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Ashland Inc. Reports Increased Fiscal Fourth-Quarter Earnings

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10/28/2009

Ashland Inc. Reports Increased Fiscal Fourth-Quarter Earnings

COVINGTON, Ky., Oct 28, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced preliminary(1) results for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2009, the fourth quarter of its 2009 fiscal year.


    Fourth Quarter Highlights


    (in millions except per-share amounts)          Quarter Ended
    --------------------------------------          Sept. 30, 2009
                                                    --------------
    Operating income                                  $    133
    Adjusted pro forma earnings before interest,
     taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)*        224

    Diluted earnings per share (EPS)
      Income from continuing operations               $   1.30
      Key items*                                          0.34
                                                          ----
        Adjusted*                                     $   0.96

    Cash flows provided by operating activities
     from continuing operations                       $    378
    Free cash flow*                                        305

    * See Tables 5, 6 and 7 for U.S. GAAP reconciliations.
    --------------------------------------------------------------

    --  Reduced debt by 19 percent since June 30, 2009, to $1.6 billion.

    --  Achieved run-rate cost reductions of $355 million from previously
        announced $400 million cost-reduction initiatives.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040113/ASHLANDLOGO )

Fiscal Fourth-Quarter Results

For its 2009 fourth quarter, Ashland reported sales and operating revenue of $2,113 million; operating income of $133 million; and net income of $93 million ($1.22 per share). Unadjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (see Table 6) were $218 million. On Nov. 13, 2008, Ashland completed the acquisition of Hercules Incorporated, affecting the comparability of reported results versus the same prior-year period.

Adjusted Pro Forma Results

Adjusting for the impact of key items in both the current and prior year and including Hercules' results as if the acquisition had been completed on Oct. 1, 2007, Ashland's results for the September 2009 quarter versus the September 2008 quarter would have been as follows:

    --  pro forma sales and operating revenue declined 25 percent from $2,822
        million to $2,113 million;
    --  adjusted pro forma operating income increased 78 percent from $80
        million to $142 million; and

    --  adjusted pro forma EBITDA increased 37 percent from $163 million to $224
        million.

Key Items

Key items for the September 2009 quarter resulted in a net pretax benefit to earnings of $38 million, or 34 cents per share, as follows:

    --  severance and accelerated depreciation charges of $23 million pretax (20
        cents negative EPS impact), primarily related to cost-reduction
        programs;
    --  a favorable insurance reserve adjustment of $14 million pretax (12 cents
        positive EPS impact);
    --  a predominantly noncash charge of $9 million pretax (8 cents negative
        EPS impact) from accelerated debt-issuance-cost amortization related to
        the early retirement of portions of Ashland's term loans; and

    --  a pretax gain on the sale of Drew Marine of $56 million (50 cents
        positive EPS impact).

In the year-ago quarter, key items amounted to $4 million of pretax income (4 cents positive EPS impact). (Refer to Table 5 of the accompanying financial statements for details of key items in both periods.)

Performance Summary

Commenting on Ashland's adjusted pro forma fourth-quarter results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James J. O'Brien said, "We continued to produce substantial free cash flow, generating $305 million during the quarter. Our strong cash generation was predominantly due to earnings from operations and significant working capital reductions. We have reached our short-term goal of $1.6 billion of gross debt as a result.

"Our 37-percent increase in EBITDA versus the prior-year quarter reflects the benefits of cost-reduction initiatives and successful margin management. This more than offset year-versus-year volume declines ranging from 3 percent in Ashland Consumer Markets, which is our Valvoline business, to 25 percent in Ashland Performance Materials. That said, we saw single-digit volume improvements over the June quarter in most of our segments. Our results reflect record fourth-quarter EBITDA from Consumer Markets. Ashland Hercules Water Technologies also achieved record EBITDA and is making significant progress toward our long-term goal of double-digit operating income margins."

O'Brien continued, "Our annualized run-rate cost savings now stand at $355 million through the September 2009 quarter as we near completion of our previously announced $400 million cost-reduction initiatives."

Business Performance

In order to aid understanding of Ashland's ongoing business performance, the results of Ashland's business segments are presented on an adjusted pro forma basis as described under the heading "Adjusted Pro Forma Results" and reconciled to GAAP in Table 6 of this news release.

Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients recorded sales and operating revenue of $237 million in the September 2009 quarter, 18 percent below the year-ago quarter. Metric tons sold declined 21 percent. These declines continued to reflect the relative weakness in the construction and energy markets. While the construction business was down 23 percent versus the prior September quarter, it continued to show slight improvement sequentially, as did the energy business. The regulated business experienced a 10-percent volume decline as compared with the prior-year quarter, largely driven by the food segment. Volumes in the coatings business increased 7 percent versus the year-ago quarter, due in part to significant new product sales. Overall, volumes were relatively strong in Asia Pacific, with only 9-percent declines versus the prior year. Gross profit as a percent of sales of 35.6 percent showed a 310-basis-point improvement over the September 2008 quarter. In total, Functional Ingredients' EBITDA in the September 2009 quarter declined 16 percent versus the prior September quarter, to $56 million, and represented 23.6 percent of sales. Both EBITDA and EBITDA margin represented significant improvements over the June quarter.

