Kao Sales Lift 3.5% Against Cosmetics Business Reset

Japanese chemical and consumer goods conglomerate Kao Corporation reported net sales of 1.2 trillion yen ($7.2 billion) for the nine months ended Sept. 30, a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase, as it executes a strategic shift in its cosmetics business.

Kao’s key divisions of household, personal care and cosmetics products grew modestly in Japan, despite the market suffering from higher prices due to a weakened yen. The company’s cosmetics segment, which includes labels like Curél and…