Quarterlytics / Consumer Defensive / Household & Personal Products / Kao Corp.

Kao Corp.

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Industry Household & Personal Products
Employees 10,000+
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FY2020 Annual Report · Kao Corp.
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Financial 
Report 2020

For the year ended December 31, 2020

Management Discussion and Analysis 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

1

16

21

67

Management Discussion and Analysis

Management Policies

beauty for oneself, and also for other people and for the natural world 
around us. At Kao, kirei is the value we want to bring to everyday life 
through our brands, products and services—now and in the future. 

Basic 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 the 

consumer’s and customer’s perspective.

Medium-to-long-term Management 
Strategies of the Kao Group and 
Management Metric Used as a Target

  All members of the Kao Group share the Kao Way, which is 

our corporate philosophy, and have been putting it into 

Long-term Management Strategy
As its commitment to becoming the company it wants to be 

practice every day as the foundation of our approaches and 

by 2030, the Kao Group is taking a step forward from its 

actions to respond to changing times during our more than 

previous aim of “making Kao a company with a global 

130 years of doing business, mainly in the domains of 

presence” by realizing sustained profitable growth while 

cleanliness, beauty and health. To continue our profitable 

contributing to the sustainability of the world to aiming to 

growth, in recent years we have created a post-deflation 

“make Kao a company with a global presence, valuable to 

growth model and have been implementing governance 

society.” Through ESG initiatives, we will become a valuable 

reforms aimed at achieving a compact, highly diverse Board of 

presence for people, society and the planet.

Directors, among other measures, while also endeavoring to 

  For the environment (E), we aim for zero waste and carbon 

contribute to consumers, customers and society by providing 

zero. For society (S), we will promote one and only 

products that facilitate clean, beautiful and healthy living, as 

personalization that is closely attuned to people in the hope of 

well as industrial-use products that contribute to the 

ending wasteful consumption. Then, while ensuring effective 

development of industry.

governance (G), we will proceed as one team with “Integrity 2”, 

In 2009, we set forth our Environmental Statement to be a 

joined by like-minded parties. Following a management 

positive force for nature as well as for humankind, then went 

guideline of “Maximum with minimum”—generating the 

one step further with the aim of enriching lives in harmony 

maximum value with the minimum resources—we will 

with nature. In 2019, we announced our new ESG strategy, 

continue our growth to help create a better tomorrow.

the “Kirei1 Lifestyle Plan (KLP),” and declared our commitment 

to shifting to ESG-driven management.

  Now, however, crises are impinging on human lives, which 

are the cornerstone for realizing the “enrichment of the lives 

of people” set forth in our mission. These threats are expected 

to continue jeopardizing the foundations of everyday lives.

  Under these circumstances, we will tackle this pressing 

social issue with an approach unique to Kao. With a strong 

determination to protect not only everyday lives and ecology, 

but also human lives, the Kao Group will become a company 

that saves future lives. Under our K25 basic principles toward 

2030, “Kirei—Making Life Beautiful,” we will help to maintain 

the planet as a sustainable and clean place to live, to achieve 

a sustainable and prosperous society, and to protect people 

from hazards so they can enjoy their everyday lives.

  These efforts will lead to an ongoing cycle of positive financial 

results and returns to stakeholders. The Kao Group will continue 

working to enhance its corporate value at a higher level.

1.  The Japanese word “kirei” describes something that is clean, well-

ordered and beautiful, all at the same time. For Kao, this concept of kirei 
not only describes appearance, but also attitude—to seek to create 

Targets for 2030
Make Kao a company with a global presence, 
valuable to society

• Become an essential company in a sustainable world

•  A highly profitable global company that also significantly 

contributes to society

•  Returns to stakeholders according to levels of growth

  Financial targets (as a result)

-  ¥2.5 trillion in net sales

-  ¥400 billion in operating income

-  41 consecutive years of increases in cash dividends

2.  Integrity is one of the values of the Kao Way, the corporate philosophy of 

the Kao Group.

Mid-term Business Plan
The five years from 2021 to 2025 are an important period for the 

Kao Group to establish the foundation for becoming the company 

it wants to be by 2030. To that end, the Kao Group Mid-term Plan 

2025 “K25” establishes a vision of “Sustainability as the only 

1

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
path” and sets forth three objectives.

make high-level returns, according to the level of our growth, 

  To become an essential company in a sustainable world, 

to our many stakeholders, including employees, consumers, 

we must actively promote KLP, the new ESG strategy we 

customers, business partners and shareholders.

announced in 2019, and take leadership in a self-sufficient, 

  While continuing to practice the “Integrity” set forth in the 

sustainable society that curtails the generation of waste to 

Kao Way, the Kao Group will achieve these objectives together 

the greatest extent possible. Moreover, we will ensure that 

with like-minded stakeholders, and in so doing create a better 

our investments for KLP are reflected in future earnings.

tomorrow.

  By transforming to build robust business through investment, 

we will create “Another Kao.” For people facing compelling 

problems, we will fully utilize the technologies and expertise 

Kao Group Mid-term Plan 2025 “K25”

we have cultivated as well as our digital transformation (DX) 

•  Vision

to create new businesses that “save future lives.” At the 

Sustainability as the only path

same time, we will further reinforce our current business, 

which serves as the foundation of this new business, 

revitalizing it as “Reborn Kao.”

  Furthermore, to achieve these two objectives, the vitality 

of our employees is indispensable. Therefore, for our third 

•  Concept

Kirei—Making Life Beautiful

•  Policy (Objectives)

  Objective (1)  Become an essential company in a 

objective—to maximize the power and potential of employees—

sustainable world

we will newly implement an Objectives and Key Results 

  Goal

(OKR) employee empowerment system in January 2021 so 

that all employees can give their utmost to achieving the 

substantial goals they set for themselves. We will also 

proactively open positions to talent from outside the Kao 

Group and promote external collaboration.

 Take leadership in a self-sufficient, sustainable society 
(ESG Investment = Reflection of future earnings)

  Key Results

-  Carbon recycling (Conversion of carbon dioxide into 

raw materials)

-  Positive recycling (Creation of new business through 

  Achieving these three objectives will enable us to achieve 

re-use)

our targets for record-high sales and profits (¥1.8 trillion in net 

-  Stop pandemic (Eradicate the source of infectious 

sales, ¥250 billion in operating income and the 36th consecutive 

diseases)

fiscal year of increases in cash dividends in 2025), and to 

Net Sales* / Operating Margin

ROE

(Billions of yen)
1,600

1,457.6

1,200

12.7

1,489.4

1,508.0

1,502.2

13.7

13.8

14.1

1,382.0

12.7

800

400

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

(%)
20

15

10

5

0

(%)
25

20

15

10

5

0

Net Sales (Left)
Operating Margin (Right)

* In fiscal 2017, the Kao Group adopted IFRS 15 early in tandem with a revision 
  of its sales system for the Consumer Products Business in Japan. As a result, 
  certain items formerly treated as SG&A expenses are accounted for as reductions 
   of net sales or cost of sales. In fiscal 2020, the Kao Group changed its method of  
   recognizing sales for certain transactions from the gross amount to the net amount. 

18.6

19.8

18.9

17.6

14.2

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
  Objective (2)  Transform to build robust business 
through investment

  Goal

 Create “Another Kao” and reinforce current Kao 
(Expand global business by focusing on saving lives)

  Key Results

-  New business: Launch digital and precision healthcare 
business (high-precision bioanalysis and homeostasis 
enhancement solution)

-  Current business: Invest in outstanding products and 

expand business

shareholders and other asset owners to deploy capital 

efficiently and generate profits. The Kao Group believes that 

continuously increasing EVA will lead to increases in corporate 

value and thus corresponds with long-term benefits, not only 

for shareholders, but for all stakeholders. The target of the 

Kao Group’s business activities is to increase EVA while 

expanding its business scale. The Kao Group uses this metric 

to assess its businesses, to make evaluations on investment 

in facilities, acquisitions and other items, and to develop 

performance targets for each fiscal year and for its 

-  Cosmetics business and sanitary business: Pursue 

compensation system.

next innovation

3.  EVA is a registered trademark of Stern Stewart & Co.

Objective (3)  Maximize the power and potential of 

employees

  Goal

 Double the productivity of our business activities 
(Make challenges visible and pursue open innovation)

  Key Results

-  Fair compensation according to challenge and 
contribution (implementation of OKR globally)

Issues for Management

Infectious diseases are spreading widely around the world 

and environmental issues in areas such as climate change, 

water and forest resources are becoming more serious. 

Moreover, the importance of efforts for human rights is 

-   Active promotion of talent from outside Kao and 

growing, and market structure and consumer attitudes are 

doubling the results of collaboration 

-  Reform to become “digital Kao” to be completed by 

2023

Management Metric Used as a Target
As its principal management metric, the Kao Group uses 

changing considerably together with growing social issues 

such as Japan’s aging society. In this significantly changing 

business environment, with doubts about the continuance of 

the sustainable society itself, the Kao Group considers 

sustainable corporate growth to be difficult using only its 

current business model.

  Reducing shortages as much as possible and avoiding lost 

EVA3, which measures true profit by factoring in the cost of 

opportunities during purchasing leads to stable business 

invested capital. This essentially takes the perspective of 

performance, but on the other hand, it is a cause of over-

Cash Dividends per Share

(Yen)
140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Increases in dividends for 31 consecutive periods

7.1 7.1 8.87 9.09 10.0 10.5 11.5 12.5 14

15

16

20

24

26

38

30

32

50

52

54

56

57

58

60

62

64

140

130

120

110

94

80

70

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note: Impact of share splits is reflected retroactively.

3

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management Discussion and Analysis

procurement and excess inventory. In addition, an excessive 

leading company that contributes to the businesses of 

focus on meeting customer needs for consumption makes a 

numerous other companies.

company likely to opt for a wide-ranging lineup with short-term 

  Achieving this goal will require a unique co-creation platform 

product revisions, discontinuances and other measures, causing 

in addition to new businesses. To that end, we believe that the 

some products to be discarded without ever being used. This 

extensive fundamental research that has supported our product 

outcome is a negative factor for environmental conservation.

development research will serve as an engine for the Kao 

  To lead to a resolution of this issue, we must urgently build 

Group. In particular, fundamental research into matters such as 

a consumption cycle model for achieving a sustainable society. 

the properties, variations, transmission, elimination and 

Through Yoki-Monozukuri 4 of products that can be regularly 

prevention of things that are harmful to people and the 

used as long as possible, we will establish a new business 

environment will surely significantly benefit society in the 

model that neither makes nor delivers useless items.

future. Now, as the world faces a crisis, we are determined to 

  Furthermore, we believe that we have not yet established 

focus on helping to resolve compelling social issues.

the value of our existence for a sustainable society globally. 

  The Kao Group Mid-term Plan 2025 “K25” is crucial for 

We must take on new challenges to realize the Kao Group’s 

building the business foundation that will be essential for 

Mission“ to strive for the wholehearted satisfaction and 

resolving these issues to become the company we want to be 

enrichment of the lives of people globally and to contribute to 

by 2030. The Kao Group will continue to take on the challenge 

the sustainability of the world.” We aim to lead the world in 

of helping to resolve major issues such as these.

offering ESG-oriented products and services as we continue 

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

to grow centered on these offerings, while also becoming a 

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.” 

Costs, Expenses and Income as Percentages of Net Sales

Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020

57.3%

42.7

30.1

12.7

12.6

9.1

2019

56.5%

43.5

29.5

14.1

14.0

9.9

2018

56.6%

43.4

29.5

13.8

13.7

10.2

Payout Ratio

(%)
60

50

40

30

20

10

0

53.4

42.4

37.1

36.9

38.2

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

4

Basic Approach to Selection of 
Accounting Standards

Japan. On the other hand, sales and profits in the Cosmetics 

Business decreased substantially in Japan as inbound demand 

disappeared and the market contracted significantly, due in 

Having decided that unifying accounting standards within the 

part to the impact of people voluntarily refraining from going 

Kao Group will contribute to improving the quality of its 

outside. Outside Japan, the Kao Group was affected by 

business management, the Kao Group has voluntarily adopted 

mandated temporary store closures and restrictions on going 

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from fiscal 

outside all over the world except China, and also incurred 

2016. This enables management based on standardized 

extra expenses to respond to the pandemic, resulting in an 

procedures and information for each Group company and 

overall decrease in consolidated financial results compared 

business, and the Kao Group intends to reinforce its 

with the previous fiscal year.

management foundation in order to enhance its corporate 

In the Kao Group’s key markets, according to retail sales 

value as a global company. The Kao Group also believes that 

and consumer purchasing survey data, the cosmetics market 

the application of IFRS will facilitate the international 

in Japan shrank significantly from the previous year due to a 

comparability of its financial statements in capital markets.

substantial decline in inbound demand and people’s voluntary 

Overview of Consolidated Results

restraint in going outside. On the other hand, the household 

and personal care products market grew because of a 

substantial increase in demand for hygiene-related products, 

among other factors. In every product category, the share of 

In fiscal 2020, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had 

the e-commerce channel increased further and average unit 

a major impact on people’s lives and corporate activities 

prices for household and personal care products increased by 

worldwide. The Kao Group has been rallying its comprehensive 

5 points compared with the previous fiscal year.

strength in striving to provide products, services and 

information to contribute to the daily lives and safety of 

people around the world. Due to heightened awareness of 

hygiene, demand rose for hand soaps, hand sanitizers and 

home care products in general, resulting in growth in sales 

and profits compared with the previous fiscal year, mainly in 

Basic Earnings per Share

Net Sales* / Operating Margin

(Yen)
400

300

200

100

0

298.30

314.25

306.70

262.29

253.43

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

5

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

Consumer Products Business

(Billions of yen)
1,500

1,219.8

1,216.0

1,232.9

1,257.0

14.2

14.3

14.3

12.7

1,151.3

12.8

1,000

500

0

(%)
25

20

15

10

5

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Net Sales (Left)
Operating Margin (Right)

* In fiscal 2017, the Kao Group adopted IFRS 15 early in tandem with a revision 
of its sales system for the Consumer Products Business in Japan. In fiscal 2018, 
due to the reorganization of the sales organization of the Consumer Products 
Business in Japan, operating income for the previous fiscal year has been 
restated. In fiscal 2020, the Kao Group changed its method of recognizing 
sales for certain transactions from the gross amount to the net amount. 

 
Management Discussion and Analysis

Analysis of Income Statement

Cosmetics Business

Sales decreased 22.4% compared with the previous fiscal 

Net sales decreased 8.0% compared with the previous fiscal 

year to ¥234.1 billion. On a like-for-like basis, sales decreased 

year to ¥1,382.0 billion. On a like-for-like basis, net sales 

22.1%.

decreased 5.2%. Operating income was ¥175.6 billion, a 

  Cosmetics Business sales decreased substantially due to a 

decrease of ¥36.2 billion compared with the previous fiscal 

significant decline in inbound demand, as well as the impact of 

year, the operating margin was 12.7% and income before 

mandated temporary store closures and regulations and other 

income taxes was ¥174.0 billion, a decrease of ¥36.7 billion. 

restrictions on going outside enacted around the world. In 

Net income was ¥128.1 billion, a decrease of ¥22.3 billion.

particular, sales of makeup products decreased, as wearing 

  Basic earnings per share were ¥262.29, a decrease of 

masks became common practice.

¥44.41, or 14.5%, from ¥306.70 in the previous fiscal year.

In Japan, in addition to the decrease in inbound demand, 

In addition, 2020 was the final year of the Kao Group Mid-

there was an impact from people voluntarily refraining from 

term Plan “K20”, under which the Kao Group set and aimed to 

going outside and voluntary temporary retail store closures. 

achieve the following three goals. The Kao Group was able to 

Furthermore, the number of newly infected people began to 

achieve all of its targets other than “continue to set new 

rise again even after the declaration of a state of emergency 

record highs for profits” and “like-for-like net sales CAGR* of 

in April, delaying market recovery. In Europe, mandated 

+5% and operating margin of 15%” under “commitment to 

temporary store closures had a negative impact. In Asia, on 

profitable growth.”

the other hand, the Kao Group enhanced its e-commerce and 

•  Commitment to fostering a distinctive corporate image

other initiatives in China, where sales were steady for 

•  Commitment to profitable growth

•  Commitment to returns to stakeholders

 * CAGR: Compound annual growth rate

freeplus, which is hypoallergenic and contains Japanese and 

Chinese botanical extracts, and Curél, a derma care brand.

  Operating income was ¥2.6 billion, a decrease of ¥38.8 

billion from the previous fiscal year.