Ashland Hercules Water Technologies' sales and operating revenue declined 14 percent to $465 million for the September 2009 quarter as compared with the same year-ago quarter, largely driven by an 11-percent volume decline. All regions, however, experienced sequential improvement. At 36.7 percent, gross profit as a percent of sales improved by 760 basis points over the September 2008 quarter, primarily the result of lower manufacturing and material costs, along with improved product mix. Selling, general and administrative and research and development (SG&A) expenses declined by $20 million, or 13 percent. EBITDA of $66 million was 89 percent above the prior-year quarter and represented 14.2 percent of sales, a 780-basis-point improvement. Sequentially, EBITDA increased 18 percent over the June quarter, while EBITDA as a percent of sales improved by 140 basis points.

Ashland Performance Materials' sales and operating revenue of $268 million declined 37 percent versus the same prior-year quarter, and volume per day declined 25 percent, due to weak, but sequentially improving, demand in most key geographies in both the transportation and construction markets. Volumes in China were essentially even with the prior-year quarter, due to relatively strong performance in the composites business for industrial construction and infrastructure applications, while North America continued to lag. Gross profit as a percent of sales increased 270 basis points over the prior-year quarter to 17.5 percent. However, this represented a 280-basis-point decline versus the June quarter, as a result of significant raw material cost increases, particularly for styrene and propylene glycol. An 18-percent reduction in SG&A expenses reflected the cost-savings initiatives taken during the past year. These improvements were not enough to offset the volume declines, and EBITDA was $12 million in the September 2009 quarter, a decrease of 40 percent versus the prior-year September quarter, while EBITDA as a percent of sales declined 20 basis points to 4.5 percent.

Ashland Consumer Markets' sales and operating revenue was $414 million, 9 percent below the September 2008 quarter. While total lubricant volume decreased by 3 percent versus the prior-year quarter, primarily due to lower private-label sales, U.S.-branded lubricants volume increased 3 percent. Same-store sales at Valvoline Instant Oil Change increased 7 percent over the prior year. Gross profit improved to 35.5 percent of sales in the September 2009 quarter, driven by a combination of pricing actions that began in 2008, lower raw materials costs in the quarter, cost-savings initiatives and a continued shift in mix toward sales of premium brands. The sequential reduction in gross profit percent was primarily due to higher raw material costs, including base oil. SG&A expenses rose 6 percent over the year-ago quarter, largely the result of higher advertising expenses in support of the Valvoline Engine Guarantee(SM) program announced in June. Overall, Consumer Markets' quarterly EBITDA was $79 million, as compared with $22 million in the year-ago quarter, and represented 19.1 percent of sales as compared with 4.8 percent in the prior-year quarter.

Ashland Distribution's sales and operating revenue for the September 2009 quarter declined 33 percent to $771 million. Volume per day decreased 18 percent versus the prior-year quarter, but compared with the June 2009 quarter, increased 6 percent. Gross profit as a percent of sales was 8.8 percent versus 8.1 percent in the September 2008 quarter. SG&A expenses declined 23 percent versus the prior-year quarter. Margin improvements and SG&A expense reductions were not enough to offset the impact of volume reductions. As a result, EBITDA of $12 million for the September 2009 quarter represented a 40-percent decline as compared with the prior-year quarter and was 1.6 percent of sales.

Outlook

Commenting on Ashland's outlook, O'Brien said, "We will continue our emphasis on generating free cash flow. For the past year, we have used our free cash flow to significantly reduce debt. Now that we have reached our targeted debt level, we will use our excess cash flow to increase liquidity, providing increased financial flexibility.

"Demand appears to be showing some signs of growth in many end markets. We will continue to manage our pricing and control our costs in order to create operating leverage that will support both increased profitability and growth as the economy improves."

Conference Call Webcast

Today at 9 a.m. EDT, Ashland will provide a live webcast of its fourth-quarter conference call with securities analysts. The webcast will be accessible through Ashland's website, www.ashland.com. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast will be available for 12 months at http://investor.ashland.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

This news release includes certain non-GAAP measures. Such measurements are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as an alternative to reported results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management believes the use of such non-GAAP measures assists investors in understanding the ongoing operating performance of the company and its segments. The non-GAAP information provided may not be consistent with the methodologies used by other companies. All non-GAAP information is reconciled with reported GAAP results in Tables 5, 6 and 7 of the financial statements provided below.

About Ashland

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world's most essential needs and industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions, including those mentioned within this news release. Performance estimates are also based upon internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends; management plans and strategies; operating efficiencies and economic conditions, such as prices, supply and demand, and cost of raw materials; legal proceedings and claims (including environmental and asbestos matters); and weather. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual operating results to differ materially from those stated, projected or implied. Other risks and uncertainties include the possibility that the benefits anticipated from Ashland's acquisition of Hercules will not be fully realized; Ashland's substantial indebtedness may impair its financial condition; the restrictive covenants under the debt instruments may hinder the successful operation of Ashland's business; future cash flow may be insufficient to repay the debt; and other risks that are described in filings made by Ashland with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Although Ashland believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure the expectations reflected herein will be achieved. This forward-looking information may prove to be inaccurate and actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized or if other unexpected conditions or events occur. Other factors, uncertainties and risks affecting Ashland are contained in Ashland's periodic filings made with the SEC, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2008, and Form 10-Q for the quarters ended Dec. 31, 2008, and March 31 and June 30, 2009, which are available on Ashland's Investor Relations website at http://investor.ashland.com or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Ashland undertakes no obligation to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.

