VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ WIDE MOAT STOCKS COMPARISON ★

NO ADVICE

Monday, December 29, 2025

Stock Comparison

Kao Corporation vs Masco Corporation

Compare moat strength, market structure, and segment coverage to understand how each company defends its edge.

Kao Corporation

4452 · Tokyo Stock Exchange

Market cap (USD)$18.5B
SectorConsumer
CountryJP
Data as of2025-12-28
Moat score
60/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into Kao Corporation's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View 4452 analysis

Masco Corporation

MAS · New York Stock Exchange

Market cap (USD)$13.5B
SectorIndustrials
CountryUS
Data as of2025-12-26
Moat score
72/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into Masco Corporation's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View MAS analysis

Comparison highlights

  • Moat score gap: Masco Corporation leads (72 / 100 vs 60 / 100 for Kao Corporation).
  • Segment focus: Kao Corporation has 5 segments (33.5% in Hygiene Living Care Business); Masco Corporation has 2 segments (62% in Plumbing Products).
  • Moat breadth: Kao Corporation has 5 moat types across 2 domains; Masco Corporation has 3 across 3.

Primary market context

Kao Corporation

Hygiene Living Care Business

Market

Household & fabric care and sanitary consumer packaged goods

Geography

Japan and Asia (with select global brands)

Customer

Consumers (retail)

Role

Branded manufacturer

Revenue share

33.5%

Masco Corporation

Plumbing Products

Market

Residential plumbing fixtures and fittings (faucets, showers, valves, bath hardware, sinks) and plumbing components

Geography

North America and Europe

Customer

Home center retailers, wholesalers/distributors and online retailers; end users include plumbers, contractors, remodelers, homebuilders and consumers

Role

Branded manufacturer

Revenue share

62%

Side-by-side metrics

Kao Corporation
Masco Corporation
Ticker / Exchange
4452 - Tokyo Stock Exchange
MAS - New York Stock Exchange
Market cap (USD)
$18.5B
$13.5B
Sector
Consumer
Industrials
HQ country
JP
US
Primary segment
Hygiene Living Care Business
Plumbing Products
Market structure
Oligopoly
Oligopoly
Market share
n/a
n/a
HHI estimate
n/a
n/a
Pricing power
Moderate
Moderate
Moat score
60 / 100
72 / 100
Moat domains
Demand, Supply
Demand, Supply, Legal
Last update
2025-12-28
2025-12-26

Moat coverage

Shared moat types

Brand Trust

Kao Corporation strengths

Training Org Change CostsService Field NetworkCapex Knowhow ScaleDesign In Qualification

Masco Corporation strengths

Scope EconomiesContractual Exclusivity

Segment mix

Kao Corporation segments

Full profile >

Hygiene Living Care Business

Oligopoly

33.5%

Health Beauty Care Business

Competitive

26%

Cosmetics Business

Competitive

15%

Business Connected Business

Competitive

2.4%

Chemical Business

Competitive

23.1%

Masco Corporation segments

Full profile >

Plumbing Products

Oligopoly

62%

Decorative Architectural Products

Oligopoly

38%

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Curation & Accuracy

This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).

Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.