Information by Segment

Skin Care and Hair Care Business

Sales decreased 9.3% compared with the previous fiscal year 

Consumer Products Business

to ¥308.9 billion due to the change in the method of 

Sales decreased 8.4% compared with the previous fiscal year 

recognizing sales for certain transactions from the gross 

to ¥1,151.3 billion. On a like-for-like basis, sales decreased 5.3%.

amount to the net amount, among other factors. On a like-for-

  During fiscal 2020, business activities worldwide were 

like basis, sales increased 1.4%.

substantially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In skin care products, sales of Bioré u hand soap, hand 

In Japan, sales increased as demand for hygiene-related 

sanitizer and other hygiene-related products increased due to the 

products grew, but Cosmetics Business sales decreased 

Kao Group’s efforts to concentrate all its capabilities on meeting 

substantially. With additional factors including a change in the 

increased demand in Japan resulting from the pandemic.

method of recognizing certain transactions from the gross 

  Sales of hair care products decreased as sales of hair coloring 

amount to the net amount, sales decreased 9.9% to ¥811.0 

products grew in Japan with increased opportunities for hair care 

billion. On a like-for-like basis, sales decreased 6.3%.

at home as people voluntarily refrained from going outside, but 

In Asia, sales decreased 2.9% to ¥200.3 billion. On a like-

sales of the business for hair salons in the Americas and Europe 

for-like basis, sales decreased 0.7%. In the Americas, sales 

decreased due to mandated temporary salon closures by 

decreased 5.9% to ¥83.6 billion. On a like-for-like basis, sales 

customers of the Kao Group, among other factors.

decreased 3.7%. In Europe, sales decreased 9.3% to ¥56.4 

  Operating income increased ¥1.3 billion compared with the 

billion. On a like-for-like basis, sales decreased 8.8%. 

previous fiscal year to ¥50.8 billion. 

  Operating income decreased ¥32.7 billion compared with 

the previous fiscal year to ¥147.2 billion. 

Human Health Care Business

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

Sales decreased 8.3% compared with the previous fiscal year 

to ¥234.0 billion. On a like-for-like basis, sales decreased 7.3%.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Sales of Laurier sanitary napkins in Japan remained 

growing demand for hygiene-related products due to the 

basically unchanged from the previous fiscal year in a 

pandemic. Sales of hygiene-related products also grew in 

fluctuating market, with special demand but also fewer 

Asia. In addition, sales of commercial-use products grew as 

occasions for use because people voluntarily refrained from 

the Kao Group substantially ramped up its production capacity 

going outside. In Asia, sales grew substantially due to smooth 

for hand sanitizers to supply the food service industry 

progress of e-commerce initiatives in China.

including restaurants, as well as lodging facilities, medical 

  Sales of Merries baby diapers grew steadily in Indonesia 

institutions, nursing facilities and other locations where 

but decreased in both Japan and China.

hygiene management is particularly necessary.

  Sales of personal health products decreased. Bath 

  Operating income increased ¥9.1 billion compared with the 

additives performed strongly due to demand from people 

previous fiscal year to ¥80.9 billion.

spending more time at home, among other factors, but sales 

of oral care products declined due to intense competition. 

Chemical Business

  Operating income decreased ¥4.3 billion compared with 

Sales decreased 5.8% compared with the previous fiscal year 

the previous fiscal year to ¥12.9 billion.

to ¥269.2 billion. On a like-for-like basis, sales decreased 4.7%.

  Amid a decline in demand for oleo chemicals due to the 

Fabric and Home Care Business

economic slowdown, sales of fat and oil derivative products 

Sales increased 4.1% compared with the previous fiscal year 

for disinfection and cleaning were firm. Sales of performance 

to ¥374.4 billion. On a like-for-like basis, sales increased 4.5%. 

chemicals decreased due to the ongoing impact of a decline 

In fabric care products in Japan, competition remained 

in demand in automobile-related and other fields. Specialty 

fierce in the markets for both laundry detergents and fabric 

chemicals were impacted by a slump in the market for toner 

softeners. Under these conditions, sales and market share of 

and toner binder. 

fabric care products held firm as the Kao Group launched new 

  Operating income decreased ¥3.1 billion compared with 

and improved laundry detergent products. Sales of home care 

the previous fiscal year to ¥27.7 billion.

products increased substantially as a result of enhanced 

promotion of antibacterial and anti-virus measures amid 

Net Sales* / Operating Margin

Cosmetics 
Business

Skin Care and 
Hair Care Business

Human Health 
Care Business

Fabric and 
Home Care Business

Chemical 
Business

Billions of yen)
400

300

200

100

0

332.9

341.4

340.8

308.9

14.8

14.3

14.5

16.5

301.5

279.6

266.2

234.1

13.7

9.9

4.9

1.1

273.1 281.2

267.7

255.2

234.0

12.3

10.4

9.5

6.7

5.5

345.2

335.7 344.1

374.4

359.5

22.6

22.7

20.7

20.0

21.6

310.3 312.8

273.8
273.8

285.9

269.2

10.8

9.8

9.8

10.8

10.3

(%)
40

30

20

10

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

Net Sales (Left)
Operating Margin (Right)

* Figures for the Consumer Products Business present sales to external customers and figures for the Chemical Business include sales to the Consumer Products Business in 

addition to external customers.

  In fiscal 2017, the Kao Group adopted IFRS 15 early in tandem with a revision of its sales system for the Consumer Products Business in Japan. In fiscal 2018, due to the 
reorganization of the sales organization of the Consumer Products Business in Japan, operating income for the previous fiscal year has been restated. The Beauty Care 
Business has been divided into the Cosmetics Business and the Skin Care and Hair Care Business, changing the four former reportable segments into five. The Curél derma 
care brand, which formerly had been classified as skin care and hair care products, has been included in the Cosmetics Business, and the Success men’s products brand, 
which formerly had been classified in the Human Health Care Business, has been included in the Skin Care and Hair Care Business. Net sales and operating income for the 
previous fiscal year have been restated accordingly. In fiscal 2020, the Kao Group changed its method of recognizing sales for certain transactions from the gross amount to 
the net amount. 

7

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
Management Discussion and Analysis

Financial Position

assets totaling ¥10.5 billion. 

  Adjusted free cash flow, the sum of net cash flows from 

Total assets increased ¥11.7 billion from December 31, 2019 

operating activities and net cash flows from investing 

to ¥1,665.6 billion. The principal increase in assets was a 

activities less depreciation of right-of-use assets and other 

¥63.5 billion increase in cash and cash equivalents. The 

expenses, was ¥131.2 billion.

principal decreases in assets were a ¥15.3 billion decrease in 

right-of-use assets and an ¥8.8 billion decrease in trade and 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

other receivables. 

Net cash flows from financing activities totaled negative ¥87.1 

  Total liabilities decreased ¥55.1 billion from December 31, 

billion. The Company emphasizes steady and continuous 

2019 to ¥727.4 billion. The principal decreases in liabilities 

dividends and flexibly repurchases and retires treasury shares 

were a ¥28.7 billion decrease in retirement benefit liabilities, a 

to improve capital efficiency from the perspective of EVA. 

¥14.6 billion increase in lease liabilities and an ¥8.1 billion 

During fiscal 2020, this primarily consisted of ¥66.2 billion for 

decrease in income tax payables.

dividends paid to owners of the parent and non-controlling 

  Total equity increased ¥66.8 billion from December 31, 

interests and ¥20.9 billion in repayments of lease liabilities. To 

2019 to ¥938.2 billion. The principal increases in equity were 

maintain an appropriate cost of capital ratio and to reinforce 

net income totaling ¥128.1 billion and remeasurements of 

its financial base for growth investments, the Company issues 

defined benefit plans totaling ¥16.4 billion. The principal 

and redeems corporate bonds, which consisted of ¥24.9 

decreases in equity were dividends totaling ¥66.2 billion and 

billion in proceeds from issuance of bonds and ¥24.9 billion in 

exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 

redemption of bonds.

totaling ¥9.9 billion. 

  The ratio of equity attributable to owners of the parent to 

total assets was 55.5% compared with 51.9% at December 

31, 2019. The Kao Group maintained return on equity at the 

high level of 14.2%.

Cash Flows

Basic Policies regarding Distribution of 
Profits and Dividends for the Fiscal Years 
Ended December 31, 2020 and Ending 
December 31, 2021

The Kao Group uses economic value added (EVA) as its 

principal management metric and clearly sets the uses of its 

The balance of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2020 

steadily generated cash flow as shown below from that 

increased ¥63.5 billion compared with December 31, 2019 to 

viewpoint. Shareholder returns are one such use, and they are 

¥353.2 billion, including the effect of exchange rate changes.

implemented after considering future demand for funds and 

the situation in financial markets.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities totaled ¥214.7 billion. 

Use of cash flow:

The principal increases in net cash were income before 

• Investment for future growth (capital expenditures, M&A, 

income taxes of ¥174.0 billion and depreciation and 

etc.)

amortization of ¥86.1 billion. The principal decreases in net 

• Steady and continuous dividends (40% payout ratio 

cash were income taxes paid of ¥53.9 billion and a decrease 

target)

in retirement benefit liabilities of ¥28.8 billion.

• Share repurchases and early repayment of interest-

bearing debt including borrowings  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities totaled negative ¥61.9 

In accordance with these policies, the Company plans to 

billion. This primarily consisted of purchase of property, plant 

pay a year-end dividend for fiscal 2020 of ¥70.00 per share, an 

and equipment of ¥59.4 billion for capacity expansion at 

increase of ¥5 per share compared with the previous fiscal 

production bases in Japan and proactive capital investments 

year. Consequently, annual cash dividends will increase ¥10 

in Asia, where growth is notable, and purchase of intangible 

per share compared with the previous fiscal year, resulting in 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

8

 
 
 
 
a total of ¥140 per share. The consolidated payout ratio will be 

streamlining, maintenance and renewal of facilities, and 

53.4%. 

upgrading of distribution bases, in addition to expanding 

  For fiscal 2021, the Company plans to pay total cash 

production capacity, mainly in Japan and Asia. In the Chemical 

dividends of ¥144 per share (53.9% payout ratio), an increase 

Business, the Kao Group also invested aggressively in 

of ¥4 per share compared with the previous fiscal year. This 

facilities to expand production capacity for fat and oil 

plan is in accordance with the Company’s basic policies 

derivatives and other products, inside and outside Japan. 

regarding distribution of profits, and free cash flow and other 

Research and development expenditures were ¥58.5 billion, 

factors have also been taken into consideration. As a result, 

equivalent to 4.2% of net sales, remaining at a high level 

the Company is aiming for its 32nd consecutive fiscal year of 

relative to net sales.

increases in dividends.

* Excluding right-of-use assets

EVA and Related Activities

Increasing Profit: In the Consumer Products Business, 

demand for hygiene-related products increased due to the 

EVA for fiscal 2020 was ¥62.3 billion, a decrease of ¥25.1 

COVID-19 pandemic, but operating income decreased due to 

billion compared with the previous fiscal year, due to 

factors including a slump in the Cosmetics Business in Japan. 

decreases in operating income and net operating profit after 

In the Chemical Business, sales were firm for fat and oil 

tax (NOPAT) in addition to an increase in capital costs from 

derivative products for disinfection and cleaning, but operating 

the previous fiscal year.

income decreased due to a slump in imaging materials and 

  The Kao Group conducted the following EVA-related 

other products.

activities during the fiscal year.

Investing for Growth: During fiscal 2020, the Kao Group’s 

annual dividends per share of ¥140.00, a year-on-year increase 

capital expenditures* totaled ¥69.7 billion, centered on 

of ¥10.00, or 8%, as announced in its forecast at the 

investments for future growth. In the Consumer Products 

beginning of the fiscal year. As a result, the Company has 

Business, the Kao Group carried out activities including 

achieved 31 consecutive fiscal periods of dividend growth.

Financial Improvement: For fiscal 2020, the Company paid 

investment in facilities to manufacture new products, 

Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities / 
Capital Expenditures*

(Billions of yen)
250

244.5

214.7

200

150

100

50

0

184.3

185.8

195.6

89.9

79.4

89.1

90.2

69.7

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities 
Capital Expenditures

* Excluding right-of-use assets from fiscal 2019

9

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

Free Cash Flows

(Billions of yen)
150

100

95.7

89.7

50

0

128.5

131.2

37.7

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Note: Free cash flow is the sum of net cash flows from operating activities 

and net cash flows from investing activities. 

          From fiscal 2019, cash flows from operating activities is adjusted 

for depreciation of right-of-use assets.

Management Discussion and Analysis

R&D Expenses

Cosmetics Business ..........................................

Skin Care and Hair Care Business ...................

Human Health Care Business .........................

Fabric and Home Care Business .....................

Chemical Business ..........................................

(Billions of yen)

2020

10.5

15.7

11.9

10.2

10.4

Business Risks and Other Risks

pandemic has brought about changes in the attitudes of 

consumers regarding the environment, health, hygiene and 

other matters and associated changes in their purchasing 

attitudes. Moreover, amid the global expansion of business and 

the progress of structural changes in various fields, companies 

must respond promptly and appropriately to changes in the 

risks pertaining to their businesses. In this business 

environment, by placing ESG at the core of its management, 

further deepening its Essential Research and proactively 

proposing innovations on a level that impacts society, the Kao 

Group aims for profitable growth while contributing to people, 

society and the Earth. To do so, it manages the following risks 

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

and crises.

satisfaction and enrichment of the lives of people globally and 

  The Kao Group defines a potential negative impact on its 

to contribute to the sustainability of the world, with products 

management targets and business activities as a “risk” and 

and brands of excellent value that are created from the 

the materialization of such risk as a “crisis.” The Risk and 

consumer’s and customer’s perspective. In addition, the Group 

Crisis Management Committee has established a system and 

is conducting initiatives under the Kao Group Mid-term Plan 

activity guideline for risk and crisis management based on 

2025 “K25,” which establishes a Vision of “Sustainability as the 

the Kao Risk and Crisis Management Policy. Divisions, 

only path” and sets forth three objectives: (1) Become an 

subsidiaries and affiliates manage risks by identifying and 

essential company in a sustainable world; (2) Transform to build 

assessing risks, and formulating and implementing 

robust business through investment; and (3) Maximize the 

countermeasures based on this activity guideline. In a crisis, 

power and potential of employees.

the Kao Group works to minimize harm to people and property 

  However, with the global spread of COVID-19, intensifying 

by establishing an Emergency Response Team Organization 

market competition, a changing market structure and volatility 

that corresponds to the level of emergency and responding 

in raw material market conditions and exchange rates, the Kao 

promptly and appropriately.

Group’s business environment remains uncertain. The COVID-19 

Total Dividend Payment / Share Repurchases* / 
Net Income Attributable to Owners of the Parent

(Billions of yen)
150

147.0

153.7

148.2

126.1

50.0

50.0

Cost of Capital / EVA

(Billions of yen)
150

73.4

100

90.4

93.5

87.4

62.3

54.3

58.5

62.6

67.4

50

56.4

59.1

62.7

63.8

66.5

126.6

50.0

46.8

100

50

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total Dividend Payment
Share Repurchases
Net Income Attributable to Owners of the Parent

* Excludes repurchase of shares of less than one trading unit

Cost of Capital
EVA

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

10

 
  After deliberation by the Risk and Crisis Management 

Management Committee selects risk themes and the 

Committee and the Management Committee, the Kao Group 

individuals (executive officers) in charge of handling each 

has selected the following 14 particularly significant risks as 

theme, while the Risk and Crisis Management Committee 

the main risks that have a negative impact on its sustained 

manages progress. (* Main corporate risk themes and 

profitable growth and contribution to the sustainability of the 

countermeasures are presented in “Main Initiatives.”)

world through its business activities. Among these main risks, 

  These are the main risks that might materialize within five 

the Kao Group designates risks that would have a major 

years as recognized as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 

impact on management and require an enhanced response as 

2020. In addition, there are risks other than the listed risks 

“corporate risks,” and once a year, based on internal and 

that may affect investors’ decisions.

external risk surveys and interviews with management, the 

Details of Main Risks

Main Initiatives

Risks related to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic

The global spread of COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the 
global economy, including delays in raw material procurement, 
manufacturing, distribution and other areas, immigration restrictions 
imposed in each country and region, restrictions on going outside and 
mandated temporary store closures. The COVID-19 pandemic has 
been recurring, with second and third waves in many countries and 
regions. The uncertain business environment is expected to continue, 
with years required for the impact of COVID-19 to be reduced through 
the introduction of vaccines and other measures, and for the global 
economy to recover.

Under these circumstances, in Japan, which is the Kao Group's main 
market, the cosmetics market shrank significantly from the previous 
year due to the impact of factors including a substantial decline in 
inbound demand and people’s voluntary restraint in going outside, 
while the household and personal care products market has grown due 
to increased demand for hygiene-related products. The COVID-19 
pandemic has caused changes in people’s awareness of hygiene, and 
changes in values regarding makeup and related products as people 
have voluntarily refrained from going outside and wearing masks has 
become common practice. It has caused changes in consumer 
behavior including a rapid increase in the use of e-commerce.

Risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and related changes in 
people’s behavior are as follows. Inability to take appropriate measures 
could cause net sales and profits to deviate significantly from targets.
∙  Temporary suspension of operations or obstacles to providing 

In response to COVID-19, the Kao Group held a meeting of the Emergency 
Response Team Headquarters headed by the President and CEO to 
decide on Group-wide policies regarding (1) ensuring the safety of 
employees and their families, (2) continuity of business activities, and 
(3) contributions to society, and took the following actions. In addition, 
these actions have been reported to the Board of Directors.