(1) Preliminary Results

Financial results are preliminary until Ashland's annual report on Form 10-K is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                        Table 1
    STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
    (In millions except per share data - preliminary and unaudited)

                                      Three months ended       Year ended
                                         September 30         September 30
                                      ------------------   ------------------
                                        2009      2008       2009      2008
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------

    SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES      $  2,113  $  2,216   $  8,106  $  8,381

    COSTS AND EXPENSES
      Cost of sales and
       operating expenses (a)            1,601     1,898      6,317     7,056
      Selling, general and
       administrative expenses (a)         365       297      1,341     1,118
      Research and development
       expenses (b)                         23        13         96        48
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------
                                         1,989     2,208      7,754     8,222
    EQUITY AND OTHER INCOME                  9        20         38        54
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------

    OPERATING INCOME                       133        28        390       213
      Net gain (loss) on
       divestitures (c)                     57        (3)        59        20
      Net interest and other
       financing (expense) income          (60)        2       (205)       28
      Other expenses (d)                     -         -        (86)        -
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------

    INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      BEFORE INCOME TAXES                  130        27        158       261
      Income tax expense                    32        28         80        86
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------

    INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS                             98        (1)        78       175
      Loss from discontinued operations
      (net of income taxes)                 (5)       (9)        (7)       (8)
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------
    NET INCOME (LOSS)                 $     93  $    (10)  $     71  $    167
                                      ========  ========   ========  ========

    DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
      Income (loss) from
       continuing operations          $   1.30  $   (.01)  $   1.07  $   2.76
      Loss from discontinued
       operations                         (.08)     (.14)      (.11)     (.13)
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------
      Net income (loss)               $   1.22  $   (.15)  $    .96  $   2.63
                                      ========  ========   ========  ========

    AVERAGE COMMON SHARES AND
     ASSUMED CONVERSIONS                    76        63         73        64

    SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
      Functional Ingredients          $    237  $      -   $    812  $      -
      Water Technologies                   465       226      1,652       893
      Performance Materials                268       427      1,106     1,621
      Consumer Markets                     414       454      1,650     1,662
      Distribution                         771     1,151      3,020     4,374
      Intersegment sales                   (42)      (42)      (134)     (169)
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------
                                      $  2,113  $  2,216   $  8,106  $  8,381
                                      ========  ========   ========  ========
    OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
      Functional Ingredients          $     22  $      -   $     36  $      -
      Water Technologies                    40        (6)        78        10
      Performance Materials                 (5)        2          1        52
      Consumer Markets                      72        13        252        83
      Distribution                           8        13         52        51
      Unallocated and other                 (4)        6        (29)       17
                                      --------  --------   --------  --------
                                      $    133  $     28   $    390  $    213
                                      ========  ========   ========  ========

    (a) The three months and year ended September 30, 2009 include $4 million
        and $17 million, respectively, within the cost of sales and operating
        expenses caption and $19 million and $58 million, respectively, within
        the selling, general and administrative expenses caption for
        restructuring charges related to the ongoing integration and
        reorganization from the Hercules Incorporated (Hercules) acquisition
        and other cost reduction
        programs.  In addition, a charge of $37 million for the year ended
        September 30, 2009 was recorded for a one-time fair value assessment
        of Hercules inventory as of the date of the transaction.
    (b) The year ended September 30, 2009 includes a $10 million charge
        related to the original valuation of the ongoing research and
        development projects at Hercules as of the merger date.  In accordance
        with applicable GAAP and SEC accounting regulations, these purchased
        in-process research and development costs were expensed as recognized.
    (c) For the three months and year ended September 30, 2009, Ashland
        recorded a gain of $56 million related to the sale of its interest in
        Drew Marine, a division within Ashland Hercules Water Technologies.
        During 2005, Ashland transferred its 38% interest in Marathon Ashland
        Petroleum LLC (MAP) and two other businesses to Marathon Oil
        Corporation.  The income for the year ended September 30, 2008 is
        primarily due to a $23 million gain associated with a tax settlement
        agreement entered into with Marathon Oil Corporation, relating to four
        specific tax areas, that supplement the original Tax Matters Agreement
        from the initial MAP Transaction.  The remaining gain (loss) in the
        periods presented reflects adjustments to the recorded MAP receivable
        for future estimated tax deductions related primarily to environmental
        and other postretirement reserves.
    (d) The year ended September 30, 2009 includes a $54 million loss on
        currency swaps related to the Hercules acquisition and a $32 million
        realized loss on auction rate securities, of which $10 million relates
        to securities sold.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                      Table 2
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)
                                                              September 30
                                                             --------------
                                                              2009    2008
                                                             ------  ------
    ASSETS
      Current assets
        Cash and cash equivalents                           $   352 $   886
        Accounts receivable                                   1,404   1,441
        Inventories                                             554     476
        Deferred income taxes                                   115      97
        Other current assets                                     46      79
        Current assets held for sale                              2      47
                                                            ------- -------
                                                              2,473   3,026

