjustment to other current liabilities .............................................................................
Adjustment to retirement benefit liabilities ....................................................................
Adjustment to other non-current liabilities .....................................................................
Adjustment to exchange differences on translation of foreign operations ................
Other adjustments .............................................................................................................
  Subtotal .......................................................................................................................
Adjustment for tax effects ................................................................................................
Adjustment for non-controlling interests ........................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................

(Millions of yen)

Transition date
January 1, 2015
(4,180)
(884)
(1,190)
(4,346)
2,600
(5,501)
(36,366)
(2,110)
(4,853)
402
(56,428)
19,414
154
(36,860)

(13) Reclassifications
Reclassifications are made to comply with the provisions of IFRS. 
The main reclassifications are as follows:
1)  Time deposits with deposit terms of more than three months in 
“Cash and time deposits” under Japanese GAAP are classified 
as “Other financial assets” in current assets under IFRS. Among 
“Short-term investments” and “Other (current assets)” under 
Japanese GAAP, short-term investments redeemable within three 
months from the date of acquisition are classified as “Cash and 
cash equivalents” under IFRS.

2)  “Deferred tax assets” and “Deferred tax liabilities” classified as 

current items under Japanese GAAP are classified as non-current 
items under IFRS.

3)  Store fixtures for cosmetics were classified as “Long-term 

prepaid expenses” under Japanese GAAP, but are classified as 
“Property, plant and equipment” under IFRS.

4)  Financial assets and financial liabilities are disclosed separately 

based on the requirements of IFRS.

5)  The provision for sales returns and asset retirement obligations, 
which were included in “Other (current liabilities)” and “Other 
(non-current liabilities)” and the gross amount of liability for loss 
related to cosmetics under Japanese GAAP, are classified as 
“Provisions” under IFRS.

(14) Differences in Scope of Consolidation
Certain subsidiaries of minor importance were not included in the 
scope of consolidation under Japanese GAAP and the equity 
method was applied, but all subsidiaries are included in the scope 
of consolidation under IFRS.

67

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Reconciliations of Equity as of December 31, 2015

Japanese 
GAAP

Reclassifi-
cation

Consolidation 
scope 
differences

Recognition and 
measurement 
differences

IFRS

Notes

Accounts under IFRS

(Millions of yen)

Cash and time deposits ............

125,159

184,279

484

—

309,922

(11), (12)

205,603
158,651
158,134
7,048
20,763
—
—
59,501

(1,626)
733,233

—
733,233

3,921
(158,651)
(2,953)
(7,048)
(20,763)
1,899
5,301
(21,971)

1,626
(14,360)

1,330
(13,030)

1,147
—
814
—
—
178
(236)
15

—
2,402

—
2,402

36
—
(4,724)
—
—
—
—
460

—
(4,228)

—
(4,228)

210,707
—
151,271
—
—
2,077
5,065
38,005

—
717,047

1,330
718,377

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

(12)

(11)

(1), (12)

Inventories

(11)

(12)

(11), (12)

(11), (12)

Income tax receivables
Other financial assets
Other current assets

Subtotal

Non-current assets held 

(11)

for sale

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and 

327,730

9,299

1,865

(897)

337,997

(2), (11), (12)

equipment 

Accounts under Japanese GAAP

Assets

Current assets

Notes and accounts 

receivable - trade ....................
Short-term investments ............
Inventories ................................
Prepaid expenses ......................
Deferred tax assets ...................

Other .........................................

Allowance for doubtful 

receivables .............................

Total current assets ..................

Fixed assets 

Property, plant and equipment ..
Intangible assets .......................
Goodwill .................................
Trademarks.............................
Other ......................................

127,099
1,791
14,832
—

—
(1,791)
(14,832)
16,602

Investments and other assets 
Investment securities ...............

22,331

(22,331)

Long-term loans ........................

—
1,171

9,384
(1,171)

(4,956)
—

Long-term prepaid expenses ....