(1) Ensuring the safety of employees and their families
∙  As crisis management measures, followed national and local government 
policies, and implemented work systems and styles compatible with the status 
of infection in each country and region (promotion of remote work/teleworking, 
restrictions on business trips, restrictions on training/events/tours, etc.) 
∙  Identified the status of infected employees and family members or those 
who have been in close contact with infected persons, and implemented 
care as applicable, and measures to prevent the occurrence of clusters
∙  Launched the Infectious Disease Risk Assessment Project to reinforce 

infection prevention measures in the workplace and at home

(2) Continuity of business activities
∙  To maintain the supply chain, implemented higher-level infection control 
measures at production sites and rolled them out to subcontractors 
and other related parties, in addition to conducting relevant activities 
for raw material procurement

∙  Enhanced information systems for remote work and promoted digitalization 

of operations

∙  Reviewed Group systems for new work styles
∙  Formulated and implemented a business strategy for dealing with 

products and services due to multiple infections (clusters) at the Kao 
Group’s bases or in its supply chains

COVID-19 (main response initiatives related to the Cosmetics Business 
are presented in “Risks related to Changes in the Retailing Environment”)

∙  Delays in product development and launch plans due to a resurgence 

or prolongation of infections, because of work that cannot be 
performed remotely 

∙  Delays in the recovery of the Cosmetics Business or other 

(3) Contributions to society
∙  Provided a continuous supply of hygiene-related products for cleanliness 

and worry-free daily life

businesses due to a resurgence or prolongation of infections 

∙  Increased production of alcohol disinfectants to 20 times the previous 

∙  Inadequate response to changes in people’s awareness and values, 

and changes in consumer behavior

level and supplied them on a priority basis to medical institutions, 
nursing facilities and other locations with urgent needs

∙  Through its website, provided information on hygiene in daily life, based 
on the knowledge of experts and its own know-how. Also, for hygiene 
researchers, medical professionals, public health nurses working at 
educational institutions and other professionals, provided a wide range 
of information, including expert knowledge on measures for preventing 
the spread of infection based on academic papers

∙  Contributed to the development of therapies and diagnostic tools for 

COVID-19, including the discovery of VHH antibodies that can be 
expected to inhibit infection

•   Main Corporate Risk Themes and Countermeasures

Pandemics: The Kao Group implemented the above measures by 
applying to COVID-19 the guidelines and action plans it had been 
considering for responding to global pandemics of new strains of 
influenza and other diseases.

11

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
Management Discussion and Analysis

Details of Main Risks

Main Initiatives

Risks related to Response to Social Issues

The Kao Group’s Consumer Products Business and Chemical Business 
are affected by economic cycles and changes in the needs of 
consumers and customers.

The marine plastic waste problem, climate change, depletion of water 
resources, and environmental and human rights issues in raw material 
procurement, as well as growing social issues such as the aging 
society and hygiene have increased consumer awareness about the 
environment, health and other matters, leading to the trend of ethical 
consumption and customers’ increasing needs for sustainability. 
Moreover, the global spread of COVID-19 is further heightening these 
trends. Inability to provide appropriate products and services in 
response to changes in consumer awareness and customer needs 
relating to these social issues may reduce competitiveness, making 
targets for net sales and market share unattainable. In addition, if 
efforts to address social issues are deemed inadequate, corporate 
value could decline.

Risks related to Changes in the Retailing Environment

The retailing environment in which the Kao Group operates is changing 
significantly. The growth of E-commerce is accelerating due to the 
COVID-19 situation, and brick-and-mortar retailers are also responding 
to this changing environment based on discrete strategies such as 
combinations of offline and online retailing and mergers or integrations 
across business formats. If appropriate sales activities cannot be 
developed in response to these changes in the retailing environment 
and their accelerating pace, targets for net sales, market share and 
profits may be unattainable.

Changes in the market environment due to COVID-19 have also had a 
significant impact on the retail industry. If response to the disappearance 
of inbound demand and the shrinking cosmetics market is inadequate, 
targets for net sales, market share and profits may be unattainable.

Risks related to Business outside Japan

Under the “Kirei Lifestyle Plan” (KLP), an ESG strategy that integrates 
an ESG perspective with business strategy, the Kao Group aims to 
contribute to the sustainability of the world through technology 
innovations at every stage from raw material procurement to 
production, point of use and product disposal, and KLP promotion 
activities to ensure all Kao Group members correctly understand the 
purpose and content of KLP so they can fulfill their respective roles and 
responsibilities. In addition, while steadily conducting initiatives, the 
Kao Group is  working proactively to disclose these initiatives to 
stakeholders in order to demonstrate their results at an early stage.

In the Consumer Products Business, the Kao Group clarifies social 
issues to be addressed through its brand, which is a point of contact 
with consumers, and considers social and environmental issues from 
the product design stage. The Kao Group strives to contribute to better 
lives for consumers and the sustainability of society by maximizing the 
Group’s assets.

In the Chemical Business, the Kao Group helps to resolve social issues 
through innovations in chemical technologies to respond to changes in 
customer needs and advances in technology. By strengthening the 
development of natural fat and oil derivatives and other sustainable and 
distinctive products, the information materials and performance materials 
businesses are developing innovative products that offer greater 
customization, with the aim of further reducing environmental impact.

The Kao Group is proactively addressing E-commerce by rolling out 
products and services favored by E-commerce users and promoting 
the evolution of its digital marketing activities. Going forward, the Kao 
Group will further promote digital transformation (DX) and new 
initiatives such as D2C.*

The Kao Group will also promote co-creation initiatives with retailers to 
meet cosmetics needs through non-contact methods such as online 
counseling and live commerce, and to respond to growing hygiene-
related demand.

* D2C (Direct to Consumer)

A business model for selling directly to consumers through a company’s 
own E-commerce site

As one of its growth strategies, the Kao Group is rolling out its 
businesses outside Japan, with a particular emphasis on strengthening 
its operations in Asia and other regions where the economic growth 
rate is high and market expansion is forecast. However, in each country 
or region, in addition to the impact of COVID-19, in the course of 
business there is the possibility of events arising including a slowdown 
in economic growth, political or social instability, problems at retail 
outlets, agents or other business partners, sudden changes in laws, 
regulations or tax systems, a spate of counterfeit products, or 
reputation risk.* If there is a substantial delay in the implementation of 
business plans due to the impact of these events, targets for net sales 
and profits may be unattainable.

The Kao Group routinely collects information on the laws and regulations 
of each country relating to its business, in addition to the economic, 
political and social conditions of the countries in which it produces or 
sells products, and takes necessary measures in response. The Kao 
Group pays particularly close attention to tightening regulations in each 
country relating to the environment, product safety and quality, and the 
impact of changes in import and export regulations on the Group. With 
regard to intellectual property rights infringements such as counterfeit 
products, the Kao Group is focusing on countermeasures against 
counterfeit products, especially in the Asian region, in an effort to 
ensure that consumers and customers can use its products with peace 
of mind.

* See “Risks related to Reputation”

•   Main Corporate Risk Themes and Countermeasures

Risks related to environmental laws and regulations outside Japan: 
Among changes in laws and regulations outside Japan, the Kao Group 
pays particular attention to the risk of inability to adapt to changes in 
environmental laws and regulations that lead to the suspension of 
business and operations. In this regard, the Kao Group strengthened 
its monitoring and response system in China using an external 
specialist organization to address the impact of a sudden change in 
environmental laws and regulations on its local plants and major 
suppliers.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

12

Details of Main Risks

Risks related to Business Investment

The Kao Group conducts proactive capital investment and M&A for 
business growth based on investment decisions using EVA, which is 
highly correlated with corporate value. The Kao Group will continue to 
make these investments for growth while striving to enhance 
corporate value through ongoing improvements in EVA. However, if 
the market and business environments deteriorate at levels not 
anticipated at the time investment decisions were made and the 
expected cash flows cannot be generated due to a deviation from 
business performance plans or other factors, impairment of property, 
plant and equipment recorded due to capital expenditures or 
impairment of goodwill and intangible assets recorded due to M&A 
could have an impact on financial condition and business results.

Risks related to Product Quality

The basis of the Kao Group’s product quality management activities is 
Yoki-Monozukuri with a consumer/customer-oriented perspective, as 
set forth in the Kao Way. At every stage from raw materials to research 
and development, production, transportation and sales, the Kao Group 
pursues a high level of product safety and strives to constantly improve 
quality from a thoroughgoing consumer/customer perspective. 
However, the occurrence of serious product incidents or concerns 
about product safety and environmental issues could lead to a decline 
in credibility, not only with regard to the problems with the brand 
concerned, but for the entire Kao Group.

The proliferation of incorrect methods of use of hygiene-related 
products during the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of product 
incidents involving the elderly are increasing. In addition, there are 
changes in laws and regulations in each country as well as growing 
requirements for contribution to the resolution of safety and 
environmental issues and transparency in relation to product 
ingredients, safety and other matters. Furthermore, product retailing at 
an international level is increasing due to globalization, and product 
quality management activities and response to consumers may 
become inadequate.

Risks related to Large-scale Earthquakes, Other Natural Disasters 
and Accidents 

For companies with large-scale plants, process safety needs have 
increasingly heightened in the context of accidents at chemical plants 
and the many natural disasters that have occurred recently.

A major obstruction to the supply of products to the market due to 
injury to employees or damage to facilities or supply chains resulting 
from a large-scale earthquake or other natural disaster such as a 
large-scale typhoon or flood brought on by climate change could have a 
significant impact on business results. In addition, the occurrence of 
substantial injury to employees or damage to the surrounding area due 
to events such as a fire or explosion at a plant of the Kao Group could 
have a significant impact on business results, with a resultant loss of 
social credibility.

Main Initiatives

For major investments, the Kao Group checks performance at the time 
quarterly results are calculated to ensure that there is no significant 
deviation from the initial plan, and the results are reported at the 
Management Committee meeting. As necessary, relevant departments 
consider future direction and measures to improve business performance.

The Kao Group designs and manufactures products in compliance with 
product-related laws and regulations and in conformance with strict 
standards it has set voluntarily. At the development stage prior to 
launch, the Kao Group thoroughly carries out testing, studies and 
research to confirm safety. After launch, the Kao Group strives to further 
improve quality by collecting feedback, requests and other information 
regarding products through the Customer Communication Center.

In addition, to respond to changes in risks relating to product quality 
management, the Kao Group is enhancing its communication of 
information through product FAQs and other methods to disseminate 
correct methods of use; improving product satisfaction for diverse 
customers by promoting universal design and by providing multilingual 
information; ensuring competitiveness by developing alternative 
technologies that anticipate new requirements in relation to laws and 
regulations in each country, and to safety and environmental issues; 
increasing reliability by promoting visualization of product quality 
management activities and by engaging in communication with all 
stakeholders; and building a system capable of promptly confirming 
compliance with the laws and regulations of each country, introducing 
a mechanism for centralized collection of consumer feedback across 
countries and regions and implementing other measures to enhance 
quality management activities on a global scale.

•   Main Corporate Risk Themes and Countermeasures

Risk of occurrence of serious product quality issues: The Kao 
Group is strengthening its Group-wide response in the event serious 
damage occurs due to product quality issues and is enhancing 
awareness within the Group to prevent the occurrence of such issues.

The Kao Group prevents fires, explosions and chemical spills while 
maintaining safe and stable operations, and prepares for emergency 
situations by conducting measures for facilities and periodic training 
premised on a natural disaster. The Kao Group has built a framework to 
keep track of accidents or disasters worldwide when they occur 
through its emergency reporting network. In addition, the Kao Group is 
strengthening its response to disasters so that it can execute a plan for 
countermeasures that place top priority on the safeguarding of human 
life and a business continuity plan (BCP). To achieve this, the Group 
has established organizational units for disaster response in both 
Eastern Japan and Western Japan premised on damage to the Kao 
Head Office from an earthquake in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area 
and is establishing an Emergency Response Team Organization headed 
by the President and CEO.

•   Main Corporate Risk Themes and Countermeasures

Large-scale earthquakes and other natural disasters: In response 
to recent large-scale typhoons, floods and other natural disasters 
brought on by climate change, the Kao Group conducted flood risk 
surveys at each site, stepped up countermeasures in both physical 
and intangible terms and carried out disaster prevention education for 
employees regarding hazard maps and evacuation. In addition, the 
Kao Group has strengthened its disaster response capabilities by 
implementing emergency response training and BCP training to 
address the possibility of large-scale earthquakes. 

13

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

Details of Main Risks

Risks related to Information Security

The Kao Group uses IT to promote efficient business and operations 
and conducts business using data. The Kao Group possesses 
confidential information (trade secrets) relating to research and 
development, production, marketing, sales and other matters, and 
retains the personal information of many customers and consumers for 
sales promotion activities, member site management and E-commerce. 
The Kao Group is working to strengthen information security in order to 
protect information assets including trade secrets and personal 
information, as well as IT hardware, software and many kinds of data 
records, in accordance with Kao’s Information Security Policy. 
However, a leak of confidential information or personal information 
outside the Kao Group could occur due to an error or to intentional 
actions including a cyberattack. In addition, the supply chain and other 
business activities may be temporarily suspended as a result of such 
actions. If such an incident occurs, credibility could decline and targets 
for net sales and profits may be unattainable.

Risks related to Reputation
The rapid penetration of social networking services (SNS) on a global 
scale has enabled a wide range of interactive communication among 
consumers or between consumers and companies. In addition, while 
leading lives of voluntarily refraining from going outside due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, a wide range of people, regardless of age or 
gender, have come to use SNS in search of extensive information and 
connections.

However, SNS comments also include negative evaluations and comments 
about companies, and there are concerns about an increase in 
reputation risk through their dissemination that could inflict financial or 
non-financial loss from a decline in brand value and corporate credibility.

The Kao Group expects to continue increasing communication of 
various information and brand marketing activities using SNS. 
However, the spread through SNS of inappropriate expressions in the 
advertisements or other publications of the Group, or the spread of 
negative evaluations or erroneous information about the Group’s 
business activities or brand image could lower the Kao Group’s brand 
value or credibility.

Risks related to Raw Material Procurement

Market prices for natural fats and oils and petroleum products used as 
raw materials for the Kao Group’s products are affected by factors 
including global business conditions, geopolitical risks, the balance 
between supply and demand, abnormal weather, and currency exchange 
rate fluctuations. A sudden change in market prices could render the 
Kao Group unable to attain its target for profits. In addition, some of 
the raw materials used in the Kao Group’s products are rare, thus entail 
risks relating to stable procurement. If the supply of products to the 
market is disrupted due to a sudden change in demand or difficulties at 
suppliers, the Kao Group may not only be unable to attain its targets for 
net sales and profits, but its credibility could also decline.

At the same time, the Kao Group is largely dependent on natural capital 
such as palm oil, paper, and pulp for its raw materials, and it must fulfill 
its corporate social responsibility by realizing sustainable procurement 
with extensive environmental considerations including resource 
conservation, global warming prevention and biodiversity preservation, 
as well as social considerations including safety, sanitation, labor 
conditions, and human rights. However, if the Kao Group’s efforts for 
sustainable and responsible procurement are deemed to be inadequate 
due to reasons in the supply chain, the Group’s brand image and 
credibility could decline.

Management Discussion and Analysis

Main Initiatives

As personal and organizational measures for information security, the 
Kao Group has established rules and systems globally and implemented 
activities to protect trade secrets, personal information and information 
security using the PDCA cycle (awareness-raising activities, self-checks, 
and the setting of improvement targets). The Kao Group is also 
strengthening its system for responding when an incident occurs. As 
technical measures, the Information Security Committee has determined 
a policy on security measures to be implemented, and has implemented 
measures including the elimination of vulnerabilities by introducing 
anti-virus software and updating software, the prevention of 
unauthorized access, and the prevention of e-mail phishing.

•   Main Corporate Risk Themes and Countermeasures

Risks related to cyberattacks and personal information protection: 
The Kao Group has created response procedures in the event that an 
incident occurs, and has conducted relevant training. The Group is 
also reinforcing its global information security and personal 
information protection systems.

From the perspective of ESG, the Kao Group is establishing a pre-check 
system and conducting internal education as measures to prevent 
inappropriate expressions in advertising and SNS messages. The Kao 
Group also globally monitors external information, including information 
on SNS, and strives to discover risks at an early stage. If a reputation 
risk incident occurs that adversely affects business and brand activities, 
the Kao Group responds promptly and strives to maintain its reputation 
by publicly announcing information, its corporate stance and other 
matters, as necessary, at the appropriate time.

•   Main Corporate Risk Themes and Countermeasures

Reputation risk: The Kao Group has established a system for monitoring 
SNS and other external information and is further strengthening its 
emergency response system in the event a reputation risk incident occurs.

   Risks associated with the use of digital media: The Kao Group 
established a pre-check system, enhanced internal education and 
conducted a review of guidelines and other matters for risks that 
could become reputation risks, such as inappropriate expressions and 
stealth marketing in advertisements, and promoted the establishment 
of advertisement distribution tools for improving and maintaining 
brand value.

The Kao Group is working to reduce the impact of increases in raw material 
prices by reducing costs and conducting measures to pass increases on 
to selling prices. In addition, for risks relating to stable procurement, the 
Kao Group is augmenting facilities at its main suppliers and cultivating 
secondary suppliers to diversify risks. The Kao Group also reviews 
contracts and proactively cooperates with suppliers to reduce risks.