      Investments and other noncurrent assets
        Auction rate securities                                 170     243
        Goodwill                                              2,220     283
        Intangibles                                           1,204     109
        Asbestos insurance receivable (noncurrent portion)      510     428
        Deferred income taxes                                   161     153
        Other noncurrent assets                                 596     388
        Noncurrent assets held for sale                          17      46
                                                            ------- -------
                                                              4,878   1,650

      Property, plant and equipment
        Cost                                                  3,493   2,271
        Accumulated depreciation and amortization            (1,397) (1,176)
                                                            ------- -------
                                                              2,096   1,095
                                                            ------- -------

                                                            $ 9,447 $ 5,771
                                                            ======= =======
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
      Current liabilities
        Short-term debt                                     $    23 $     -
        Current portion of long-term debt                        53      21
        Trade payables                                          949     918
        Accrued expenses and other liabilities                  541     278
        Current liabilities held for sale                         -      13
                                                            ------- -------
                                                              1,566   1,230

      Noncurrent liabilities
        Long-term debt (noncurrent portion)                   1,537      45
        Employee benefit obligations                          1,214     344
        Asbestos litigation reserve (noncurrent portion)        956     522
        Other noncurrent liabilities                            590     428
                                                            ------- -------
                                                              4,297   1,339

      Stockholders' equity                                    3,584   3,202


                                                            $ 9,447 $ 5,771
                                                            ======= =======



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 3
    STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)
                                                                Year ended
                                                               September 30
                                                               ------------
                                                              2009      2008
                                                              ----      ----
    CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS
      Net income                                             $   71   $  167
      Loss from discontinued operations (net of
       income taxes)                                              7        8
      Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing
       operations to cash flows from operating
       activities
        Depreciation and amortization                           329      145
        Debt issuance cost amortization                          52        -
        Purchased in-process research and development
         amortization                                            10        -
        Deferred income taxes                                    12       44
        Equity income from affiliates                           (14)     (23)
        Distributions from equity affiliates                     15       13
        Gain from the sale of property and equipment             (2)      (2)
        Stock based compensation expense                          9       12
        Stock contributions to qualified savings plans           13        -
        Net gain on divestitures                                (59)     (20)
        Inventory fair value adjustment                          37        -
        Loss on currency swaps related to Hercules acquisition   54        -
        Loss on auction rate securities                          32        -
        Change in operating assets and liabilities (a)          461      134
                                                            -------  -------
                                                              1,027      478
    CASH FLOWS USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS
      Additions to property, plant and equipment               (174)    (205)
      Proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and
       equipment                                                 47       10
      Purchase of operations - net of cash acquired          (2,080)    (129)
      Proceeds from sale of operations                          114       26
      Settlement of currency swaps related to Hercules
       acquisition                                              (95)       -
      Purchases of available-for-sale securities                  -     (435)
      Proceeds from sales and maturities of
       available-for-sale securities                             73      315
                                                            -------  -------
                                                             (2,115)    (418)
    CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                2,628        -
      Repayment of long-term debt                            (1,862)      (5)
      Proceeds from/repayments of issuance of short-term
       debt                                                     (19)       -
      Debt issuance costs                                      (162)       -
      Cash dividends paid                                       (22)     (69)
      Proceeds from the exercise of stock options                 9        3
      Excess tax benefits related to share-based payments         1        1
                                                            -------  -------
                                                                573      (70)
                                                            -------  -------
    CASH USED BY CONTINUING OPERATIONS                         (515)     (10)
      Cash used by discontinued operations
        Operating cash flows                                     (2)      (8)
      Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and
       cash equivalents                                         (17)       7
                                                            -------  -------
    DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                      (534)     (11)
    Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year               886      897
                                                            -------  -------
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD                $  352   $  886
                                                            =======  =======

    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
      Functional Ingredients                                 $  101   $    -
      Water Technologies                                         94       29
      Performance Materials                                      63       46
      Consumer Markets                                           36       35
      Distribution                                               28       28
      Unallocated and other                                       7        7
                                                            -------  -------
                                                             $  329   $  145
                                                            =======  =======
    ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
      Functional Ingredients                                 $   58   $    -
      Water Technologies                                         26       17
      Performance Materials                                      27       48
      Consumer Markets                                           33       42
      Distribution                                                8       27
      Unallocated and other                                      22       71
                                                            -------  -------
                                                             $  174   $  205
                                                            =======  =======