17,583

(17,583)

Asset for retirement benefits ....

Other .........................................
Deferred tax assets ...................

Allowance for doubtful 

1,027
—
11,860
23,896

receivables .............................
Total fixed assets ......................
Total assets ....................................

(684)
548,636
1,281,869

(1,027)
26,862
5,846
20,763

684
30,705
17,675

—
—
—
2

—

11,152
—
—
(899)

138,251
—
—
15,705

—

—

(3)

Goodwill

(4), (12)

Intangible assets

Investments accounted 
for using the equity 
method

4,209
—

(12)

—

(11)

—
29,339
17,732
49,454

(5), (11), (12)

(12)

(6), (11), (12)

Other financial assets
Other non-current assets
Deferred tax assets

(219)
—

—

—
2,037
(35)
3,800

—

—
440
61
995

—
(1,593)
809

—
14,939
10,711

—
592,687
1,311,064

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

68

Japanese 
GAAP

Reclassifi-
cation

Consolidation 
scope 
differences

Recognition and 
measurement 
differences

(Millions of yen)

IFRS

Notes

Accounts under IFRS

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Accounts under Japanese GAAP

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Notes and accounts 

payable - trade ........................
Short-term loans .......................
Current portion of long-term 

loans .......................................

Accounts payable - other ..........
Accrued expenses ....................
Income taxes payable ...............
Liability for loss related to 

cosmetics ...............................

Other .........................................
Total current liabilities ...............

Long-term liabilities 

Bonds ........................................
Long-term loans ........................

133,728
47

15
—
76,078
99,033
32,073

2,891
—
—
33,628
377,493

74,741
(47)

(15)
62
(76,078)
(99,033)
—

(2,891)
11,335
16,712
82,225
7,011

50,000
70,060
—

(50,000)
(70,060)
120,060

Liability for retirement 

benefits ..................................

74,178

804

Liability for loss related to 

cosmetics ...............................

Other .........................................

Total long-term liabilities ...........
Total liabilities ..............................

Net assets 

Common stock ..........................
Capital surplus ...........................
Treasury stock, at cost ..............
Unrealized gain on available-for-
sale securities.........................
Deferred gain (loss) on derivatives 
under hedge accounting .........

Foreign currency translation 

2,474
—
—

20,531
—
217,243
594,736

85,424
108,659
(8,202)

(2,474)
11,093
16,880

(17,790)
2,151
10,664
17,675

—
—
—

7,063

(7,063)

(3)

3

adjustments............................

(19,315)

19,315

Remeasurements of defined 

benefit plans ...........................
Stock acquisition rights .............

(152)
889

152
(889)

(12)

Trade and other payables

(12)

Bonds and borrowings

(12)

(11)

(11), (12)

(11)

(7), (11), (12)

Income tax payables

Other financial liabilities
Provisions
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

(12)

(12)

(11)

(11), (12)

(11), (12)

Bonds and borrowings
Retirement benefit 

liabilities

Other financial liabilities
Provisions
Other non-current 

(8), (11), (12)

liabilities

(6), (11)

Deferred tax liabilities
Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Share capital
Capital surplus
Treasury shares

(1,709)
—

—
277
—
—
111

—
(4,406)
—
3,920
(1,807)

—
—
222

724

—
724
365

83
—
2,118
311

—
—
—

—

—

—

—
—

—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
60
5,649
5,709

206,760
—

—
339
—
—
32,184

—
6,929
16,772
125,422
388,406

—
—
(75)

—
—
120,207

—

75,706

—
—
459

2,095
(1,833)
646
6,355

—
—
—

—

—

—

—
—

—
11,817
17,704

4,919
318
230,671
619,077

85,424
108,659
(8,202)

—

—

—

—
—

Retained earnings ........................

—
502,134

(11,518)
—

(218)
246

7,552
(3,081)

(4,184)
499,299

(9), (12)

(10), (12)

Minority interests .........................
Total net assets ...........................
Total liabilities and net assets .........