On the other hand, to address risks relating to sustainable and responsible 
procurement, the Kao Group conducts human rights due diligence based 
on the Kao Human Rights Policy and risk assessment of suppliers based 
on the Guidelines for Supplier’s Assessment for social issues. For 
environmental issues, the Kao Group promotes sustainable procurement 
of palm oil, paper and pulp based on the Guidelines for Sustainable 
Procurement of Raw Materials. Over the medium to long term, the Kao 
Group is also working to thoroughly reduce the amount of raw materials 
it uses and to switch to raw materials from non-food biomass sources. 
The Kao Group is also strengthening coordination with suppliers through 
initiatives such as the use of Sedex for supplier monitoring, establishment 
of an auditing system to eliminate compliance violations by suppliers, 
and the CDP Supply Chain Program.

In addition, with the aim of building a sustainable supply chain for palm 
oil, in 2020 the Kao Group began a program in cooperation with local 
partners to help oil palm smallholders in Indonesia improve yields and 
acquire sustainable palm oil certification.

The Kao Group strives to disclose these initiatives to its stakeholders 
proactively and transparently.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

14

Details of Main Risks

Risks related to Compliance

Main Initiatives

In conducting its business activities, the Kao Group is subject to various 
laws and regulations on matters including product quality and safety, 
process safety, environmental protection, chemicals management, 
accounting standards, taxation, labor, and transaction management. As 
competition intensifies globally, there is concern of growing temptation 
to commit improprieties due to factors including difficulties in achieving 
product differentiation, meeting product launch schedules and delivery 
timelines, and pressure to achieve performance targets. The risk of 
harassment may increase due to the generational gap in values and 
growing employee diversity.

A serious violation of compliance by the Kao Group, its subcontractors 
or other related parties could have an impact on the Group’s credibility, 
financial condition and business results.

The Kao Group regards “Integrity” (behaving lawfully and ethically, and 
conducting sound and honest business activities) as the starting point 
of compliance, and promotes it as a foundation for earning the respect 
and trust of all stakeholders. As such, the Kao Group promotes 
activities such as ongoing education about the Kao Business Conduct 
Guidelines, which are its code of conduct, and responding appropriately 
to communications received via the compliance hotlines. In addition, as 
activities focused on reducing serious compliance risks, the Kao Group 
systematically promotes compliance with laws and regulations that 
apply to its business, and the Compliance Committee monitors the 
implementation status of particularly important laws and regulations. 
Furthermore, the Kao Group is conducting activities designed to create 
an open workplace that allows immediate reporting to management 
and an appropriate response in the event that a serious violation of 
compliance occurs.

Risks related to Securing Human Capital

The Kao Group strives to secure diverse and talented human capital in 
order to achieve its business targets globally. Meanwhile, with the 
advent of the digital revolution and low birthrates and aging populations 
in some countries, employment conditions, expertise requirements, 
and values with respect to working styles are changing significantly 
amid the trend to promote ESG management. In addition, COVID-19 is 
having a significant impact in areas such as people’s values and 
working styles.

An inability to systematically implement hiring, development and 
assignment of human capital with the advanced expertise required in 
each area, as well as leaders who anticipate major environmental 
changes, could create a bottleneck in business activities or other 
factors that have a negative impact on business results.

Risks related to Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The Kao Group also conducts business activities outside Japan, and 
currency exchange rate fluctuations affect foreign currency-
denominated sales and the cost of procuring raw materials. They also 
affect the conversion into yen of the amounts on the financial 
statements of consolidated subsidiaries outside Japan for the 
consolidated settlement of accounts. 

Larger-than-expected fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates 
against the yen, which is the Kao Group’s functional currency, could 
have an impact on financial condition and business results.

Risks related to Litigation

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, no lawsuit or other 
legal action was filed that had a material effect on the Kao Group. 
However, the Kao Group conducts diverse businesses globally, and 
various types of litigation or other action may be brought against it. The 
result of such litigation or other legal action could have an impact on 
the Kao Group’s financial condition and business results.

Based on the recognition that human capital is the Kao Group’s most 
important asset, the Human Capital Development Committee, with top 
management as members, discusses and promotes the assignment 
and development of the human capital and effective organizational 
management that support sustainable growth. 

In addition, in order to generate great vitality by drawing out the 
unlimited potential of individual employees and to maximize that vitality 
as an organization, the Kao Group employs measures such as using its 
global human capital information system, improving organizational 
capabilities through an employee opinion survey, conducting human 
capital management through job rank, evaluation and training systems 
and compensation policies that are shared globally, and implementing 
a health promotion program. To maximize the power and potential of 
employees, the Kao Group will further develop its cultivation of a 
corporate culture in which employees are willing to take on challenges, 
and further promote diverse work styles.

The Kao Group mitigates the impact of foreign-currency denominated 
transactions on business results by hedging risk of currency exchange 
rate fluctuations through measures including using foreign currency 
accounts for transaction settlement and derivative transactions such as 
forward exchange contracts and currency swaps. The Kao Group does 
not engage in derivative transactions for the purpose of speculation. In 
addition, the Kao Group monitors fluctuations in major currencies and 
the impact of these fluctuations on its business, and reports its findings 
to the Management Committee in a timely fashion. Under the direction 
of management, relevant departments consider measures to mitigate 
the impact on business as required.

The Kao Group complies with various laws and regulations relating to 
its business, and strives to prevent disputes by providing safe and 
reliable products, properly acquiring and using intellectual property 
rights, clarifying contract conditions, negotiating with other parties, and 
other methods. In addition, the Kao Group has created a global 
mechanism for prompt and reliable reporting on the filing of important 
lawsuits and their current status, and has established a system for 
responding to litigation or other legal actions in cooperation with the 
individuals in charge at related companies in each country, law firms 
and other parties.

15

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
As of December 31, 2020

Assets
  Current assets

Notes

2020

2019

(Millions of yen)

  Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................................................
  Trade and other receivables ..........................................................................................
Inventories .....................................................................................................................
  Other financial assets ....................................................................................................
Income tax receivables ..................................................................................................
  Other current assets .....................................................................................................
  Total current assets ................................................................................................

  Non-current assets

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

7, 33

8, 33

9

33

10

11

16

12

12

13

33

14

10, 18

353,176 
200,087 
197,641 
7,257 
2,085 
18,150 
778,396 

430,914 
149,543 
177,031 
48,256 
8,657 
23,608 
42,274 
6,937 
887,220 

289,681
208,839
199,672
13,788
2,440
22,606
737,026

436,831 
164,822 
179,707 
47,770 
8,287 
26,104 
47,876 
5,496 
916,893 

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

1,665,616 

1,653,919 

Liabilities and equity
Liabilities
  Current liabilities

Notes

2020

2019

  Trade and other payables ..............................................................................................
  Bonds and borrowings ..................................................................................................
  Lease liabilities .............................................................................................................. 15, 16, 31, 33
  Other financial liabilities .................................................................................................
Income tax payables ......................................................................................................
  Provisions ......................................................................................................................
  Contract liabilities ..........................................................................................................
  Other current liabilities ..................................................................................................
  Total current liabilities ............................................................................................

15, 33

16, 33

17, 33

24

20

19

  Non-current liabilities

  Bonds and borrowings ..................................................................................................
  Lease liabilities .............................................................................................................. 15, 16, 31, 33
  Other financial liabilities .................................................................................................
  Retirement benefit liabilities ..........................................................................................
  Provisions ......................................................................................................................
  Deferred tax liabilities ....................................................................................................
  Other non-current liabilities ...........................................................................................
  Total non-current liabilities .....................................................................................

16, 33

15, 33

18

19

14

215,842 
30,465 
19,787 
6,571 
28,109 
1,811 
23,098 
99,721 
425,404 

97,229 
126,725 
7,862 
51,858 
9,175 
4,584 
4,585 
302,018 

222,314 
25,505 
19,653 
6,766 
36,208 
2,054 
20,616 
99,411 
432,527 

101,636 
141,438 
7,527 
80,579 
10,122 
3,747 
4,922 
349,971 

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

727,422 

782,498 

Equity

  Share capital ..................................................................................................................
  Capital surplus ...............................................................................................................
  Treasury shares .............................................................................................................
  Other components of equity .........................................................................................
  Retained earnings ..........................................................................................................
  Equity attributable to owners of the parent ...............................................................
  Non-controlling interests ...............................................................................................
  Total equity .........................................................................................................

21

21

21

21

21

85,424 
106,618 
(3,865)
(43,376)
778,886 
923,687 
14,507 
938,194 

85,424 
108,715 
(4,309)
(32,974)
700,839 
857,695 
13,726 
871,421 

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

1,665,616 

1,653,919 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Income

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 2020

  Net sales ....................................................................................................................

Notes

6, 24

2020
1,381,997 

  Cost of sales .............................................................................................................. 9, 11, 12, 16, 18

(791,304)

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

590,693 

(Millions of yen)

2019
1,502,241 

(848,723)

653,518 

  Selling, general and administrative expenses ............................................................ 11, 12, 16, 18, 25

(415,826)

(442,912)

  Other operating income .............................................................................................

24, 26

  Other operating expenses ......................................................................................... 11, 12, 16, 18, 27

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

6

  Financial income ........................................................................................................

6, 18, 28

  Financial expenses .....................................................................................................

6, 16, 18, 28

  Share of profit in investments accounted for using the equity method .....................

6, 13

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

Income taxes .............................................................................................................

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

Attributable to:

  Owners of the parent .................................................................................................

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

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

Earnings per share

  Basic (Yen) .................................................................................................................

  Diluted (Yen) ..............................................................................................................

6

14

29

29

15,801 

(15,105)

175,563 

1,711 

(5,839)

2,536 

15,192 

(14,075)

211,723 

2,027 

(5,231)

2,126 

173,971 

210,645 

(45,904)

128,067 

(60,296)

150,349 

126,142 

1,925 

128,067 

148,213 

2,136 

150,349 

262.29 

262.25 

306.70 

306.63 

17

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 2020

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

Other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Notes

2020
128,067 

(Millions of yen)

2019
150,349 

 Net gain (loss) on revaluation of financial assets measured
  at fair value through other comprehensive income .....................................................

30, 33

  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 ...........................................

 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 ..........................

30

30

30

30

168 

16,365 

25 

16,558 

(6)

(1,180)

(17)

(1,203)

(9,942)

(2,489)

(167)

(10,109)

(36)

(2,525)

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

Comprehensive income .....................................................................................................

6,449 

134,516 

(3,728)

146,621 

Attributable to:

  Owners of the parent ........................................................................................................

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

  Comprehensive income ....................................................................................................

132,941 

1,575 

134,516 

144,508 

2,113 

146,621 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 2020

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Other components of equity

(Millions of yen)

Exchange 
differences on 
translation of 
foreign 
operations

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

Subscription 
rights to 
shares

Net gain (loss) on 
revaluation of 
financial assets 
measured at fair 
value through other 
compre hensive 
income

Share
capital

Capital 
surplus

Treasury 
shares

Notes

Remeasurements 
of defined
benefit plans

Total

Retained 
earnings

Total

Non-
controlling 
interests

Total
equity

—

—

(32,974)

700,839 

857,695 

13,726 

871,421 

—

126,142 

126,142 

1,925 

128,067 

16,353 

16,353 

6,799 

6,799 

—

6,799 

(350)

6,449 

126,142 

132,941 

1,575 

134,516 

—

—

—

—

—

(177)

(194)

2 

(27)

(394)

—

—

—

2 

(27)

(394)

—

—

(64,925)

(64,925)

(1,269)

(66,194)

—

(1,605)

475 

(1,130)

—

—

—

—

(668)

(16,353)

(17,024)

17,024 

—

—

—

(16,353)

(17,201)

(48,095)

(66,949)

(794)

(67,743)

—

(43,376)

778,886 

923,687 

14,507 

938,194 

—

—

—

—

(30,029)

670,002 

822,360 

13,149 

835,509 

—

740 

740 

—

740 

(30,029)

670,742 

823,100 

13,149 

836,249 

—

148,213 

148,213 

2,136 

150,349 

(1,085)

(1,085)

(3,705)

(3,705)

—

(3,705)

(23)

(3,728)

148,213 

144,508 

2,113 

146,621 

—

—

—

—

—

1,085 

1,085 

—

—

—

1 

(50,033)

337 

—

—

(50,033)

337 

(60,459)

(60,459)

(1,290)

(61,749)

—

241 

(246)

—

—

—

—

(5)

—

858 

(858)

—

—

760 

(118,116)

(109,913)

(1,536)

(111,449)

—

(32,974)

700,839 

857,695 

13,726 

871,421 

6,208 

—

184 

184 

—

—

—

—

—

(668)

5,724 

6,458 

—

6,458 

—

(23)

(23)

—

—

—

—

—

(227)

(227)

6,208 

—

—

(0)

(0)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(0)

(1)

—

(1)

—

1 

1 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

January 1, 2020

85,424  108,715 

(4,309)

448 

(39,630)

 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 .....

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

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

21 

21 

32 

23 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(9,738)

(9,738)

(98)

471 

(177)

—

(27)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(49,368)

—

—

—

—

(3)

(180)

268 

(394)

—

— (1,605)

—

—

—

—

—

—

— (2,097)

444 

December 31, 2020 .........

85,424  106,618 

(3,865)

January 1, 2019 
  (as previously reported)..

Changes in accounting policy1 ..

January 1, 2019 
  (after adjustment) .........

 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 .....

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

21

21

32

23

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

85,424  108,245 

(11,282)

—

—

—

546 

—

(37,032)

—

85,424  108,245 

(11,282)

546 

(37,032)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(2,598)

(2,598)

— (50,033)

337 

—

241 

—

—

—

—

—

470 

6,973 

—

—

—

—

—

(98)

448 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(39,630)

December 31, 2019 .........

85,424  108,715 

(4,309)

Note: 1. It represents the financial effect from the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leases.”

19

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

(108)

57,006 

(98)

(98)

(56,799)

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 2020

Notes

2020

2019

(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 ...........................................................................................

  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 ..............................................................................

  Proceeds from issuance of bonds ....................................................................................

  Redemption of bonds .......................................................................................................

  Repayments of lease liabilities ..........................................................................................

31

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

  Dividends paid to owners of the parent ............................................................................

  Dividends paid to non-controlling interests .......................................................................

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

173,971 

86,080 

(1,571)

2,533 

(2,536)

3,301 

6,443 

646 

(4,227)

(28,818)

31,852 

267,674 

1,516 

2,060 

(2,650)

(53,882)

214,718 

(14,053)

19,661 

(59,396)

(10,454)

2,301 

(61,941)

(41)

1,080 

(48)

24,939 

(24,942)

(20,912)

(28)

(64,987)

(1,235)

(891)

210,645 

83,369 

(1,885)

2,840 

(2,126)

3,323 

12,862 

(2,848)

696 

(3,788)

(2,936)

300,152 

1,711 

2,146 

(2,806)

(56,680)

244,523 

(35,188)

36,660 

(83,959)

(9,819)

(1,960)

(94,266)

19 

46,220 

(40,054)

—

(12)

(20,565)

(50,033)

(60,512)

(1,287)

58 

  Net cash flows from financing activities ....................................................................

(87,065)

(126,166)

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 ...........................................................

7

7

65,712 

289,681 

(2,217)

353,176 

24,091 

265,978 

(388)

289,681 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Kao Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Year ended December 31, 2020

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 located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
  The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its 
subsidiaries (hereinafter the “Group”) have a closing date 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 

(4)  Early Adoption of New or Revised Standards and 

Standards (hereinafter “IFRS”)

Interpretations

The Group’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with IFRS issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board, as 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.

(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.

The Group has early adopted amendment to IFRS 16 “Leases,” 
“Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions” (issued in May 2020 in 
preparing its consolidated financial statements). 

(5) Changes in Presentation

  (Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows)

 “Payments for business combinations,” which was separately 
presented as an item within “Investing activities” for the fiscal 
year ended December 31, 2019, is included in “Other” for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 due to its immateriality. The 
consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2019 have been reclassified to reflect these 
changes in presentation. 
  Consequently, “Payments for business combinations,” which 
was presented as a cash outflow of 195 million yen within 
“Investing activities” of the consolidated statement of cash flows 
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, is reclassified to 
“Other.”

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 which the 

21

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

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 
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 closings 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
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 
the 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 2020

22

 
 
(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 according to the classification of 
the financial asset as follows:

(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 the 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 the fair value 
are included in other comprehensive income. If the 
Group disposes of an investment, or if the fair value of 

the 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 

23

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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 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.
  The Group does not use cash flow hedges, fair value 
hedges or net investment hedges in foreign operations.

(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 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.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

24

(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:

•  Buildings and structures: 10 to 35 years
•  Machinery and vehicles: 7 to 14 years
•  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.

(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.”

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 material intangible assets with 
indefinite useful lives. The estimated useful lives of major 
intangible assets are as follows:

•  Trademarks: 20 years

•  Customer relationships: 15 or 20 years
• 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
For leases in which the Group acts as the lessee, the lease liability 
is initially measured at the present value of the accrued lease 
payments. Right-of-use assets are measured at the initial amount 
of the lease liability adjusted for any initial direct costs and any 
prepaid lease payments, plus any costs including restoration 
obligations and other factors under the lease contracts.
  Right-of-use 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 interest expenses and the 
reduction of the outstanding liability using the interest method. Interest 
expenses are presented on the consolidated statement of income 
separately from depreciation expenses of right-of-use assets.
  The Group does not recognize right-of-use assets and lease 
liabilities for short-term leases with a lease term of 12 months or 
less and leases for which the underlying asset is of low-value 
assets. The Group recognizes the lease payments associated with 
these leases as expenses on either a straight-line basis or another 
systematic basis over the lease term.
  With the application of a practical expedient, rent concessions 
that are a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and 
meet specified conditions are accounted for as variable lease 
payments rather than being treated as lease modifications.
  The Group has no significant leases in which it acts as the lessor.