    (a)  Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                        Table 4
    INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)
                                                 Three months
                                                     ended       Year ended
                                                 September 30   September 30
                                                 ------------   ------------
                                                 2009    2008   2009    2008
                                                 ----    ----    ----    ----
    FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS (a) (b)
      Sales per shipping day                  $  3.7  $    -  $  3.7  $    -
      Metric tons sold                          42.0       -   154.1       -
      Gross profit as a percent of sales (c)    35.6%      -    26.7%      -
    WATER TECHNOLOGIES (a) (b)
      Sales per shipping day                  $  7.3  $  3.5  $  6.6  $  3.5
      Gross profit as a percent of sales (c)    36.7%   32.9%   33.9%   36.7%
    PERFORMANCE MATERIALS (a)
      Sales per shipping day                  $  4.2  $  6.7  $  4.4  $  6.4
      Pounds sold per shipping day               3.9     5.2     3.9     4.9
      Gross profit as a percent of sales        16.0%   14.6%   17.0%   17.0%
    CONSUMER MARKETS (a)
      Lubricant sales (gallons)                 42.4    43.5   158.8   169.2
      Premium lubricants (percent of U.S.
       branded volumes)                         27.2%   26.1%   28.2%   24.9%
      Gross profit as a percent of sales        35.5%   19.2%   32.0%   23.0%
    DISTRIBUTION (a)
      Sales per shipping day                  $ 12.1  $ 18.0  $ 12.0  $ 17.3
      Pounds sold per shipping day              14.9    18.2    14.7    18.8
      Gross profit as a percent of sales (d)     8.8%    8.1%   10.0%    7.8%


    (a)  Sales are defined as sales and operating revenues.  Gross profit is
         defined as sales and operating revenues, less cost of sales and
         operating expenses.
    (b)  Industry segment results from November 14, 2008 forward include
         operations acquired from Hercules Incorporated.
    (c)  Year-to-date results were affected in Functional Ingredients and
         Water Technologies by $30 million and $7 million, respectively, due
         to a one-time fair value assessment of Hercules inventory.
    (d)  Distribution's gross profit as a percentage of sales for the three
         months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 include a LIFO quantity
         credit of $1 million and $11 million, respectively, and $15 million
         and $16 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2009 and
         2008, respectively.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                         Table 5
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                              Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
                                                                   Consumer
                          Functional      Water      Performance    Markets
                         Ingredients   Technologies   Materials   (Valvoline)
                         -----------   ------------   ---------   -----------
    OPERATING INCOME
      Severance             $   (9)       $   (2)      $   (5)      $   -
      Self-insurance
       Reserve adjustment        -             3            4           3
      Accelerated depreciation   -             -           (3)          -
      All other operating
       income                   31            39           (1)         69
                         -----------   ------------   ---------   -----------
      Operating income          22            40           (5)         72


    NET GAIN ON DIVESTITURES
      Drew Marine divestiture
      All other divestitures

    NET INTEREST AND OTHER
     FINANCING EXPENSE
      Fees and amortization
       related to debt
       retirements
      All other net interest
       and other financing
        expense

    INCOME TAX EXPENSE
      Income tax on key items
      All other income tax
       expense

                         -----------   ------------   ---------   -----------
    INCOME FROM
     CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS             $   22        $   40       $   (5)     $   72
                         ===========   ============   =========   ===========



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                         Table 5
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                        Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

                                       Unallocated               After Tax
                         Distribution    & Other        Total    EPS Impact
                         ------------  -----------     -------   ----------
    OPERATING INCOME
      Severance             $   (1)       $   (3)     $   (20)      (0.17)
      Self-insurance
       reserve adjustment        4             -           14        0.12
      Accelerated depreciation   -             -           (3)      (0.03)
      All other operating
       income                    5            (1)         142        1.40
                         ------------  -----------     -------
      Operating income           8            (4)         133        1.32


    NET GAIN ON DIVESTITURES
      Drew Marine divestiture                 56           56        0.50
      All other divestitures                   1            1           -
                                       -----------     -------
                                              57           57        0.50
    NET INTEREST AND OTHER
     FINANCING EXPENSE
      Fees and amortization
       related to debt
       retirements                            (9)          (9)      (0.08)
      All other net interest
       and other financing
       expense                               (51)         (51)      (0.44)
                                       -----------     -------
                                             (60)         (60)      (0.52)
    INCOME TAX EXPENSE
      Income tax on key items                (12)         (12)          -
      All other income tax
       expense                               (20)         (20)          -
                         ------------  -----------     -------
                                             (32)         (32)

                         ------------  -----------     -------
    INCOME FROM
     CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS             $    8       $   (39)      $   98        1.30
                         ============  ===========     =======



                              Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
                                                                   Consumer
                         Functional      Water      Performance     Markets
                         Ingredients  Technologies   Materials    (Valvoline)
                         -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------
    OPERATING INCOME
      Severance             $    -       $    (3)      $   (4)      $   -
      Self-insurance
       Reserve adjustment        -             -            -           -
      All other operating
       income                    -            (3)           6          13
                         -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------
      Operating income           -            (6)           2          13


    NET GAIN ON DIVESTITURES

    NET INTEREST AND OTHER
     FINANCING EXPENSE

    INCOME TAX EXPENSE
      Income tax on key items
      All other income tax
       expense


                         -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------
    INCOME FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS  $    -       $   (6)       $    2      $    13
                         ===========  ============   =========    ===========