10,636
687,133
1,281,869

—
—
17,675

470
498
809

(115)
4,356
10,711

680,996
10,991
691,987
1,311,064

(12)

Other components of 

equity

Retained earnings
Equity attributable to 

owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

69

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes on Reconciliations of Equity as of December 31, 2015

(1) Adjustment to Inventories
Mainly, goods for sales promotion recognized in supplies under 
Japanese GAAP are recognized in an adjustment to retained 
earnings as they do not meet the definition of assets under IFRS.

(2) Adjustment to Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is adjusted mainly by applying 
deemed cost as follows.
  The Group used fair value as the deemed cost at the transition 
date for certain items of property, plant and equipment. As a result, 
property, plant and equipment at the transition date decreased by 
1,003 million yen, and the adjustment was recognized in retained 
earnings. At the transition date, the carrying amount of property, 
plant and equipment to which deemed cost was applied was 1,851 
million yen under Japanese GAAP, and the fair value was 848 million 
yen.
  Fair value is based on valuation by independent appraisers with 
appropriate qualifications and other methods, and is categorized 
within Level 3.

(3) Adjustment to Goodwill
1)  Under Japanese GAAP, the amortization period of goodwill was 

effectively estimated and goodwill was amortized over the 
amortization period, but under IFRS amortization of goodwill has 
been discontinued since the transition date.

2)  Under Japanese GAAP, certain foreign currency-denominated 

goodwill was translated at the exchange rate at the acquisition 
date, whereas under IFRS all foreign currency-denominated 
goodwill is translated at the closing rate and recognized in 
adjustments to other components of equity.

(4) Adjustment to Intangible Assets
Certain intangible assets that were recognized under Japanese 
GAAP are recognized in adjustments to retained earnings as they 
do not meet the definition of assets under IFRS.

(10) Adjustments to Retained Earnings

(5) Adjustment to Other Financial Assets (Non-current Assets)
Under Japanese GAAP, non-marketable equity instruments were 
carried at the acquisition cost, and impairment loss was recognized 
as required depending on the financial condition of the issuing 
company. Under IFRS, these equity instruments are designated as 
financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
income, and are measured at fair value, irrespective of the existence 
of market activity, with the change recognized as other comprehensive 
income and reclassified to retained earnings in case of derecognition 
or a significant decrease in fair value.

(6)  Adjustments to Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax 

Liabilities

The amounts of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are 
adjusted mainly due to temporary differences arising as a result of 
adjustments from Japanese GAAP to IFRS.

(7) Adjustment to Other Current Liabilities
Mainly, obligation for unused paid absences that was not recognized 
as a liability under Japanese GAAP is recognized as a liability under 
IFRS and recognized in adjustments to retained earnings.

(8) Adjustment to Other Non-current Liabilities
Special paid leave and bonuses granted conditional on a certain 
number of years of employment, which were not recognized as 
liabilities under Japanese GAAP, are recognized as liabilities under 
IFRS and recognized in adjustments to retained earnings.

(9) Adjustment to Other Components of Equity
1)  As an exemption elected under the provisions of IFRS 1, the 

cumulative translation differences for all foreign operations were 
reclassified to retained earnings as of January 1, 2015, the 
transition date. In addition, under IFRS, the cumulative translation 
differences associated with the liquidation of foreign operations 
during the fiscal year were reclassified to retained earnings. As a 
result, other components of equity increased by 6,070 million yen.

2)  Based on the fair value of non-marketable equity instruments 
stated in (5) above, other components of equity increased by 
1,368 million yen.