(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 

25

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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 the 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
1) Stock option plan

The Company has a stock option plan accounted for as an 
equity-settled share-based payment plan. Due to the 
introduction of a performance share plan, the stock option plan 
has been abolished except for the options already granted.

2) Performance share plan

The Company introduced a performance share plan 
accounted for as an equity-settled share-based payment plan.
  The performance share plan measures services received at 
the fair value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant, 
recognizing them as an expense from the date of grant 
through the vesting period and recognizing the same amount 
as an increase in capital surplus. The fair value of the 
Company’s shares on the date of grant is determined by 
adjusting the market price of the shares taking expected 
dividends into account.

(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.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

26

 
 
 
 
  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 recognizes revenue based on the following five-step 
model:

Step 1: Identify the contract with a customer
Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract
Step 3: Determine the transaction price
Step 4:  Allocate the transaction price to the performance 

obligations in the contract

  The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed 
each period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable 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

Step 5:  Recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a 

•  Taxable temporary differences on investments in 

performance obligation

  The Group sells 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. For sales of such products, because the 
customer obtains control over the products upon delivery, the 
performance obligation is judged to have been satisfied and 
revenue is therefore recognized upon delivery of the products. 
Revenue is measured at the consideration promised in a contract 
with a customer, less discounts, rebates, returned products and 
other items.

(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

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.

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.

(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 

27

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

for sale are measured at the lower of the carrying amount and fair 
value less costs to sell.

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.

(19) Dividends
Dividend distributions to shareholders of the Company are 
recognized as liabilities in the period in which year-end dividends 

(20) Changes in Significant Accounting Policies 
(Leases)
From the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Group early 
adopted Amendment to IFRS 16 “Leases,” “Covid-19-Related 
Rent Concessions” (issued in May 2020).
  With the application of a practical expedient, rent concessions 
for leases of lessees that are a direct consequence of the COVID-
19 pandemic and meet specified conditions are accounted for as 
variable lease payments rather than being treated as lease 
modifications.
  Variable lease payments are included in selling, general and 
administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income 
for the year ended December 31, 2020, but their impact is 
immaterial.

4

Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The Group’s consolidated financial statements include estimates 
and assumptions made by 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.
  Significant accounting estimates and judgments have been 
made in consideration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
A consensus opinion on when the COVID-19 pandemic will 
subside has not been made public, and its impact may continue 
beyond the current fiscal year, but a gradual recovery in the future 
is assumed.
  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, Right-of-use 

Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Group conducts impairment tests for property, plant and 
equipment, right-of-use assets, 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 12 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” presents the method 
for measuring the recoverable amount and sensitivity associated 
with goodwill.

(2) Lease Term of Right-of-use Assets
The Group determines the lease term as the non-cancellable 
period of the lease, together with any periods when it is 
reasonably certain such lease will be extended or will not be 
terminated. Specifically, the lease term is estimated in 
consideration of factors including variation in rent due to 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

28

 
 
extension or termination of the lease, whether there is a penalty 
for termination, and the period for recovery of investment in 
improvements of important leaseholds.
  Note 3 “Significant Accounting Policies (9) Leases” presents 
details related to lease terms. Note 33 “Financial Instruments” 
presents amounts.

(3) 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 the 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 18 “Employee Benefits” presents actuarial assumptions 
and related sensitivity.

(4) Provisions
The Group has recognized a provision for loss related to 
cosmetics, 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 asset retirement obligations and other 
provisions may be affected by factors such as changes in future 
business plans.

If the actual amounts paid differ from the estimates, such 

differences could have a material effect on the amounts recognized 
in the consolidated financial statements in future periods. 
  Note 19 “Provisions” presents the nature and amounts of these 
provisions.

(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 14 “Income Taxes” presents income taxes and amounts.

(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 33 “Financial Instruments” presents fair value 
measurement methods and amounts for major financial assets 
and liabilities measured at fair value.

(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

New Standards and Interpretations Not Yet Adopted

The impacts of new or revised major Standards and 
Interpretations that were issued by the date of approval presented 
in Note 38 “Approval of the Consolidated Financial Statements,” 

but were not yet early adopted by the Group as of December 31, 
2020 are immaterial.

29

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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 organized on the basis of five businesses: the four 
business areas that constitute the Consumer Products Business 
(the Cosmetics Business, the Skin Care and Hair Care Business, 
the Human Health Care Business, and the Fabric and Home Care 

Business) and the Chemical Business. In each business, the 
Group plans comprehensive business strategies and carries out 
business activities on a global basis.
  Accordingly, the Group has five reportable segments: the 
Cosmetics Business, the Skin Care and Hair 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

Consumer 
Products 
Business

Cosmetics
Business

Skin Care and 
Hair Care Business

Human Health Care
Business

Fabric and Home Care
Business

Cosmetics

Counseling cosmetics, self-selection cosmetics

Skin care products

Soaps, facial cleansers, body cleansers

Hair care products

Shampoos, conditioners, hair styling agents, hair coloring agents, 
men’s products

Sanitary products

Sanitary napkins, baby diapers

Personal health products

Bath additives, oral care products, thermo products

Beverage products

Beverages

Fabric care products 

Laundry detergents, fabric treatments

Home care products

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

Oleo chemicals

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

Chemical Business

Performance chemicals

Specialty chemicals

Surfactants, plastics additives, superplasticizers for concrete 
admixtures, asphalt additives

Toner and toner binder for copiers and printers, ink and water-
based pigment inkjet ink, fragrances and aroma chemicals

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

30

 
(2) Sales and Results of Reportable Segments

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 

(Millions of yen)

Reportable segments

Consumer Products Business

Cosmetics
Business

Skin Care 
and Hair Care 
Business5

Human 
Health Care 
Business

Fabric and 
Home Care 
Business

Subtotal

Chemical 
Business

Total

Reconciliation1 Consolidated

Net sales
  Sales to customers ............... 234,068

308,897

233,971

374,367

1,151,303 230,694

1,381,997

—

1,381,997

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

—

—

—

—

— 38,517

38,517

(38,517)

—

308,897
50,823

233,971
12,850

374,367
80,908

1,151,303 269,211
27,692

147,165

1,420,514
174,857

(38,517)
706

Total net sales .......................... 234,068
Operating income .....................
2,584
  Financial income ...................
  Financial expenses ................
 Share of profit in investments
  accounted for using the
  equity method ......................
Income before income taxes .....

1,381,997
175,563
1,711
(5,839)

2,536

173,971

Other items

 Depreciation and 
  amortization3 ......................
  Capital expenditures4 ............

14,644

13,366

14,795

16,284

22,214

16,487

18,638

23,831

70,291

14,733

69,968

14,619

85,024

84,587

1,056

1,562

86,080

86,149

Notes: 1.  The operating income reconciliation of 706 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 11 “Property, Plant and Equipment,” Note 12 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” and Note 16 “Leases” present the details of depreciation and amortization.
4. Capital expenditures include investments in property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets.
5. The Group changed its method of recognizing sales for certain transactions from the gross amount to the net amount.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 

(Millions of yen)

Reportable segments

Consumer Products Business

Cosmetics
Business

Skin Care 
and Hair Care 
Business

Human 
Health Care 
Business

Fabric and 
Home Care 
Business

Subtotal

Chemical 
Business

Total

Reconciliation1 Consolidated

Net sales
  Sales to customers ............... 301,547

340,757

255,224

359,507

1,257,035 245,206

1,502,241

—

1,502,241

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

—

—

—

—

— 40,729

40,729

(40,729)

—

340,757
49,524

255,224
17,166

359,507
71,774

1,257,035 285,935
30,839

179,862

1,542,970
210,701

(40,729)
1,022

Total net sales .......................... 301,547
Operating income .....................
41,398
  Financial income ...................
  Financial expenses ................
 Share of profit in investments
  accounted for using the
  equity method ......................
Income before income taxes .....

1,502,241
211,723
2,027
(5,231)

2,126

210,645

Other items

 Depreciation and 
  amortization3 ......................
  Capital expenditures4 ............

14,865

17,962

13,814

18,389

21,627

27,314

17,899

22,139

68,205

14,205

82,410

85,804

24,189

109,993

959

3,394

83,369

113,387

Notes: 1.  The operating income reconciliation of 1,022 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 11 “Property, Plant and Equipment,” Note 12 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”and Note 16 “Leases” present the details of depreciation and amortization.
4. Capital expenditures include investments in property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets.

31

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  ...........................................................................................................................................................

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

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

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

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

2020

853,628

284,114

128,721

115,534
1,381,997

(Millions of yen)

2019

947,096

293,388

137,819

123,938
1,502,241

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

(Millions of yen)

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

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

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

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

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

2020

588,781

100,138

92,282

37,119
818,320

2019

597,950

104,643

98,730

39,444
840,767

7

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following:

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

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

2020

328,376

24,800
353,176

(Millions of yen)

2019

239,781

49,900
289,681

  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.

8

Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and other receivables consist of the following:

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

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

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

2020

195,483

6,647

(2,043)
200,087

(Millions of yen)

2019

204,322

6,179

(1,662)
208,839

  Trade receivables are recognized when the Group’s products 
are delivered because the Group’s right to consideration is 
unconditional except for the passage of time from that point. 
Moreover, the Group receives payment within a short period of 
time after satisfying its performance obligation under separately 

determined payment terms. Because the period from satisfaction 
of the performance obligation to receipt of consideration is usually 
within one year or less, as a practical expedient, the Group does 
not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of 
a significant financing component for such receivables.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
9

Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

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

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

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

2020

149,471

12,847

35,323
197,641

(Millions of yen)

2019

155,611

12,893

31,168
199,672

  The amount of inventories recognized as expenses and included in cost of sales for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 
were 668,508 million yen and 729,425 million yen, respectively.
  Write-downs of inventories recognized as expenses for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were 7,457 million yen and 
6,065 million yen, respectively.

10 Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following:

Other current assets

(Millions of yen)

2020

2019

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

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

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

Other non-current assets

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

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

  Retirement benefit assets .....................................................................................................................

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

376

7,892

9,882
18,150

1,721

1,522

3,018

676
6,937

521

8,587

13,498
22,606

2,263

472

2,146

615
5,496

33

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

11

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, 2019 ...........................................................

435,771

738,417

121,551

  Changes in accounting policy1 .................................

(11,853)

(47)

(10)

Buildings 
and
structures

Machinery 
and
vehicles

Tools, 
furniture and 
fixtures

(Millions of yen)

Construction 
in
progress

Total

34,543

1,405,965

—

(11,934)

Land

75,683

(24)

34,543

78,671

—

—

(71,293)

(159)

(7)

41,755

58,059

(5)

January 1, 2019 (after adjustment) ..............................

423,918

738,370

121,541

75,659

  Additions ..................................................................

  Acquisitions through business combinations ..........

  Sales and disposals ..................................................

  Reclassification ........................................................

 Exchange differences on translation of 
  foreign operations ..................................................

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

162

15

(3,878)

14,151

(751)

169

493

—

(18,094)

40,741

(509)

310

1,084

1

(8,952)

12,285

(37)

(513)

—

—

(373)

4,116

109

—

December 31, 2019 .....................................................

433,786

761,311

125,409

79,511

  Additions ..................................................................

  Sales and disposals ..................................................

  Reclassification ........................................................

 Exchange differences on translation of
  foreign operations ..................................................

  Other ........................................................................
December 31, 2020 .....................................................

356

(2,034)

19,967

(1,170)

(159)
450,746

240

(14,680)

31,120

(5,054)

388
773,325

Note: 1. It represents the financial effect from the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leases.”

508

(8,968)

10,902

20

—

3,210

(65,199)

(343)

(473)

(456)
127,052

—
82,268

(543)

247
34,314

Accumulated Depreciation and Accumulated Impairment Losses 
Buildings 
and
structures

Machinery 
and
vehicles

Tools, 
furniture and 
fixtures

January 1, 2019............................................................

300,433

582,438

93,839

  Changes in accounting policy1 .................................

(9,434)

(27)

January 1, 2019 (after adjustment) ..............................

290,999

582,411

  Depreciation2 ............................................................

  Sales and disposals ..................................................

13,453

(3,324)

32,031

(17,265)

 Exchange differences on translation of
  foreign operations ..................................................

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

(510)

135

December 31, 2019 .....................................................

300,753

  Depreciation2 ............................................................

  Sales and disposals ..................................................

13,760

(1,818)

(444)

316

597,049

33,583

(13,891)

 Exchange differences on translation of
  foreign operations ..................................................

(395)

(3,181)

  Other ........................................................................
December 31, 2020 .....................................................

159
312,459

498
614,058

(9)

93,830

12,012

(8,684)

0

(339)

96,819

12,344

(8,650)

(287)

(272)
99,954

Land

10,320

—

10,320

—

—

—

—

10,320

—

—

—

—
10,320

Construction 
in
progress

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

1,394,031

80,410

16

(31,297)

—

(1,347)

(41)

1,441,772

59,183

(25,687)

—

(7,583)

20
1,467,705

(Millions of yen)

Total

987,030

(9,470)

977,560

57,496

(29,273)

(954)

112

1,004,941

59,687

(24,359)

(3,863)

385
1,036,791

Notes: 1.  It represents the financial effect from the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leases.”

2.  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.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

34

 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Amount 

Buildings 
and
structures

Machinery 
and
vehicles

Tools, 
furniture and 
fixtures

January 1, 2019 ...........................................................

135,338

December 31, 2019 .....................................................

133,033

December 31, 2020 .....................................................

138,287

155,979

164,262

159,267

27,712

28,590

27,098

(Millions of yen)

Construction 
in
progress

34,543

41,755

34,314

Total

418,935

436,831

430,914

Land

65,363

69,191

71,948

(2) 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 evaluates whether to recognize 
impairment losses for individual properties based on impairment 
tests performed.

(3) Commitments
Note 36 “Commitments” presents information on commitments 
to acquire property, plant and equipment.

12 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 

(Millions of yen)

Goodwill

Software

Trademarks

Intangible assets

Customer 
relationships

January 1, 2019 ...........................................................

180,286 

29,320 

14,710 

13,739 

  Additions ..................................................................

  Acquisitions through business combinations ..........

  Sales and disposals ..................................................

  Reclassification ........................................................

 Exchange differences on translation of 
  foreign operations ..................................................

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

—

—

—

—

(579)

—

76 

1 

(5,048)

6,990 

(50)

(3)

—

—

—

—

(210)

—

—

—

(294)

—

(211)

—

December 31, 2019 .....................................................

179,707 

31,286 

14,500 

13,234 

  Additions ..................................................................

  Sales and disposals ..................................................

  Reclassification ........................................................

 Exchange differences on translation of 
  foreign operations ..................................................

  Other ........................................................................
December 31, 2020 .....................................................

—

—

—

(2,676)

—
177,031 

102 

(5,786)

7,788 

43 

26 
33,459 

—

—

—

—

—

—

(751)

—
13,749 

(621)

—
12,613 

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

Other1

6,735 

9,702 

—

(1,789)

(6,990)

(34)

(75)

7,549 

10,368 

(16)

(7,788)

(84)

(71)
9,958 

Total

64,504 

9,778 

1 

(7,131)

—

(505)

(78)

66,569 

10,470 

(5,802)

—

(1,413)

(45)
69,779 

35

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Accumulated Amortization and Accumulated Impairment Losses 

(Millions of yen)

Goodwill

Software

Trademarks

Intangible assets

Customer 
relationships

January 1, 2019 ...........................................................

  Amortization1 ............................................................

  Sales and disposals ..................................................

 Exchange differences on translation of
  foreign operations ..................................................

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

December 31, 2019 .....................................................

  Amortization1 ............................................................

  Sales and disposals ..................................................

  Exchange differences on translation of
  foreign operations ..................................................

  Other ........................................................................
December 31, 2020 .....................................................

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

14,395 

5,938 

(5,027)

(46)

6 

15,266 

6,896 

(5,783)

43 

10 
16,432 

736 

765 

—

(12)

—

666 

898 

(294)

(14)

—

1,489 

1,256 

750 

—

(103)

—
2,136 

737 

—

(67)

—
1,926 

Other

2,158 

430 

(1,787)

(13)

—

788 

307 

(16)

(46)

(4)
1,029 

Total

17,955 

8,031 

(7,108)

(85)

6 

18,799 

8,690 

(5,799)

(173)

6 
21,523 

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 

Goodwill

Software

Trademarks

Intangible assets

Customer 
relationships

January 1, 2019 ...........................................................

180,286 

December 31, 2019 .....................................................

179,707 

December 31, 2020 .....................................................

177,031 

14,925 

16,020 

17,027 

13,974 

13,011 

11,613 

13,073 

11,978 

10,687 

(Millions of yen)

Other

4,577 

6,761 

8,929 

Total

46,549 

47,770 

48,256 

(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 
Cosmetics Business, the Skin Care and Hair Care Business, the 
Fabric and Home Care Business and the Chemical Business. The 
goodwill primarily relates to the acquisition of the Kanebo 
Cosmetics Group.