                              Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
                                        Unallocated               After tax
                          Distribution    & Other        Total    EPS Impact
                          ------------  -----------     -------   ----------
    OPERATING INCOME
      Severance             $    -       $    -       $    (7)       (0.07)
      Self-insurance
       reserve adjustment        -           11            11         0.11
      All other operating
       income                   13           (5)           24        (0.07)
                          -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------
      Operating income          13            6            28        (0.03)


    NET GAIN ON DIVESTITURES                 (3)           (3)           -

    NET INTEREST AND OTHER
     FINANCING EXPENSE                        2             2         0.02

    INCOME TAX EXPENSE
      Income tax on key items                (2)           (2)           -
      All other income tax
       expense                              (26)          (26)           -
                         ------------  -----------     -------
                                            (28)          (28)           -

                         ------------  -----------     -------
    INCOME FROM
     CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS            $    13       $  (23)      $   (1)        (0.01)
                         ============  ===========     =======




    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 6
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - EBITDA
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                       RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER
                                ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
                       ---------------------------------------------

    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND AQUALON
    FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS                 Ashland   Eliminate Key   Adjusted
    Three Months Ended                      GAAP       Items         Pro Forma
     September 30, 2009                    Results    (Table 5)       Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating revenue           $   237                   $   237
    Cost of sales and operating
     expenses                                 153                       153
    Gross profit as a percent of sales       35.6%                     35.6%
    SG&A expenses (includes research
     and development)                          62       $   (9)          53
    Equity and other income                     -                         -
    Operating income                           22            9           31
    Operating income as a percent of
     sales                                    9.3%                     13.1%
    Depreciation and amortization              25                        25
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before interest, taxes,
     depreciation and amortization        $    47       $    9       $   56
    =========================================================================

    EBITDA as a percent of sales             19.8%                     23.6%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER
                                ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
                       --------------------------------------------

    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND HERCULES
    WATER TECHNOLOGIES                     Ashland   Eliminate Key   Adjusted
    Three Months Ended                      GAAP       Items         Pro Forma
     September 30, 2009                    Results    (Table 5)       Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating revenue           $   465                    $  465
    Cost of sales and operating
     expenses                                 294                       294
    Gross profit as a percent of sales       36.7%                     36.7%
    SG&A expenses (includes research
     and development)                         131       $    1          132
    Equity and other income                     -                         -
    Operating income                           40           (1)          39
    Operating income as a percent of
     sales                                    8.6%                      8.4%
    Depreciation and amortization              27                        27
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before interest, taxes,
     depreciation and amortization        $    67      $    (1)      $   66
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent of sales             14.4%                     14.2%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                        Table 6
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - EBITDA
     (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)


                       RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER
                                ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
                       ---------------------------------------------

    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND PERFORMANCE
    MATERIALS                             Ashland   Eliminate Key    Adjusted
    Three Months Ended                      GAAP       Items         Pro Forma
     September 30, 2009                    Results    (Table 5)       Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating revenue            $  268                    $  268
    Cost of sales and operating
     expenses                                 225       $   (4)         221
    Gross profit as a percent of sales       16.0%                     17.5%
    SG&A expenses (includes research
     and development)                          51                        51
    Equity and other income                     3                         3
    Operating income                           (5)           4           (1)
    Operating income as a percent of
     sales                                   -1.9%                     -0.4%
    Depreciation and amortization              16           (3)          13
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before interest, taxes,
     depreciation and amortization         $   11       $    1       $   12
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent of sales              4.1%                      4.5%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER
                                ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
                       --------------------------------------------

    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND CONSUMER
    MARKETS (Valvoline)                    Ashland   Eliminate Key   Adjusted
    Three Months Ended                      GAAP       Items         Pro Forma
     September 30, 2009                    Results    (Table 5)       Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating revenue           $   414                   $   414
    Cost of sales and operating
     expenses                                 267                       267
    Gross profit as a percent of sales       35.5%                     35.5%
    SG&A expenses (includes research
     and development)                          80       $    3           83
    Equity and other income                     5                         5
    Operating income                           72           (3)          69
    Operating income as a percent of
     sales                                   17.4%                     16.7%
    Depreciation and amortization              10                        10
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before interest, taxes,
     depreciation and amortization         $   82       $   (3)      $   79
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent of sales             19.8%                     19.1%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                        Table 6
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - EBITDA
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)


                       RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER
                                ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
                       ---------------------------------------------

    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND DISTRIBUTION                   Ashland   Eliminate Key   Adjusted
    Three Months Ended                      GAAP       Items         Pro Forma
     September 30, 2009                    Results    (Table 5)       Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating revenue            $  771                    $  771
    Cost of sales and operating
     expenses                                 704                       704
    Gross profit as a percent of sales        8.8%                      8.8%
    SG&A expenses (includes research
     and development)                          60       $    3           63
    Equity and other income                     1                         1
    Operating income                            8           (3)           5
    Operating income as a percent of
     sales                                    1.0%                      0.6%
    Depreciation and amortization               7                         7
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before interest, taxes,
     depreciation and amortization         $   15       $   (3)       $  12
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent of sales              1.9%                      1.6%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