Adjustment to inventories ................................................................................................
Adjustment to property, plant and equipment ...............................................................
Adjustment to goodwill .....................................................................................................
Adjustment to intangible assets ......................................................................................
Adjustment to other current liabilities .............................................................................
Adjustment to retirement benefit liabilities ....................................................................
Adjustment to other non-current liabilities .....................................................................
Adjustment to exchange differences on translation of foreign operations ................
Other adjustments .............................................................................................................
  Subtotal .......................................................................................................................
Adjustment for tax effects ................................................................................................
Adjustment for non-controlling interests ........................................................................
  Total .........................................................................................................................

(Millions of yen)

December 31, 
2015
(4,724)
(897)
11,687
(899)
(5,649)
(220)
(2,095)
(6,070)
(33)
(8,900)
5,755
64
(3,081)

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

70

 
 
 
(11) Reclassifications
Reclassifications are made to comply with the provisions of IFRS. 
The main reclassifications are as follows:
1)  Time deposits with deposit terms of more than three months in 
“Cash and time deposits” under Japanese GAAP are classified 
as “Other financial assets” in current assets under IFRS. Among 
“Short-term investments” and “Other (current assets)” under 
Japanese GAAP, short-term investments redeemable within three 
months from the date of acquisition are classified as “Cash and 
cash equivalents” under IFRS.

2)  “Deferred tax assets” and “Deferred tax liabilities” classified as 

current items under Japanese GAAP are classified as non-current 
items under IFRS.

3)  Store fixtures for cosmetics were classified as “Long-term 

prepaid expenses” under Japanese GAAP, but are classified as 

“Property, plant and equipment” under IFRS.

4)  Financial assets, financial liabilities and non-current assets held 
for sale are disclosed separately based on the requirements of 
IFRS.

5)  The provision for losses on returned products and asset 

retirement obligations, which were included in “Other (current 
liabilities)” and “Other (non-current liabilities)” and the gross 
amount of liability for loss related to cosmetics under Japanese 
GAAP, are classified as “Provisions” under IFRS.

(12) Differences in Scope of Consolidation
Certain subsidiaries of minor importance were not included in the 
scope of consolidation under Japanese GAAP and the equity 
method was applied, but all subsidiaries are included in the scope 
of consolidation under IFRS.

Reconciliations of Profit or Loss and Comprehensive Income for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015 (January 1 to December 31, 2015)

Japanese 
GAAP
1,471,791 
(658,221)
813,570 

Reclassifi-
cation

—
(647)
(647)

Consolidation 
scope 
differences
2,759 
198 
2,957 

Recognition and 
measurement 
differences

IFRS

— 1,474,550 
(658,865)
815,685 

(195)
(195)

Notes

(6)

(2), (6)

Accounts under IFRS

Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit

(Millions of yen)

(2,234)
9,758 
(8,824)
1,657 

3 
(85)

(1,113)
—
—
—
—

462 
(596)
(134)

(182)
48 
—

12,577 
(62)
(1,286)
11,034 

(375)
(6,636)

(26)
—
—
—
—

1,517 
—
—
—
—

3,997 
2,609 
6,606 

166,038 
(60,086)
105,952 

6,516 
90 
—

105,196 
756 
—

(642,729)
14,099 
(19,737)
167,318 

Selling, general and 

(1), (2), (6)

administrative expenses 

(4), (6)

(4), (6)

Other operating income
Other operating expenses
Operating income

1,416 
(4,213)

(4), (6)

Financial income

(1), (2), (4), (6) Financial expenses

(4), (6)

(4)

(4)

(4)

(4)

(3), (6)

Share of profit in 

investments accounted for 
using the equity method

Income before income taxes
Income taxes 
Net income

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Accounts under Japanese GAAP
Net sales .........................................
Cost of sales ...................................
Gross profit .....................................

Selling, general and administrative 
expenses .....................................

Operating income ...........................

Non-operating income ....................
Non-operating expenses .................
Extraordinary gain ...........................
Extraordinary loss ...........................
Income before income taxes and 

minority interests .........................
Total income taxes .........................
Income before minority interests ...