Cosmetics Business ..................................................................................................................................

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

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

Skin Care and Hair Care Business .............................................................................................................

  Oribe Hair Care and other ......................................................................................................................

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

Fabric and Home Care Business ...............................................................................................................

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

2020
130,398

119,400

10,998

26,968

23,303

3,665

17,219

2,446
177,031

(Millions of yen)

2019
130,605

119,400

11,205

28,412

24,545

3,867

18,160

2,530
179,707

(3) Impairment Test for Goodwill
The Group tests goodwill for impairment at least once a year by 
each fiscal year end or if there are indications of impairment.
  The recoverable amount on the impairment test is measured 
based on value in use. The majority of goodwill recognized at the 
Group relates to the Kanebo Cosmetics Group.
  For the goodwill associated with the Kanebo Cosmetics Group, 
cash flow projections that are the basis for the value in use are 
estimated using medium-term plans for the Cosmetics Business 

that reflect past performance and forecasts. These medium-term 
plans include information on sales by region and brand. 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 
the cash-generating units operate. Estimated cash flows in years 
beyond the medium-term plans 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) 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

36

 
 
 
 
of 7.3% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and 6.8% 
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. For the fiscal year 
ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, management determined 
that there was a low probability that the recoverable amounts of 
relevant cash-generating units would be less than their carrying 
amounts even in cases where key assumptions used in the 
impairment test changed within a reasonably possible range.

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

(5) Commitments
Note 36 “Commitments” presents information on commitments 
associated with the acquisition of intangible assets.

13

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 ................................................................................

2020

8,657

(Millions of yen)

2019

8,287

  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 ...........................................................................................

2020

2,536 

(142)
2,394 

(Millions of yen)

2019

2,126 

(53)
2,073 

14

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, 2020 

(Millions of yen)

January 1,
2020

Recognized in 
profit or loss

Recognized
in other 
comprehensive 
income

Other

December 31, 
2020

Deferred tax assets

 Property, plant and equipment and
  intangible assets ................................................

 Lease liabilities .....................................................

 Retirement benefit liabilities ................................

  Accrued expenses ...............................................

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

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

Total deferred tax liabilities ......................................

Deferred tax liabilities

 Property, plant and equipment and
  intangible assets ................................................

 Right-of-use assets ..............................................

 Financial assets ....................................................

  Undistributed foreign earnings ............................

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

Total deferred tax liabilities ......................................

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

20,715 

46,026 

21,419 

10,240 

387 

16,005 

114,792 

9,948 

45,926 

2,516 

11,533 

740 

70,663 
44,129 

37

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

1,220 

(2,917)

(1,395)

800 

804 

(983)

—

—

(6,888)

—

—

—

(76)

(730)

52 

(4)

(1)

80 

21,859 

42,379 

13,188 

11,036 

1,190 

15,102 

(2,471)

(6,888)

(679)

104,754 

462 

(3,324)

—

(474)

609 

(2,727)
256 

—

—

97 

—

133 

230 
(7,118)

(262)

(638)

(294)

—

92 

(1,102)
423 

10,148 

41,964 

2,319 

11,059 

1,574 

67,064 
37,690 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 

(Millions of yen)

January 1, 
2019 (as 
previously 
reported)

Changes in 
accounting 
policy1

January 1, 
2019 (after 
adjustment)

Recognized in 
profit or loss

Recognized 
in other 
comprehensive 
income

Other

December 31, 
2019

Deferred tax assets

 Property, plant and equipment and 
  intangible assets ..............................

19,217 

—

  Lease liabilities ...................................

—

46,887 

  Retirement benefit liabilities ..............

  Accrued expenses .............................

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

  Other ..................................................
Total deferred tax assets .......................

24,093 

10,446 

1,400 

15,866 
71,022 

19,217  

46,887 

24,093  

10,446  

1,400  

—

—

—

—
46,887 

15,866  
117,909  

Deferred tax liabilities

 Property, plant and equipment and
  intangible assets ..............................

10,188 

—

  Right-of-use assets ............................

—

46,887 

  Financial assets ..................................

  Undistributed foreign earnings ..........

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

Total deferred tax liabilities ....................
Deferred tax assets, net ........................

2,635 

11,161 

744 

24,728 
46,294 

—

—

—

46,887 
—

10,188  

46,887 

2,635  

11,161  

744  

71,615  
46,294  

Note: 1. It represents the financial effect from the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leases.”

1,519 

(1,137)

(2,177)

(184)

(551)

521 
(2,009)

424 

(1,202)

—

372 

153 

(253)
(1,756)

—

—

(480)

—

—

—
(480)

—

—

(18)

—

—

(18)
(462)

(21)

276 

(17)

(22)

(462)

(382)
(628)

(664)

241 

(101)

—

(157)

(681)
53 

20,715 

46,026 

21,419 

10,240 

387 

16,005 
114,792 

9,948 

45,926 

2,516 

11,533 

740 

70,663 
44,129 

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 ............................................................................................................................

2020

42,274

4,584
37,690

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 ......................................................................................................................................................... 

2020

2,434

12,037
14,471

(Millions of yen)

2019

47,876

3,747
44,129

(Millions of yen)

2019

2,687

11,879
14,566

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

(Millions of yen)

2020

2019

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 .........................................................................................................................................................

465

291

520

388

770
2,434

343

458

288

493

1,105
2,687

  The aggregate amounts of taxable temporary differences 
associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates for 
which deferred tax liabilities were not recognized at December 
31, 2020 and 2019 were 15,353 million yen and 13,648 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.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

38

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

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

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

2020 

46,160 

(256)
45,904 

(Millions of yen)

2019 

58,540 

1,756 
60,296 

Note: 1.  Deferred taxes include 145 million yen and 79 million yen for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, due to tax rate changes.

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

2020 

30.62 

(2.24)

(1.81)

0.15 

0.08 

(0.41)
26.39 

(%)

2019 

30.62 

(1.90)

(1.42)

0.69 

0.04 

0.59 
28.62 

(Millions of yen)

Average interest 
rate1 (%)

Maturity

1.19 

0.11 

0.75 

—

—

0.54 

0.93 

—

—

2022-2029

—

—

—

2022-2066

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 ..............................................................................................................................

15

Bonds and Borrowings and Other

Bonds and borrowings and lease liabilities consist of the following:

Short-term borrowings .......................................................................

Current portion of long-term borrowings ............................................

Long-term borrowings ........................................................................

Current portion of bonds2 ...................................................................

Bonds2  ................................................................................................

Lease liabilities (Current) ....................................................................

Lease liabilities (Non-current) .............................................................
  Total ........................................................................................

Current liabilities

  Bonds and borrowings ....................................................................

  Lease liabilities ................................................................................

  Subtotal .......................................................................................

Non-current liabilities

  Bonds and borrowings ....................................................................

  Lease liabilities ................................................................................

  Subtotal .......................................................................................
  Total ........................................................................................

2020

408 

30,045 

47,232 

12 

49,997 

19,787 

126,725 
274,206 

30,465 

19,787 

50,252 

97,229 

126,725 

223,954 
274,206 

2019

450 

48 

76,582 

25,007 

25,054 

19,653 

141,438 
288,232 

25,505 

19,653 

45,158 

101,636 

141,438 

243,074 
288,232 

Notes: 1. The average interest rate is the weighted average interest rate on the balance as of December 31, 2020.

2. Details of bonds issued are as follows:

Issuer

Bond name

Issue date

2020

2019

Interest rate (%) Collateral

Maturity date

(Millions of yen)

The Company

4th unsecured bonds

June 14, 2013

—

The Company

5th unsecured bonds

June 19, 2018

24,971

The Company

6th unsecured bonds

September 18, 2020

24,942

Subsidiaries
  Total  ................................................................................

Other bonds

—

96
50,009

24,995

24,958

—

108
50,061

0.62

0.08

0.13

—

None

None

None

—

June 19, 2020

June 20, 2023

September 19, 2025

—

39

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

16

Leases

As a lessee, the Group leases assets including buildings etc. Some lease contracts include extension options and termination options. The 
Group has no restrictions or covenants imposed by leases.

Income and expenses relating to leases consist of the following:

Depreciation charge for right-of-use assets1

  Buildings and structures ........................................................................................................................

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

Interest expense on lease liabilities2 ..........................................................................................................

Expenses relating to short-term leases3 ....................................................................................................

Other 

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

(Millions of yen)

2020

2019

16,249

1,454
17,703

1,490

1,686

669
3,845

16,171

1,671
17,842

1,676

1,562

907
4,145

Notes: 1.  Depreciation of right-of-use assets is included in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating expenses in the 

consolidated statement of income.

2. Interest expense on lease liabilities is included in financial expenses in the consolidated statement of income.
3.  Expenses relating to short-term leases are included in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating expenses in the 

consolidated statement of income.

 The total cash outflow for leases for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were 24,777 million yen and 24,722 million 
yen, respectively.

  Carrying amount of right-of-use assets consists of the following:

(Millions of yen)

2020

2019

Right-of-use assets

  Buildings and structures ........................................................................................................................

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

141,728

7,815
149,543

156,965

7,857
164,822

  Note 31 “Cash Flow Information” presents additions to right-of-use assets.
  Note 33 “Financial Instruments” presents lease liabilities by maturity date.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17

Trade and Other Payables

Trade and other payables consist of the following:

Trade payables ...........................................................................................................................................

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

2020 

137,680 

78,162 
215,842 

(Millions of yen)

2019 

144,864 

77,450 
222,314 

18

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).The defined benefit obligations held in 
Japan account for a large proportion of the Group’s defined 
benefit obligations.
  Cash balance plan benefits are determined 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 
the 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 the 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 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 determine 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 the performance of the 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 ............................................................................................................................
  Net defined benefit liabilities .............................................................................................................

Amounts recognized in consolidated statement of fi nancial position

  Retirement benefit liabilities ..................................................................................................................

  Retirement benefit assets .....................................................................................................................
  Net defined benefit liabilities .............................................................................................................

2020

351,077 

(302,237)
48,840 

51,858 

(3,018)
48,840 

(Millions of yen)

2019

362,080 

(283,647)
78,433 

80,579 

(2,146)
78,433 

41

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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 defi ned benefi t obligations at end of year .........................................................

2020
362,080 
10,639 
2,209 

(337)
(8,622)
399 
(14,120)
(1,171)
351,077 

(Millions of yen)

2019
342,130 
9,804 
2,710 

2,389 
17,402 
365 
(12,381)
(339)
362,080 

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 17.2 years at December 31, 2020 and 18.0 years at 
December 31, 2019.

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 ...............................................................................................

2020
283,647 
1,675 

14,826 
15,714 
(12,880)
(745)
302,237 

(Millions of yen)

2019
258,744 
1,911 

19,456 
14,870 
(11,242)
(92)
283,647 

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 17,236 million yen to the defined benefit plan for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

  Plan assets consist of the following:

2020

2019

Market price in an active market

Market price in an active market

(Millions of yen)

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

Quoted 
11,651
—
11,651
7,248
—
7,248
462
19,361

Unquoted 
62,649
30,996
31,653
208,061
138,520
69,541
12,166
282,876

Total
74,300
30,996
43,304
215,309
138,520
76,789
12,628
302,237

Quoted
11,623
—
11,623
7,863
—
7,863
334
19,820

Unquoted
57,118
28,412
28,706
195,263
130,418
64,845
11,446
263,827

Total
68,741
28,412
40,329
203,126
130,418
72,708
11,780
283,647

Note: Plan assets invested in pooled funds of trust banks are classified without 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 the 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.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4) Significant actuarial assumptions and related sensitivity analysis

Significant actuarial assumptions are as follows:

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

Mainly 0.8%

Mainly 0.6%

2020

2019

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:

(Millions of yen)

2020 

2019 

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

(25,482)
26,815 

(27,430)
28,821 

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.

5) Defined contribution plans

Expenses related to the defined contribution plan recognized 
in profit or loss were 3,488 million yen and 3,820 million yen 
for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
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, 2020 and 2019 were 277,244 million 
yen and 274,937 million yen, respectively.

19

Provisions

Components of and changes in provisions consist of the following:

Provision for
loss related
to cosmetics

Provision for 
asset retirement 
obligations

Other
provisions

January 1, 2020 ....................................................................................

5,959 

Increase ............................................................................................

Interest expense on discounted provision ........................................

—

11 

  Decrease (provision used) ................................................................

(844)

  Decrease (provision reversed) ..........................................................

 Exchange differences on translation of 
  foreign operations ...........................................................................

—

—

December 31, 2020 ..............................................................................

5,126 

4,506 

231 

55 

(108)

—

11 

4,695 

1,711 

555 

—

(1,042)

(38)

(21)

1,165 

(Millions of yen)

Total

12,176 

786 

66 

(1,994)

(38)

(10)

10,986 

(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 its insurance policy to cover 1,128 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 right-of-use 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.

43

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

20 Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

Accrued expenses .....................................................................................................................................

Consumption tax payables ........................................................................................................................

Obligation for unused paid absences ........................................................................................................

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

2020 

72,701 

10,508 

8,201 

8,311 

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

99,721 

(Millions of yen)

2019 

72,551 

10,663 

7,948 

8,249 

99,411 

21

Equity and Other Equity Items

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

2020

2019 

(Shares)

Authorized .................................................................................................................................................

1,000,000,000  1,000,000,000 

Issued1

  Beginning balance ..................................................................................................................................

482,000,000 

488,700,000 

  Change during the year2 .........................................................................................................................

—

(6,700,000)

  Ending balance .......................................................................................................................................

482,000,000 

482,000,000 

Notes: 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.  The number of issued shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 decreased by 6,700,000 shares due to the retirement of treasury 

shares pursuant to the resolution of the Board of Directors.

(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:

2020

2019

(Shares)

Beginning balance1 ....................................................................................................................................

1,083,466 

Increase2 ................................................................................................................................................

  Decrease3 ...............................................................................................................................................

28,823 

(58,270)

Ending balance4 .........................................................................................................................................

1,054,019 

2,043,272 

5,786,409 

(6,746,215)

1,083,466 

Notes: 1.  556,492 shares of treasury shares held by associates were included at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

In addition, 226,550 shares and 242,675 shares held by the Board Incentive Plan Trust (hereinafter “BIP Trust”) were included at December 31, 

2020 and 2019, respectively.

2.  The increase of 28,823 shares of treasury shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 resulted from an increase of 25,605 shares due to 

changes in treasury shares held by associates accounted for by the equity method and the purchase of 3,218 fractional shares.
  The increase of 5,786,409 shares of treasury shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 resulted from the acquisition of 5,782,400 
shares by resolution of the Board of Directors and the purchase of 4,009 fractional shares.

3.  The decrease of 58,270 shares of treasury shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 resulted from a decrease of 43,000 shares due to 
the exercise of stock options, a decrease of 15,000 shares due to the grant to the Board of Directors by the BIP trust and the sale of 270 fractional 
shares.
  The decrease of 6,746,215 shares of treasury shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 resulted from the retirement of 6,700,000 
shares by resolution of the Board of Directors, a decrease of 30,000 shares due to the exercise of stock options, a decrease of 16,125 shares due to 
the grant to the Board of Directors by the BIP trust and the sale of 90 fractional shares.

4.  582,097 shares and 556,492 shares of treasury shares held by associates were included at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

In addition, 211,550 shares and 226,550 shares held by the BIP Trust were included at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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; however, due to the introduction of a 
performance share plan, the stock option plan has been 
abolished except for the options already granted.
  Note 32 “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
Associates hedge their exposure to the risk of variability in 
future cash flows. Net gain (loss) on derivatives designated 
as cash flow hedges is the portion of the change in the fair 
value of the hedging instrument that meets the hedge 
effectiveness requirements 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 include the effect 
of any variances 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 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 the 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.

22

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. Guided by EVA management, which places 
importance on both continuous enhancements in corporate value 
and long-term profits for all stakeholders, the Group develops its 
business strategy and business plan.
  The Group manages all equity and interest-bearing liabilities as 
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 
maintain 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 investments for growth will meet the expectations of its 
stakeholders, and therefore prioritizes such investments. In 
addition to providing stable dividends, the Group uses surplus 
funds to flexibly conduct share repurchases, aiming to 
continuously increase dividends to reflect improvements in 
business results. 
  While making returns to shareholders and improving EVA, the 
Group retains the capital necessary to make timely investments 
for growth and to ensure the appropriate resources to deal with 
unexpected situations.

  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, EVA decreased 
25.1 billion yen compared with the previous fiscal year to 62.3 
billion yen due to a decrease in net operating profit after tax 
(hereinafter “NOPAT”).