                       RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER
                                ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
                       --------------------------------------------

    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    INTERSEGMENT SALES/
    UNALLOCATED AND OTHER                  Ashland   Eliminate Key   Adjusted
    Three Months Ended                      GAAP       Items         Pro Forma
     September 30, 2009                    Results    (Table 5)       Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating revenue            $  (42)                   $  (42)
    Cost of sales and operating
     expenses                                 (42)                      (42)
    SG&A expenses (includes research
     and development)                           4       $   (3)           1
    Equity and other income                     -                         -
    Operating income                           (4)           3           (1)
    Depreciation and amortization               -                         -
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before interest, taxes,
     depreciation and amortization          $  (4)       $   3        $  (1)
    =========================================================================



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                        Table 6
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - EBITDA
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                       RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER
                                ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
                       ---------------------------------------------

    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND INC.                           Ashland   Eliminate       Adjusted
    Three Months Ended                      GAAP     Key Items       Pro Forma
     September 30, 2009                    Results    (Table 5)       Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating revenue           $ 2,113                   $ 2,113
    Cost of sales and operating
     expenses                               1,601       $   (4)       1,597
    Gross profit as a percent of sales       24.2%                     24.4%
    SG&A expenses (includes research
     and development)                         388           (5)         383
    Equity and other income                     9                         9
    Operating income                          133            9          142
    Operating income as a percent of
     sales                                    6.3%                      6.7%
    Depreciation and amortization              85           (3)          82
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before interest, taxes,
     depreciation and amortization        $   218       $    6      $   224
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent of sales             10.3%                     10.6%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND AQUALON
    FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS
    Three Months Ended
    September 30, 2008
                                   Pro Forma Adjustments
                                   ---------------------
                                  Additional
                Ashland Hercules   Purchase              Eliminate  Adjusted
                  GAAP   Ongoing  Accounting Conforming  Key Items  Pro Forma
                Results Results(a)    D&A    Adjustments (Table 5)   Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and
     operating
     revenue       $ -   $  289                                      $  289
    Cost of
     sales and
     operating
     expenses               194     $    1                              195
    Gross profit
     as a percent
     of sales              32.9%                                       32.5%
    SG&A expenses
     (includes
     research and
     development)            38         10     $    4                    52
    Equity and
     other income             -                     1                     1
    Operating
     income                  57        (11)        (3)                   43
    Operating
     income as
     a percent
     of sales              19.7%                                       14.9%
    Depreciation
     and
     amortization            12         11          1                    24
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before
     interest,
     taxes,
     depreciation
     and
     amortization  $ -   $   69     $    -     $   (2)     $   -     $   67
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a
     percent of
     sales                 23.9%                                       23.2%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (a) Certain nonrecurring, noncash or key items have been removed.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                      Table 6
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - EBITDA
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND HERCULES
    WATER TECHNOLOGIES
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

                                   Pro Forma Adjustments
                                   ---------------------
                                  Additional
                Ashland Hercules   Purchase              Eliminate  Adjusted
                  GAAP   Ongoing  Accounting Conforming  Key Items  Pro Forma
                Results Results(a)    D&A    Adjustments (Table 5)   Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and
     operating
     revenue      $ 226   $ 317                                      $  543
    Cost of
     sales and
     operating
     expenses       151     228     $   6                               385
    Gross profit
     as a percent
     of sales      32.9%   28.1%                                       29.1%
    SG&A expenses
     (includes
     research
     and
     development)    81      65         5       $   4      $   (3)      152
    Equity and
     other income     -       -                                           -
    Operating
     income          (6)     24       (11)         (4)          3         6
    Operating
     income as a
     percent of
     sales         -2.7%    7.6%                                        1.1%
    Depreciation
     and
     amortization     7       9        11           2                    29
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings
     before
     interest,
     taxes,
     depreciation
     and
     amortization $   1   $  33     $   -       $  (2)     $    3    $   35
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a
     percent of
     sales          0.4%   10.4%                                        6.4%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND PERFORMANCE
    MATERIALS
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

                                   Pro Forma Adjustments
                                   ---------------------
                                  Additional
                Ashland Hercules   Purchase              Eliminate  Adjusted
                  GAAP   Ongoing  Accounting Conforming  Key Items  Pro Forma
                Results Results(a)    D&A    Adjustments (Table 5)   Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and
     operating
     revenue      $ 427                                              $  427
    Cost of
     sales and
     operating
     expenses       365                                    $  (1)       364
    Gross profit
     as a percent
     of sales      14.6%                                               14.8%
    SG&A expenses
     (includes
     research
     and
     development)    65                                       (3)        62
    Equity and
     other income     5                                                   5
    Operating
     income           2                                        4          6
    Operating
     income as
     a percent
     of sales       0.5%                                                1.4%
    Depreciation
     and
     amortization    13                          $   1                   14
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings
     before
     interest,
     taxes,
     depreciation
     and
     amortization $  15                          $   1     $   4     $   20
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a
     percent of
     sales          3.5%                                                4.7%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (a) Certain nonrecurring, noncash or key items have been removed.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                        Table 6
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - EBITDA
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND CONSUMER
    MARKETS (Valvoline)
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

