Ashland Stock Price, News & Analysis

Ashland Inc. (ASH) reported Q1 fiscal 2025 financial results with sales of $405 million, down 14% year-over-year. The decline includes an 11% reduction ($50 million) from Portfolio Optimization initiatives. The company reported a net loss of $165 million, or $3.50 per diluted share, compared to net income of $26 million in the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA was $61 million, down 13% from the prior year, primarily due to Portfolio Optimization, reduced pricing, and increased expenses. The company maintains its full-year fiscal 2025 outlook, expecting sales between $1.90-2.05 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $430-470 million.

Ashland signed a definitive agreement to sell its Avoca business to Mane and is implementing a $30 million cost reduction plan to offset stranded costs from the nutraceutical business sale.

Ashland (NYSE: ASH) has announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.405 per share on the company's common stock. The dividend will be paid on March 15, 2025, to stockholders of record as of March 1, 2025. The company reported 47,182,862 outstanding shares of common stock as of December 31, 2024.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) has announced it will release its first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings report on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m. ET. The company will host a live webcast with securities analysts on Wednesday, January 29 at 9 a.m. ET, featuring an executive summary and detailed remarks.

Key executives participating in the presentation include Chair and CEO Guillermo Novo, CFO Kevin Willis, and several senior vice presidents. A slide presentation will be available simultaneously on the company's Investor Relations website. Participants are encouraged to register for phone access and dial in fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time. The webcast and supporting materials will remain accessible on Ashland's website for 12 months following the live event.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) has announced a definitive agreement to sell its Avoca business to Mane. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Avoca, which represents the final entity from Ashland's previous Pharmachem acquisition, operates two production facilities in North Carolina and Wisconsin, specializing in Sclareolide (a fragrance fixative) and contract manufacturing capabilities. Squire Patton Boggs is serving as Ashland's legal advisor for this transaction.

Ingevity (NYSE:NGVT) has elected J. Kevin Willis to its board of directors, expanding the board to nine members, with eight being independent. Willis currently serves as senior vice president and CFO at Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH), where he oversees worldwide financial functions and participates in global strategy setting. During his 37-year tenure at Ashland, Willis has accumulated extensive experience in accounting, finance, and treasury management, including international operations. His expertise includes driving shareholder value through capital allocation planning, operating efficiencies, and business portfolio separations, notably Ashland's separation from Valvoline.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) marked its 100-year anniversary by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on December 9, 2024. CEO Guillermo Novo and company executives participated in this historic tradition that dates back to 1792.

The company has evolved from an oil and refining company to a focused additives and specialty ingredients company. One year ago, Ashland introduced seven new technology platforms aligned with its pharmaceutical, personal care, and specialty additives core, offering sustainable innovations to customers worldwide.

Ashland announced a strategy update event scheduled for December 10, 2024, in New York City. The event will provide an in-depth review of strategic priorities, initiatives, and financial objectives for fiscal year 2025. Despite challenges from inventory destocking in the materials sector, the company achieved margin expansion and high-quality free cash flow.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) has announced a strategic partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 15,200 native trees, marking the company's 100-year anniversary. The initiative spans across Brazil, Mexico, and several U.S. states including Kentucky, West Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.

The project includes specific focuses: Amazon rainforest reforestation (2,500 trees), wildlife corridor creation in Mexico (2,000 trees), former coal mine land restoration in the Central Appalachian Region (2,700 trees), and hurricane and flooding restoration in Gulf Coastal Forests (8,000 trees).

This initiative aligns with Ashland's recent commitment to Science based Targets initiative (SBTi) and their October 2023 formal approval of science-based targets addressing scope one, two and three emissions. The company emphasizes sustainable sourcing and innovation in personal care, architectural coatings, and life sciences through natural raw materials like cellulose and guar.

Ashland (NYSE: ASH) has announced its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.405 per share on common stock. The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2024, to stockholders of record as of December 1, 2024. The company reported 47,109,326 outstanding shares of common stock as of October 31, 2024.

Ashland (NYSE: ASH) has announced a strategy update event for analysts and investors scheduled for December 10, 2024, in New York City. The event will feature presentations from Ashland's executive team, focusing on strategic priorities, key initiatives, and financial objectives for fiscal year 2025.

The session will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM ET, followed by breakout sessions until noon for in-person attendees. Both in-person and webcast participants will have opportunities to engage in Q&A sessions.

Key presenters include Chair and CEO Guillermo Novo, CFO Kevin Willis, and senior leadership from specialty additives, life sciences, and personal care divisions. Registration is required, with in-person seating available. A webcast replay will be accessible for 12 months on Ashland's investor website.