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

45

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

23 Dividends

Dividends paid are as follows:

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

Date of resolution

114th Annual General Meeting 
  of Shareholders held on 
  March 25, 2020

Board of Directors meeting held 
  on July 29, 2020

Total dividends¹
(Millions of yen)

Dividends per share 
(Yen)

Record date

Effective date

31,260

33,666

65

70

December 31, 2019

March 26, 2020

June 30, 2020

September 1, 2020

Note: 1.  Total dividends are reduced by dividends on treasury shares held by associates accounted for using the equity method and dividends on shares of the 

Company held by the BIP Trust.
  The dividend resolved at the 114th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 25, 2020 was 31,310 million yen before the deduction. 
The dividend resolved at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on July 29, 2020 was 33,721 million yen before the deduction.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

Date of resolution

113th Annual General Meeting 
  of Shareholders held on 
  March 26, 2019

Board of Directors meeting held on 
  July 31, 2019

Total dividends¹
(Millions of yen)

Dividends per share 
(Yen)

Record date

Effective date

29,199

31,259

60

65

December 31, 2018

March 27, 2019

June 30, 2019

September 2, 2019

Note: 1.  Total dividends are reduced by dividends on treasury shares held by associates accounted for using the equity method and dividends on shares of the 

Company held by the BIP Trust.
  The dividend resolved at the 113th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 26, 2019 was 29,247 million yen before the deduction. 
The dividend resolved at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on July 31, 2019 was 31,310 million yen before the deduction.

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

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

Date of Resolution

115th Annual General Meeting
  of Shareholders held on 
  March 26, 2021

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

Date of Resolution

114th Annual General Meeting
  of Shareholders held on 
  March 25, 2020

Total dividends
(Millions of yen)

Dividends per share
(Yen)

Record date

Effective date

33,722

70

December 31, 2020

March 29, 2021

Total dividends
(Millions of yen)

Dividends per share 
(Yen)

Record date

Effective date

31,310

65

December 31, 2019

March 26, 2020

24

Revenue

(1) Disaggregation of Revenue
The Group is organized on the basis of five businesses: the four 
business areas that constitute the Consumer Products Business 
(the Cosmetics Business, the Skin Care and Hair Care Business, 
the Human Health Care Business, and the Fabric and Home Care 
Business), and the Chemical Business. Revenues of these five 
businesses are presented as net sales. The Board of Directors of 
the Company reviews them regularly to determine allocation of 
resources and to assess their performance. Revenue of logistics 
services to third parties is included in other operating income 
because it is not a part of the abovementioned five main businesses.

  The Group disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers 
by separating the Consumer Products Business into the Cosmetics 
Business and non-Cosmetics Businesses based on contracts with 
customers, with the Chemical Business as a separate division. 
Revenue by geographic region is disaggregated based on the 
location of revenue recognized. The relationship between 
disaggregated revenue and net sales by segment is as follows:

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

46

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 

Cosmetics Business

Skin Care and Hair Care Business

Human Health Care Business

Fabric and Home Care Business

Consumer Products Business

Chemical Business

Elimination of intersegment transactions

Consolidated

Revenue of logistics services to third parties 

included in other operating income

Japan

164,165 

177,720

144,867 

324,250 

811,002

111,084 

(34,029)

888,057

Asia

45,354 

25,332

88,942 

40,643 

200,271

56,472 

(2,626)

254,117

Americas

5,539 

68,619

119 

9,338 

83,615

42,773 

(72)

Europe

19,010 

37,226

43 

136 

56,415

58,882 

(1,790)

(Millions of yen)
Total

234,068 

308,897

233,971 

374,367 

1,151,303

269,211 

(38,517)

126,316

113,507

1,381,997

10,203

—

—

—

10,203

Total revenue from contracts with customers

898,260

254,117

126,316

113,507

1,392,200

Note:  Figures for the Consumer Products Business present sales to external customers and figures for the Chemical Business include sales to the Consumer 

Products Business in addition to external customers. The Group has changed its method of recognizing sales for certain transactions for the Skin Care and 
Hair Care Business in Japan from the gross amount to the net amount.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 

Cosmetics Business

Skin Care and Hair Care Business

Human Health Care Business

Fabric and Home Care Business

Consumer Products Business

Chemical Business

Elimination of intersegment transactions

Consolidated

Revenue of logistics services to third parties 

included in other operating income

Japan

232,132 

199,541 

160,312 

307,658 

899,643 

123,422 

(35,911)

987,154 

Asia

42,725 

28,485 

94,793 

40,347 

206,350 

57,349 

(2,851)

260,848 

Americas

6,047 

71,430 

113 

11,245 

88,835 

46,076 

(60)

Europe

20,643 

41,301 

6 

257 

62,207 

59,088 

(1,907)

(Millions of yen)
Total

301,547 

340,757 

255,224 

359,507 

1,257,035 

285,935 

(40,729)

134,851

119,388 

1,502,241 

8,973

—

—

—

8,973

Total revenue from contracts with customers

996,127

260,848

134,851

119,388

1,511,214

Note:  Figures for the Consumer Products Business present sales to external customers and figures for the Chemical Business include sales to the Consumer 

Products Business in addition to external customers.

1) Consumer Products Business

The Consumer Products Business sells consumer products 
including cosmetics, skin care products, hair care products, 
sanitary products and fabric care products. Its customers are 
mainly retailers in Japan and retailers and wholesalers outside 
Japan. Revenue from such sales is recognized when control 
of a product is transferred to a customer, i.e., at the point in 
time a product is delivered and handed over at the place 
designated by a customer because legal title to the product, 
physical possession and the significant risks and rewards of 
ownership of the product are transferred to the customer and 
the customer has the right to decide the method of sale and 
selling price of the product.

In the Consumer Products Business, products may be sold 
with a rebate conditional upon achievement of certain targets 
such as the quantity or amount of sales (hereinafter 
“Achievement Rebate”) or other payments. In such cases, 
the transaction price is determined in an amount deducting 
the estimated amount of the Achievement Rebate or other 

payments from the consideration promised in the contract 
with the customer. Estimates of Achievement Rebate or 
other payment amounts use the most likely outcome method 
based on historical experience and other factors, and revenue 
is recognized only to the extent that it is highly probable that 
a significant reversal will not occur.

In addition, in the event that the Group makes payments to 

customers such as funding for sales promotions, if the 
consideration paid to customers is payment for separate 
goods or services from the customer and fair value cannot be 
reasonably estimated, revenue is measured by deducting the 
consideration from the transaction price.
  Among the products in the Consumer Products Business, 
cosmetics are composed of counseling cosmetics and self-
selection cosmetics. The Group may provide support to 
customers when they sell counseling cosmetics through 
counseling to final consumers.

In addition, when selling cosmetics, a certain level of 

product returns from customers associated with the 

47

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

termination of products is expected to occur. Because the 
Group has an obligation to refund the consideration for a 
product if a customer returns it, the Group recognizes a 
liability for sales returns as a deduction from revenue for 
projected refunds to customers. To estimate liabilities related 
to such sales returns, the Group uses the most likely 
outcome method based on historical experience and other 
factors, and revenue is recognized only to the extent that it is 
highly probable that a significant reversal will not occur. When 
customers return products, the Group has the right to collect 
the products from the customers, but because returned 
goods are primarily the result of a product termination, the 
products returned have no asset value and therefore such 
assets are not recognized.

2) Chemical Business

The Chemical Business sells chemical products such as fatty 
alcohols and surfactants. Its customers are mainly the users 
and distributors of the products. Revenue from such sales is 
recognized when control of a product is transferred to a 
customer, i.e., at the point in time a product is delivered and 
handed over at the place designated by a customer because 
legal title to the product, physical possession and the 
significant risks and rewards of ownership of the product are 
transferred to the customer and the customer has the right to 
decide the method of sale and selling price of the product. 
Revenue from sales of products in the Chemical Business is 
measured at transaction prices for contracts with customers.

(2) Liabilities from Contracts with Customers
Liabilities from contracts with customers are as follows:

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2020  

Contract liabilities

January 1, 2020

December 31, 2020

(Millions of yen)

  Advances ...........................................................................................................................

  Refund liabilities .................................................................................................................

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

384

20,232

20,616

298

22,800

23,098

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 

Contract liabilities

January 1, 2019

December 31, 2019

(Millions of yen)

  Advances ...........................................................................................................................

  Refund liabilities .................................................................................................................

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

181

18,206

18,387

384

20,232

20,616

  Among liabilities from contracts with customers, estimates of 
Achievement Rebates or other payment amounts expected to be 
paid to customers related to sales by the end of the reporting period 
and liabilities for returned products are recognized as refund liabilities. 
  The balances of advances as of January 1, 2020 and 2019 were 
recognized as revenue during the fiscal years ended December 31, 
2020 and 2019, respectively. The amount of revenue recognized 
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 from performance 
obligations satisfied in previous periods was not material.

(4)  Assets Recognized from the Costs of Obtaining or Fulfilling 

Contracts with Customers

The amount of assets recognized from the costs of obtaining or 
fulfilling contracts with customers during the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2020 was not material. In addition, if the 
amortization period of the assets that the Group otherwise would 
have recognized is one year or less, the Group uses the practical 
expedient of recognizing the incremental costs of obtaining the 
contract as an expense when incurred.

(3)  Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance 

Obligations

The Group uses the practical expedient of omitting the disclosure 
of information on the remaining performance obligations because it 
has no significant transactions with individual expected contractual 
terms exceeding one year. In addition, there are no significant 
amounts in consideration from contracts with customers that are 
not included in transaction prices.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

48

 
 
25

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the following:

Advertising .................................................................................................................................................

Sales promotion .........................................................................................................................................

2020

71,984

45,543

(Millions of yen)

2019

77,545

56,943

Employee benefi ts .....................................................................................................................................

148,281

148,431

Depreciation ..............................................................................................................................................

Amortization ..............................................................................................................................................

Research and development .......................................................................................................................

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

18,586

8,632

58,509

64,291

18,775

7,950

59,143

74,125

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

415,826

442,912

26 Other Operating Income

Other operating income consists of the following:

Revenue of logistics services to third parties ............................................................................................

Royalty income ..........................................................................................................................................

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

2020

10,203

1,002

4,596

(Millions of yen)

2019

8,973

1,244

4,975

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

15,801

15,192

27 Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses consist of the following:

Expenses of logistics services to third parties ..........................................................................................

Losses on sale and disposal of property, plant and equipment .................................................................

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

2020

9,311

3,347

2,447

(Millions of yen)

2019

8,293

3,600

2,182

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

15,105

14,075

49

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

28

Financial Income and Financial Expenses

Financial income consists of the following:

(Millions of yen)

2020

2019

Interest income

  Financial assets measured at amortized cost ........................................................................................

  Retirement benefi t assets .....................................................................................................................

1,415

23

1,707

28

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 profi t or loss ...............................................................

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

16

135

4

118

8

162

7

115

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

1,711

2,027

Financial expenses consist of the following:

Foreign exchange loss1 ..............................................................................................................................

Interest expenses2

  Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost .....................................................................................

  Lease liabilities .......................................................................................................................................

  Retirement benefi t liabilities ..................................................................................................................

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

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

2020

2,624

1,043

1,490

557

125

5,839

(Millions of yen)

2019

1,521

1,164

1,676

827

43

5,231

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.

29

Earnings per Share

(1) The Basis for Calculating Basic Earnings per Share

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

126,142

Amounts not attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent ..............................................................

—

2020

2019

148,213

—

Net income used to calculate basic earnings per share ............................................................................

126,142

148,213

(Millions of yen, unless otherwise noted)

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

480,929

483,252

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

262.29

306.70

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) The Basis for Calculating Diluted Earnings per Share

Net income used to calculate basic earnings per share ............................................................................

126,142

Adjustments to net income .......................................................................................................................

—

2020

2019

148,213

—

Net income used to calculate diluted earnings per share ..........................................................................

126,142

148,213

(Millions of yen, unless otherwise noted)

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

480,929

483,252

Increase in ordinary shares

  Subscription rights to shares (Thousands of shares) .............................................................................

68

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

480,998

104

483,356

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

262.25

306.63

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

—

—

30 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, 2020 

Gains (losses)
arising for the year

Reclassification 
adjustments

Before tax 
effect

Tax effect

(Millions of yen)
After tax 
effect

Items that will not be reclassifi ed to profi t or loss

 Net gain (loss) on revaluation of fi nancial assets measured 
  at fair value through other comprehensive income .........

265 

  Remeasurements of defi ned benefi t plans .......................

23,386 

 Share of other comprehensive income of investments 
  accounted for using the equity method ...........................

36 

  Total of items that will not be reclassifi ed to profi t or loss ..

23,687 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations ...

(9,936)

 Share of other comprehensive income of investments 
  accounted for using the equity method ...........................

 Total of items that may be reclassifi ed subsequently 
  to profi t or loss .............................................................

(167)

(10,103)

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

13,584 

—

—

—

—

(6)

—

(6)

(6)

265 

23,386 

36 

23,687 

(9,942)

(167)

(10,109)

(97)

(7,021)

(11)

(7,129)

—

0 

0 

168 

16,365 

25 

16,558 

(9,942)

(167)

(10,109)

13,578 

(7,129)

6,449 

51

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019  

Gains (losses)
arising for the year

Reclassification 
adjustments

Before tax 
effect

Tax effect

(Millions of yen)
After tax 
effect

Items that will not be reclassifi ed to profi t or loss

 Net gain (loss) on revaluation of fi nancial assets measured 
  at fair value through other comprehensive income .........

  Remeasurements of defi ned benefi t plans .......................

 Share of other comprehensive income of investments 
  accounted for using the equity method ...........................

  Total of items that will not be reclassifi ed to profi t or loss ..

(24)

(700)

(24)

(748)

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations ...

(2,723)

 Share of other comprehensive income of investments 
  accounted for using the equity method ...........................

 Total of items that may be reclassifi ed subsequently 
  to profi t or loss .............................................................

(36)

(2,759)

—

—

—

—

234 

—

234 

(24)

(700)

(24)

(748)

(2,489)

(36)

(2,525)

18 

(480)

7 

(455)

—

(0) 

(0) 

(6)

(1,180)

(17)

(1,203)

(2,489)

(36)

(2,525)

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

(3,507)

234 

(3,273)

(455)

(3,728)

31

Cash Flow Information

(1) Changes in Liabilities Arising from Financing Activities

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
The following table presents the changes in liabilities arising from financing activities for lease liabilities.

January 1, 2020

Changes from 
financing cash 
flows

New leases

Other

December 31, 2020

Non-cash changes

(Millions of yen)

Lease liabilities ......................................

161,091 

(20,912)

16,358 

(10,025)

146,512 

  Except for lease liabilities, the major changes in liabilities arising from financing activities were changes from financing cash flows and 
there were no significant non-cash changes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019
The following table presents the changes in liabilities arising from financing activities for lease liabilities.

January 1, 
2019 (as 
previously 
reported)

Changes in 
accounting 
policy1

January 1, 
2019 (after 
adjustment)

Changes 
from 
financing 
cash flows

New leases

Other

December 
31, 2019

Non-cash changes

(Millions of yen)

Lease liabilities ......................................

—

167,435

167,435

(20,565)

22,804

(8,583)

161,091

Note: 1.  It represents the financial effect from the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leases.”

  Except for lease liabilities, the major changes in liabilities arising from financing activities were changes from financing cash flows and 
there were no significant non-cash changes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

(2) Non-cash Transactions
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the non-cash transactions comprised the acquisition of right-of-use assets 
resulted from leases of 16,496 million yen and 23,199 million yen, respectively. 

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32

Share-based Payments

(1) Stock Options

1) Outline of stock options

The Company issued the following type of stock option to 
directors and executive officers of the Company. Due to the 
introduction of a performance share plan, the stock option plan 
has been abolished except for the options already granted.

Stock options for share-based payment 
Stock options for share-based payment were granted as 
compensation for directors and executive officers who do 
not concurrently serve as directors. These stock options 

2) Number of stock options and weighted average exercise price

were 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
•  Exercise period: Five years from July 1 of two years 

after the date the stock options were granted

Beginning balance of outstanding .................................

  Granted ......................................................................

  Exercised ...................................................................

  Expired at maturity .....................................................

Ending balance of outstanding ......................................

Ending balance of exercisable .......................................

2020

2019

Number of
shares

Weighted average 
exercise price

(Shares)

95,000 

—

(43,000)

(1,000)

51,000 

51,000 

(Yen)

1 

—

1 

1 

1 

1 

Number of
shares

(Shares)

125,000 

—

(30,000)

—

95,000 

95,000 

Weighted average 
exercise price

(Yen)

1 

—

1 

—

1 

1 

Notes: 1.  The weighted average share price on the date of exercise for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 8,400 yen and 8,118 

yen, respectively.

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

Exercise price

(Yen)

1

2020

Number of
shares

(Shares)

51,000

Weighted average 
remaining contractual life

Exercise price

(Years)

1.7

(Yen)

1

2019

Number of
shares

(Shares)

95,000

Weighted average 
remaining contractual life

(Years)

2.2

(2) Performance Share Plan

1) Outline of performance share plan

The Company introduced a performance share plan 
(hereinafter the “Plan”) for the members of the Board of 
Directors (excluding Outside Directors) and Executive 
Officers (collectively, “Directors, etc.”) as a highly 
transparent and objective compensation system that is 
closely linked to company performance. The purpose of the 
Plan is to improve the Company’s mid- and long-term 
performance as well as increase the awareness of 
contributions to increasing corporate value.
  The Company has introduced the Plan using a structure 
called a BIP Trust. A BIP Trust is designed as an executive 
incentive plan based on the performance share plans and 
restricted stock plans in the U.S. wherein the Company’s 
shares that are acquired through the BIP Trust and the 
amount equivalent to the converted value of such shares will 
be vested or paid to Directors, etc. depending on their 

executive positions and level of achievement of performance 
targets in the mid-term plan and other factors. The shares 
held by the BIP Trust are accounted for as treasury shares.
  The Plan grants specified points (1 point = 1 share) to 
Directors, etc. each year depending on their executive 
positions and other factors on the condition that the 
requirements of a designated beneficiary, such as holding 
the office of Director, etc. on the last day of each fiscal year 
during the eligibility period, have been satisfied. The 
Company's shares and cash in the amount of the converted 
value of such Company's shares equivalent to the number of 
such points may be granted or paid following completion of 
settlement procedures by the designated beneficiary, after 
the end of the eligibility period in the case of performance-
linked points, or for a specified period each year during the 
eligibility period in the case of fixed points.
  The Plan is accounted for as an equity-settled share-based 
payment transaction.