(649,190)
—
—
164,380 

—
—

—
7,600 
(2,707)
1,561 
(9,255)

161,579 
(62,099)
99,480 

(3,882)
4,403 
(9,627)
(9,753)

1,788 
2,508 

2,656 
(7,600)
2,707 
(1,561)
9,255 

—
—
—

Minority interests ...........................
Net income .....................................

—
618 
98,862 

98,862 
—
(98,862)

71

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Accounts under Japanese GAAP
Income before minority interests ...

Japanese 
GAAP
99,480 

Reclassifi-
cation

—

Consolidation 
scope 
differences
(134)

Recognition and 
measurement 
differences
6,606 

IFRS
105,952 

Notes

Accounts under IFRS

Net income

(Millions of yen)

Other comprehensive income

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-
for-sale securities ......................

Remeasurements of defined 

1,310 

benefit plans .............................

(3,712)

—

—

0 

6 

Other comprehensive 

income

Items that will not be 

reclassified to profit or 
loss:
Net gain (loss) on 

revaluation of financial 
assets measured at fair 
value through other 
comprehensive income

Remeasurements of 

485 

1,795 

(6)

2,936 

(770)

(5), (6)

defined benefit plans

—

167 

78 

—

245 

(6)

1,270 

Foreign currency translation 

adjustments ..............................

(15,793)

—

—

—

(213)

942 

(15,064)

(6)

—

12 

12 

Share in other comprehensive 

income of associates applied for 
equity method ...........................

(9)

(167)

150 

7 

(19)

(6)

Other comprehensive income .....
Comprehensive income ..................

(18,204)
81,276 

—
— 

21 
(113)

4,382 
10,988 

(13,801)
92,151 

(15,071)

Share of other 

comprehensive income 
of investments 
accounted for using the 
equity method

Total of items that will not 
be reclassified to profit or 
loss

Items that may be 

reclassified subsequently 
to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on 
translation of foreign 
operations

Net gain (loss) on 

derivatives designated as 
cash flow hedges

Share of other 

comprehensive income 
of investments 
accounted for using the 
equity method

Total of items that may be 
reclassified subsequently 
to profit or loss 

Other comprehensive 
income, net of taxes
Comprehensive income

Notes on Reconciliations of Profit or Loss and Comprehensive 
Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (January 1 to 
December 31, 2015)

(1)  Adjustment to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
1)  Under Japanese GAAP, expected return on plan assets and 

interest expenses relating to retirement benefits were included 
in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses 
as retirement benefit expenses, but net interest relating to 
retirement benefits is classified as financial expenses under 
IFRS. As a result, negative 3,863 million yen was reclassified from 
selling, general and administrative expenses to financial expenses.

2)  Under Japanese GAAP, actuarial gains and losses relating to 

retirement benefits were recognized in other comprehensive 
income as incurred, and were recognized in profit or loss from 
the fiscal year when incurred, amortized on a straight-line basis 
over a certain number of years no longer than the average 
remaining service period of employees. Under IFRS, these 
actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive 
income as incurred, and immediately reclassified to retained 
earnings. Moreover, under Japanese GAAP, past service costs 
were recognized in other comprehensive income as incurred, 
and were recognized in profit or loss from the fiscal year when 
incurred, amortized on a straight-line basis over a certain number 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

72

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

of years no longer than the average remaining service period of 
employees, whereas under IFRS, they are recognized in profit or 
loss as incurred. As a result, defined benefit cost increased by 
1,152 million yen compared with Japanese GAAP.

3)  Under Japanese GAAP, the amortization period of goodwill was 

effectively estimated and goodwill was amortized over the 
amortization period, but amortization of goodwill is discontinued 
under IFRS. As a result, amortization of goodwill decreased by 
12,879 million yen compared with Japanese GAAP.