                                   Pro Forma Adjustments
                                   ---------------------
                                  Additional
                Ashland Hercules   Purchase              Eliminate  Adjusted
                  GAAP   Ongoing  Accounting Conforming  Key Items  Pro Forma
                Results Results(a)    D&A    Adjustments (Table 5)   Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and
     operating
     revenue      $ 454                                             $  454
    Cost of
     sales and
     operating
     expenses       366                                                366
    Gross profit
     as a percent
     of sales      19.2%                                              19.2%
    SG&A expenses
     (includes
     research
     and
     development)    78                                                 78
    Equity and
     other income     3                                                  3
    Operating
     income          13                                                 13
    Operating
     income as
     a percent
     of sales       2.9%                                               2.9%
    Depreciation
     and
     amortization     8                          $   1                   9
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings
     before
     interest,
     taxes,
     depreciation
     and
     amortization $  21                          $   1              $   22
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a
     percent of
     sales          4.6%                                               4.8%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND DISTRIBUTION
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

                                   Pro Forma Adjustments
                                   ---------------------
                                  Additional
                Ashland Hercules   Purchase              Eliminate  Adjusted
                  GAAP   Ongoing  Accounting Conforming  Key Items  Pro Forma
                Results Results(a)    D&A    Adjustments (Table 5)   Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and
     operating
     revenue      $1,151                                           $ 1,151
    Cost of
     sales and
     operating
     expenses      1,058                                             1,058
    Gross profit
     as a
     percent
     of sales        8.1%                                              8.1%
    SG&A
     expenses
     (includes
     research
     and
     development)     82                                                82
    Equity and
     other income      2                                                 2
    Operating
     income           13                                                13
    Operating
     income as
     a percent
     of sales        1.1%                                              1.1%
    Depreciation
     and
     amortization      6                       $   1                     7
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings
     before
     interest,
     taxes,
     depreciation
     and
     amortization $   19                       $   1               $    20
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a
     percent of
     sales           1.7%                                              1.7%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (a) Certain nonrecurring, noncash or key items have been removed.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                        Table 6
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - EBITDA
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    INTERSEGMENT SALES/
    UNALLOCATED AND OTHER
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

                                   Pro Forma Adjustments
                                   ---------------------
                                  Additional
                Ashland Hercules   Purchase              Eliminate  Adjusted
                  GAAP   Ongoing  Accounting Conforming  Key Items  Pro Forma
                Results Results(a)    D&A    Adjustments (Table 5)   Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and
     operating
     revenue      $ (42)                                             $ (42)
    Cost of
     sales and
     operating
     expenses       (42)                                               (42)
    SG&A expenses
     (includes
     research
     and
     development)     4   $  3                 $  (8)     $  11         10
    Equity and
     other income    10      -                    (1)                    9
    Operating
     income           6     (3)                    7        (11)        (1)
    Depreciation
     and
     amortization     6      -                    (6)                    -
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings
     before
     interest,
     taxes,
     depreciation
     and
     amortization $  12   $ (3)                $   1      $ (11)     $  (1)
    =========================================================================



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND INC.
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

                                   Pro Forma Adjustments
                                   ---------------------
                                  Additional
                Ashland Hercules   Purchase              Eliminate  Adjusted
                  GAAP   Ongoing  Accounting Conforming  Key Items  Pro Forma
                Results Results(a)    D&A    Adjustments (Table 5)   Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and
     operating
     revenue      $ 2,216  $ 606                                    $ 2,822
    Cost of
     sales and
     operating
     expenses       1,898    422     $  7                 $  (1)      2,326
    Gross profit
     as a percent
     of sales        14.4%  30.4%                                      17.6%
    SG&A expenses
     (includes
     research
     and
     development)     310    106       15      $   -          5         436
    Equity and
     other income      20      -                   -                     20
    Operating
     income            28     78      (22)         -         (4)         80
    Operating
     income as
     a percent
     of sales         1.3%  12.9%                                       2.8%
    Depreciation
     and
     amortization      40     21       22          -                     83
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings
     before
     interest,
     taxes,
     depreciation
     and
     amortization $    68  $  99     $  -      $   -      $  (4)    $   163
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as
     a percent
     of sales         3.1%  16.3%                                       5.8%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) Certain nonrecurring, noncash or key items have been removed.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                      Table 7
    RECONCILIATION OF NON GAAP DATA - FREE CASH FLOW
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                            Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

    Ashland GAAP results - Cash flows provided by
     operating activities from continuing operations             $       378
    Less:
    Capital expenditures                                                  67
    Shareholder dividends                                                  6
                                                                 -----------
    Free cash flows                                              $       305
                                                                 ===========

                            Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

    Ashland GAAP results - Cash flows provided by
     operating activities from continuing operations             $       149
    Less:
    Capital expenditures                                                  87
    Shareholder dividends                                                 17
                                                                 -----------
           Free cash flows                                       $        45
                                                                 ===========

SOURCE Ashland Inc.

http://www.ashland.com

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