53

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2)  Number of points granted during the period and weighted average fair value of points 

The fair value of the points on the date of grant is determined by adjusting the market price of the Company’s shares taking expected 
dividends into account.

  The number of points granted during the period and the weighted average fair value of the points are as follows:

Number of points granted during the period ..............

Weighted average fair value (Yen) ..............................

34,125

6,821

2020

Achievement-linked 
points

Fixed points

14,625

6,443

2019

Achievement-linked 
points

35,000

6,821

Fixed points

15,000

6,551

(3) Share-based Payment Expenses
The amount of share-based payment expenses recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 
2020 and 2019 were 394 million yen of reversal of expenses and 337 million yen of expenses, respectively.

33

Financial Instruments

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

Financial assets measured at amortized cost

Financial assets

(Millions of yen)

2020

2019

  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 7) .......................................................................................................

  Trade and other receivables (Note 8) .....................................................................................................

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

Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss

  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 7) .......................................................................................................

  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 fi nancial assets ............................................................................................................................

  Subtotal ..............................................................................................................................................

Non-current assets

  Other fi nancial assets ............................................................................................................................

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

338,276

200,087

17,907

14,900

81

3,034

9,843

584,128

353,176

200,087

7,257

560,520

23,608

584,128

269,781

208,839

25,893

19,900

214

3,063

10,722

538,412

289,681

208,839

13,788

512,308

26,104

538,412

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
  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, 2020 

Company name

(Millions of yen)
Fair value

Aeon Co., Ltd.  ...........................................................................................................................................

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.  .....................................................................................................................

Saiwai Trading Co., Ltd.  ............................................................................................................................

Livedo Corporation  ...................................................................................................................................

Japan Alcohol Trading Co., Ltd. ..................................................................................................................

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.  ......................................................................................................................

Keytrading Co., Ltd. ...................................................................................................................................

Izumi Co., Ltd.  ..........................................................................................................................................

Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.  ...........................................................................................................

Kyoto Seisakusho Co., Ltd.  .......................................................................................................................

1,433

1,375

1,308

1,286

739

677

431

374

272

194

As of December 31, 2019 

Company name

(Millions of yen)
Fair value

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.  .....................................................................................................................

Saiwai Trading Co., Ltd.  ............................................................................................................................

Livedo Corporation  ...................................................................................................................................

Aeon Co., Ltd.  ...........................................................................................................................................

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.  ......................................................................................................................

Japan Alcohol Trading Co., Ltd.  ................................................................................................................

Keytrading Co., Ltd.  ..................................................................................................................................

Izumi Co., Ltd.  ..........................................................................................................................................

Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.  ...........................................................................................................

Kyoto Seisakusho Co., Ltd.  .......................................................................................................................

2,360

1,308

1,201

952

910

700

414

394

245

205

  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 values 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) ..........................................................................................................................

2020

1,224

968

(Millions of yen)

2019

400

328

  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, 2020 and 2019, were 668 million yen and 227 million yen, 
respectively.

55

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

Financial liabilities

(Millions of yen)

2020

2019

  Trade and other payables (Note 17) .......................................................................................................

  Bonds and borrowings (Note 15) ...........................................................................................................

  Lease liabilities (Note 16) .......................................................................................................................

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

215,842

127,694

146,512

14,065

Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profi t or loss

  Derivatives .............................................................................................................................................

368

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

504,481

222,314

127,141

161,091

13,898

395

524,839

Current liabilities

  Trade and other payables .......................................................................................................................

215,842

222,314

  Bonds and borrowings ...........................................................................................................................

  Lease liabilities .......................................................................................................................................

  Other fi nancial liabilities .........................................................................................................................

30,465

19,787

6,571

25,505

19,653

6,766

  Subtotal ..............................................................................................................................................

272,665

274,238

Non-current liabilities

  Bonds and borrowings ...........................................................................................................................

  Lease liabilities .......................................................................................................................................

  Other fi nancial liabilities .........................................................................................................................

  Subtotal ..............................................................................................................................................

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

97,229

126,725

7,862

231,816

504,481

101,636

141,438

7,527

250,601

524,839

  There are no significant assets pledged for the above financial liabilities. The Group held deposits received, which are interest-bearing 
liabilities in other financial liabilities, at December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaling 12,789 million yen and 12,790 million yen, respectively. 
The average interest rate on deposits received as of December 31, 2020 was 0.13%.

(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.

1) Market risk management

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 the internal 
policies that define the objectives, position limit, scope, 
organizational structure and others. The Group limits the use 
of derivatives to actual 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 flows.

(i)  Exchange rate 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 currencies through 
foreign currency accounts, and by hedging the risk of 
exchange rate fluctuations using derivative instruments 
such as foreign exchange forward and currency swaps.

  Details of foreign exchange forward contracts 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.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives transactions

Foreign exchange forward contracts:
  Selling

2020
Contract
amount over
1 year

Carrying 
amount
(fair value)¹

Contract
amount

  U.S. dollar .........................................................
  Euro ..................................................................

10,776
80

  Buying

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

31
111

—
—

—
—

(0)
2

(0)
(0)

(Millions of yen)

2019
Contract
amount over
1 year

Carrying 
amount 
(fair value)1

—
—

—
—

4
0

(1)
(9)

Contract
amount

21,052
19

105
458

Note: 1. Note 33 “Financial Instruments (3) 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, 2020 

Net exposure ..................................................................................................................

23,198

U.S. dollar

As of December 31, 2019 

Net exposure ..................................................................................................................

U.S. dollar
23,641

Euro

2,201

Euro
1,725

(Millions of yen)
Chinese yuan

11,074

(Millions of yen)
Chinese yuan
11,630

  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 .............................................................................................................................................

2020

(2,320)

(220)

(1,107)

(Millions of yen)

2019

(2,364)

(173)

(1,163)

(ii)  Interest rate fluctuation risk 

(iii)  Share price fluctuation risk 

The Group obtains 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 that its exposure to 
interest rate fluctuation risk is limited.

The Group held marketable equity securities, primarily 
those of companies with which the Group has business 
relationships, totaling 4,699 million yen and 5,830 million 
yen at December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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.

57

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  The carrying amount after impairment of financial assets 
in the consolidated statement 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 the 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 7,001 million yen and 6,829 million yen at December 
31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

2) Credit risk management

The Group is exposed to credit risk such as a counterparty’s 
default on 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 the 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 the creditworthiness of 
borrowers.

(iv)  Derivatives

The Group executes and manages derivatives in 
accordance with the internal policies that define the 
objectives, 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.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

58

The carrying amount of trade receivables and changes in the related allowance for doubtful receivables are as follows:

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 

(Millions of yen)

Trade receivables

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

January 1, 2020 .....................................................................

203,690 

 Change during the year
  (Recognition and derecognition) ......................................

  Transfer to credit-impaired fi nancial assets .......................

  Other changes ...................................................................

(7,907)

(59)

(919)

December 31, 2020 ...............................................................

194,805 

632 

(30)

59 

17 

678 

Allowance for doubtful receivables

January 1, 2020 .....................................................................

Increase during the year ....................................................

  Decrease during the year (charge-offs) ..............................

  Decrease during the year (other) .......................................

  Transfer to credit-impaired fi nancial assets .......................

  Other changes ...................................................................

December 31, 2020 ...............................................................

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

1,114 

565 

(157)

(95)

57 

6 

1,490 

520 

82 

(1)

(16)

(57)

15 

543 

Total

204,322 

(7,937)

—

(902)

195,483 

(Millions of yen)

Total

1,634 

647 

(158)

(111)

—

21 

2,033 

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 

(Millions of yen)

Trade receivables

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

January 1, 2019 .....................................................................

217,018 

 Change during the year
  (Recognition and derecognition) ......................................

  Transfer to credit-impaired fi nancial assets .......................

  Other changes ...................................................................

(12,408)

(100)

(820)

December 31, 2019 ...............................................................

203,690 

576 

(31)

100 

(13)

632 

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

Allowance for doubtful receivables

January 1, 2019 .....................................................................

Increase during the year ....................................................

  Decrease during the year (charge-offs) ..............................

  Decrease during the year (other) .......................................

  Transfer to credit-impaired fi nancial assets .......................

  Other changes ...................................................................

957 

323 

(104)

(73)

11 

(0) 

December 31, 2019 ...............................................................

1,114 

59

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

491 

100 

(12)

(34)

(11)

(14)

520 

Total

217,594 

(12,439)

—

(833)

204,322 

(Millions of yen)

Total

1,448 

423 

(116)

(107)

—

(14)

1,634 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2020 

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

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

Expected credit loss (%) ............................................

As of December 31, 2019 

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

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

Expected credit loss (%) ............................................

(Millions of yen, unless otherwise noted)

Days past due

Not due

183,636

265 

0.1

Less than 30 
days

Over 30 
days

Over 60 
days

Over 90 
days

6,066

57 

0.9

1,685

134

8.0

1,150 

199 

17.3

2,946

1,378 

46.8

Total

195,483 

2,033 

1.0

(Millions of yen, unless otherwise noted)

Days past due

Not due

188,864

187

0.1

Less than 30 
days

Over 30 
days

6,461

107

1.7

3,087

117

3.8

Over 60 
days

1,728

69

4.0

Over 90 
days

4,182

1,154

27.6

Total

204,322

1,634

0.8

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, 2020 

(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 payables .............

215,842

215,842

215,842

  Bonds and borrowings .................

127,694

127,781

  Lease liabilities1 ............................

146,512

157,905

  Long-term deposits payable ........

7,001

7,001

30,465

21,088

—

Derivative financial liabilities

  Currency related ..........................

Interest rate related .....................

222

146

222

146

164

—

—

5,879

16,985

—

66,126

12,495

—

48

44

—

10

—

—

22

10,403

—

—

102

—

25,022

9,634

—

—

—

—

267

87,300

7,001

—

—

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

497,417

508,897

267,559

22,956

78,631

10,527

34,656

94,568

Note: 1. Lease liabilities by maturity date consist of the following:

As of December 31, 2020 

(Millions of yen)

Carrying 
amount

Contract 
amount

Not later 
than 1 year

Later than 
1 year but 
not later than 
5 years

Later than 
5 years but 
not later than 
10 years

Later than 
10 years but 
not later than 
15 years

Later than 
15 years but 
not later than 
20 years

Later than 
20 years

Lease liabilities ........................

146,512

157,905

21,088

49,517

33,987

22,787

18,588

11,938

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

60

 
 
 
As of December 31, 2019 

(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 payables .............

222,314

222,314

222,314

  Bonds and borrowings .................

127,141

127,187

  Lease liabilities1 ............................

161,091

174,820

  Long-term deposits payable ........

6,829

6,829

Derivative financial liabilities

  Currency related ..........................

Interest rate related .....................

320

75

320

75

25,510

21,245

—

248

—

—

30,253

17,382

—

6,279

14,388

—

65,031

11,411

—

25

10,598

—

—

—

—

72

19

—

—

—

—

—

56

—

89

99,796

6,829

—

—

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

517,770

531,545

269,317

47,635

20,758

76,442

10,679

106,714

Note: 1. Lease liabilities by maturity date consist of the following:

As of December 31, 2019 

(Millions of yen)

Carrying 
amount

Contract 
amount

Not later 
than 1 year

Later than 
1 year but 
not later than 
5 years

Later than 
5 years but 
not later than 
10 years

Later than 
10 years but 
not later than 
15 years

Later than 
15 years but 
not later than 
20 years

Later than 
20 years

Lease liabilities ........................

161,091

174,820

21,245

53,779

40,588

24,192

19,691

15,325

(3) 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 financial 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 financial 
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.

61

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  The fair value hierarchy of financial instruments measured at fair value is shown below.
  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, 2020 
or 2019.

As of December 31, 2020 

Financial assets

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(Millions of yen)

  Financial assets measured at fair value through profi t 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 profi t or loss

  Derivative liabilities ...................................................................

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

—

—

—

4,699

4,699

—

—

14,900

81

3,034

—

18,015

368

368

—

—

—

5,144

5,144

—

—

14,900

81

3,034

9,843

27,858

368

368

As of December 31, 2019 

Financial assets

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(Millions of yen)

  Financial assets measured at fair value through profi t 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 profi t or loss

  Derivative liabilities ...................................................................

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

—

—

—

5,830

5,830

—

—

19,900

214

3,063

—

23,177

395

395

—

—

—

4,892

4,892

—

—

19,900

214

3,063

10,722

33,899

395

395

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Changes in financial instruments categorized within Level 3 are as follows:

Beginning balance .....................................................................................................................................

  Gains (losses)¹ .......................................................................................................................................

  Purchases ..............................................................................................................................................

  Sales ......................................................................................................................................................

  Other changes .......................................................................................................................................

2020

4,892 

203 

50 

(0) 

(1)

(Millions of yen)

2019

4,500 

391 

—

(0) 

1 

Ending balance ..........................................................................................................................................

5,144 

4,892 

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.

63

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3) Financial instruments measured at amortized cost

(i)  Cash and cash equivalents (excluding short-term 

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.

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, 2020 

Carrying amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Fair value

(Millions of yen)

Financial liabilities

  Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

  Bonds ............................................................

  Borrowings ....................................................

50,009

77,685

—

—

50,094

78,164

—

—

50,094

78,164

As of December 31, 2019 

Carrying amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Fair value

(Millions of yen)

Financial liabilities

  Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

  Bonds ............................................................

  Borrowings ....................................................

50,061

77,080

—

—

50,129

77,571

—

—

50,129

77,571

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

64

 
 
 
 
34

Principal Subsidiaries

Principal subsidiaries consist of the following. Voting rights at December 31, 2020 did not significantly change from a year earlier.

Company name

Principal businesses

Kao Group Customer Marketing Co., Ltd.

Control of sales companies and other subsidiaries in Japan
Cosmetics
Skin Care and Hair Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Kanebo Cosmetics Inc.

Cosmetics

Kao Transport & Logistics Co., Ltd.

Logistics and related services in Japan

Kao (China) Holding Co., Ltd.

Kao Corporation Shanghai

Kao (Hefei) Co., Ltd.

Kao Commercial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Control of subsidiaries in China
Cosmetics

Cosmetics
Skin Care and Hair Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Human Health Care

Cosmetics
Skin Care and Hair Care 
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Kanebo Cosmetics (China) Co., Ltd.

Kao (Shanghai) Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

Cosmetics

Chemical

Kao (Taiwan) Corporation

Pilipinas Kao, Inc.

Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Cosmetics
Skin Care and Hair Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care 
Chemical

Chemical

Cosmetics
Skin Care and Hair Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care 
Chemical

Fatty Chemical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Chemical

Skin Care and Hair Care
Human Health Care
Fabric and Home Care

Cosmetics
Skin Care and Hair Care

Skin Care and Hair Care

Fabric and Home Care

Corporate service to subsidiaries in the U.S.
Holding company for Chemical Business in the U.S.

Chemical

Cosmetics
Skin Care and Hair Care

Skin Care and Hair Care

Chemical

Cosmetics

Control of subsidiaries in Chemical Business in Europe, etc.

Chemical

PT Kao Indonesia

Kao USA Inc.

Oribe Hair Care, LLC

Washing Systems, LLC

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.

65

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

Voting rights (%)

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

92.2

100.0

100.0

70.0

66.8

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

35

Related Parties

(1) Transactions with Related Parties
Disclosure is omitted because there are no material related party transactions.

(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 benefi ts ...................................................................................................................................

Post-retirement benefi ts ............................................................................................................................

Share-based payments ..............................................................................................................................

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

2020

1,213 

32 

(394)

851 

(Millions of yen)

2019

1,069 

33 

337 

1,439 

36

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 .......................................................................................................................................................

2020

22,611

1,883

24,494

(Millions of yen)

2019

25,041

3,735

28,776

37

Significant Subsequent Events

At a meeting held on February 3, 2021, the Board of Directors resolved to purchase up to a maximum of 7 thousand shares or 50,000 
million yen of the Company’s common stock from February 4 to April 30, 2021, in accordance with Article 156 of the Companies Act 
applicable pursuant to Article 165, paragraph 3 of the said Act.

38 Approval of the Consolidated Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements were approved by Yoshihiro Hasebe, President and Chief Executive Officer, and by Kenichi 
Yamauchi, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Accounting and Finance, on March 18, 2021.

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

66

 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

67

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

68

69

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

Independent Auditor’s Report

Kao Corporation Financial Report 2020

70

14-10, Nihonbashi Kayabacho 1-chome
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8210, Japan

www.kao.com/global/en/

Investor Relations
E-mail: ir@kao.co.jp
Website: www.kao.com/global/en/investor-relations/