4)  The intangible assets recognized under Japanese GAAP that do 
not meet the definition of assets under IFRS are not recognized 
as assets. As a result, amortization of intangible assets 
decreased by 3,329 million yen compared with Japanese GAAP.
5)  Under Japanese GAAP, future expenses that fulfilled the required 
conditions were recognized as provisions, but are recognized in 
an adjustment to retained earnings as they do not meet the 
conditions for recognition of provisions under IFRS. As a result, 
selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 1,710 
million yen compared with Japanese GAAP.

(2) Adjustment to Financial Expenses
1)  Under Japanese GAAP, expected return on plan assets and interest 
expenses relating to retirement benefits were recognized in cost 
of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses as 
retirement benefit expenses, but net interest relating to retirement 
benefits is classified as financial expenses under IFRS. As a result, 
4,529 million yen was reclassified from cost of sales and selling, 
general and administrative expenses to financial expenses.
2)  Under Japanese GAAP, interest expenses, determined by 

multiplying the discount rate by retirement benefit obligations, 
and expected return on plan assets, determined by multiplying 
the expected rate of return on plan assets by plan assets, 
respectively, were recognized as retirement benefit expenses, 
but under IFRS the net interest amount determined by 
multiplying the net amount of retirement benefit obligations and 
the plan assets by the discount rate is recognized as retirement 
benefit expenses. As a result, financial expenses increased by 
5,558 million yen.

3)  As an exemption elected under the provisions of IFRS 1, the 

cumulative translation differences for all foreign operations were 
reclassified to retained earnings as of January 1, 2015, the 

transition date. As a result, foreign exchange losses associated 
with the liquidation of foreign operations during the fiscal year 
increased by 1,064 million yen compared with Japanese GAAP.

(3) Adjustment to Income Taxes
The amount of income taxes is adjusted due to temporary 
differences that arise as a result of adjustment from Japanese 
GAAP to IFRS.

(4) Other Reclassifications
In addition to the above, reclassifications are made to comply with 
the provisions of IFRS. The main reclassifications are as follows.
  Among items that were classified as non-operating income, non-
operating expenses, extraordinary gain and extraordinary loss under 
Japanese GAAP, finance-related items and foreign exchange gain or 
loss are classified as financial income or financial expenses under 
IFRS and other items are classified as other operating income, 
other operating expenses or share of profit in investments 
accounted for using the equity method.

(5) Adjustment to Remeasurements of Defined Benefit Plans
Under Japanese GAAP, actuarial gains and losses were recognized 
in other comprehensive income as incurred, and were recognized in 
profit or loss from the fiscal year when incurred, amortized on a 
straight-line basis over a certain number of years no longer than the 
average remaining service period of employees. Under IFRS, these 
actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive 
income as incurred, and immediately reclassified to retained 
earnings. Moreover, under Japanese GAAP, past service costs were 
recognized in other comprehensive income as incurred, and were 
recognized in profit or loss from the fiscal year when incurred, 
amortized on a straight-line basis over a certain number of years no 
longer than the average remaining service period of employees, 
whereas under IFRS, they are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

(6) Differences in Scope of Consolidation
Certain subsidiaries of minor importance were not included in the 
scope of consolidation under Japanese GAAP and the equity 
method was applied, but all subsidiaries are included in the scope 
of consolidation under IFRS.

Reconciliations of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015 (January 1 to December 31, 2015)

There are no significant differences between the disclosed consolidated statement of cash flows under Japanese GAAP and the disclosed 
consolidated statement of cash flows under IFRS.

40 Approval of the Consolidated Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements were approved by Michitaka Sawada, President and Chief Executive Officer, and by Kenichi 
Yamauchi, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Accounting and Finance, on March 14, 2017.

73

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

Independent Auditor’s Report

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2016

74

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Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8210, Japan

Investor Relations
Telephone: 81-3-3660-7101       Facsimile: 81-3-3660-8978
E-mail: ir@kao.co.jp
Website: http://www.kao.com/jp/en/corp_ir/investors.html