Skip to content

Ashland Inc. Reports Preliminary Net Income of 65 Cents Per Share for Fiscal Second Quarter

Press Release

<< Back
04/30/2009

Ashland Inc. Reports Preliminary Net Income of 65 Cents Per Share for Fiscal Second Quarter

COVINGTON, Ky., April 30, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced preliminary(1) results for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the second quarter of its 2009 fiscal year. On Nov. 13, 2008, Ashland completed the acquisition of Hercules Incorporated, which significantly impacted Ashland's reported results. Ashland's results for the March 2009 quarter were as follows: sales and operating revenues of $1,990 million; operating income of $112 million; and net income of $48 million, or 65 cents per share. Unadjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization(2) were $205 million.

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

Key items affecting the March 2009 quarter were an unfavorable inventory fair value adjustment of $16 million pretax related to purchase accounting for the Hercules acquisition [14 cents earnings per share (EPS) impact] and severance, asset impairment and accelerated depreciation charges of $11 million pretax (10 cents EPS impact), partially offset by a currency gain on an intracompany loan of $5 million pretax (4 cents EPS impact). (Refer to Table 5 for the details of these key items.)

Adjusted Pro Forma Results(3)

Ashland believes the use of adjusted pro forma results enhances understanding of its current and future performance by providing more comparable results period to period. Thus, 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 March 2009 quarter versus the March 2008 quarter would have been as follows:

    --  pro forma sales and operating revenue declined 24 percent from $2,617
        million to $1,990 million;
    --  adjusted pro forma operating income increased 25 percent from $107
        million to $134 million; and

    --  adjusted pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
        amortization (EBITDA) increased 16 percent from $191 million to $221
        million.

Performance Summary

Commenting on Ashland's adjusted pro forma second-quarter results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James J. O'Brien said, "We are encouraged by Ashland's results for the March 2009 quarter in light of the significantly depressed demand environment. While volumes declined for all of our businesses anywhere from 10 percent to 40 percent versus the March 2008 quarter, improved gross profit percentage and reduced expenses, both from integration and other cost-reduction initiatives, drove the 16-percent increase in EBITDA.

"Our businesses successfully managed pricing in concert with significantly declining raw materials costs and also idled capacity, enabling Ashland to improve gross profit percentage by 480 basis points versus the prior-year quarter. We've achieved nearly $60 million of the $130 million annual run-rate savings projected from the integration of Hercules. In total, during the March quarter, we realized $60 million of savings from integration and cost-reduction initiatives, including roughly $40 million of SG&A reductions, as well as one-time benefits from our furlough program. Our annualized run-rate savings now stand at $217 million through the March 2009 quarter, reflecting significant progress toward our previously announced $265 million target.

"Consumer Markets achieved record quarterly earnings, while Ashland Distribution significantly improved EBITDA. EBITDA declines in our specialty chemicals businesses were generally in line with lower volume and continued to reflect the global economic downturn, particularly in the construction and transportation markets."

Reinforcing the company's near-term priority, O'Brien said, "Our primary objective as an organization is to generate cash and pay down debt. In the March quarter, we generated $220 million of cash flows from operating activities and paid down $206 million of debt, reducing our debt by more than 8 percent."

Debt Covenant Status

Commenting on the status of Ashland's debt covenants, O'Brien said, "We continue to be significantly favorable to our financial covenant requirements and expanded the cushions during the quarter. Our consolidated debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 2.8 times at March 31, 2009 - or 25-percent better than the covenant threshold. In addition, our fixed-charge coverage ratio was 2.4 times, nearly twice the minimum threshold. Ashland's net worth stood at $3.5 billion, 16 percent above the minimum required by our debt covenants."

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 footnote 3 of this news release.

Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients recorded sales and operating revenue of $223 million in the March 2009 quarter, a 13-percent decline versus the year-ago quarter, and volume per day declined 5 percent. Gross profit as a percent of sales declined 180 basis points to 29.6 percent. These results included a significant one-time sales transaction. Excluding the effects of this transaction, volume and sales were down 22 percent and 19 percent, respectively, and gross profit percentage was 31.2 percent. These results primarily reflect the worldwide decline in the construction market. Volume declines ranged from 21 percent in Asia Pacific to 30 percent in Europe. New products (i.e., those introduced in the past five years) represented 17 percent of sales in the quarter. In total, Functional Ingredients' EBITDA in the March quarter declined 18 percent versus the prior March quarter, to $47 million, and represented 21.1 percent of sales, both of which closely approximated December 2008 quarterly results.

Ashland Hercules Water Technologies' sales and operating revenue declined 17 percent to $433 million for the March 2009 quarter as compared with the same year-ago quarter. This primarily reflects a 15-percent volume decline, with little variation in the performance of North America, Europe and Asia. Gross profit as a percent of sales stood at 32.6 percent, 90 basis points below the March 2008 quarter. SG&A expenses declined by $27 million, or 17 percent. EBITDA declined 12 percent to $38 million in the quarter and represented 8.8 percent of sales, a 50 basis-point improvement.

Ashland Performance Materials' sales and operating revenue of $259 million declined 35 percent versus the same prior-year quarter, and volume per day declined 23 percent. Both revenue and volume comparisons were affected by the acquisition of a line of business from Air Products in 2008. Excluding this effect, revenue decreased 41 percent, and volume decreased 37 percent, due to significant weakness in demand in all key geographies in both the transportation and construction markets. This was generally consistent with the overall composites and castings markets. Total gross profit versus the prior-year quarter declined as a result of the lower volume. Disciplined price management and savings from idling plant capacity drove improvements in gross profit percentage versus both the March 2008 and December 2008 quarters. A 21-percent reduction in SG&A expenses reflects the benefits of actions taken in this and prior quarters to reduce costs. Despite these improvements, EBITDA declined 26 percent to $23 million in the March 2009 quarter versus the prior-year March quarter, but improved 110 basis points to 8.9 percent of sales.

Ashland Consumer Markets' sales and operating revenue was $407 million, a 1-percent increase over the March 2008 quarter, as average selling prices were above the year-ago quarter. Lubricant volume decreased by 10 percent, primarily due to declines in private-label sales volumes, which moderated as the quarter progressed. Raw material cost decreases, along with cost savings initiatives, strengthened gross margins. SG&A expenses declined 12 percent, further contributing to the record performance in the quarter. As a result, Consumer Markets generated quarterly EBITDA of $75 million, more than double the $34 million of EBITDA generated in the year-ago quarter. For the March 2009 quarter, EBITDA represented 18.4 percent of sales as compared with 8.5 percent in the prior-year quarter.

Ashland Distribution's sales and operating revenue for the March 2009 quarter declined 35 percent to $698 million. Volume decreased 24 percent versus the prior-year quarter, with similar percentage declines in both the chemicals and plastics lines of business. Gross profit as a percent of sales improved to 12.8 percent versus 7.7 percent in the March 2008 quarter, more than offsetting the impact of volume declines. Margin benefited from a $7 million increase in quantity LIFO credit versus the March 2008 quarter. SG&A expenses were 17 percent below the prior-year quarter. EBITDA for the March 2009 quarter nearly doubled to $38 million and represented 5.4 percent of sales.

For the March 2009 quarter, no EBITDA was recorded for Unallocated and Other, as compared with $5 million of EBITDA in the same prior-year quarter.

Outlook

Commenting on Ashland's outlook, O'Brien said, "Our focus continues to be on generating cash and paying down debt. It appears that demand could remain flat for the remainder of the year due to global macroeconomic dynamics. We expect to navigate this economic downturn and create value for our stakeholders by effectively managing our pricing, aggressively reducing our costs, and applying the cash we generate to reducing debt. We continue to resize our businesses to match current economic conditions and to better position the company for improved profitability and growth when the economy turns."

Conference Call Webcast

Today at 9 a.m. (EDT), Ashland will provide a live webcast of its second-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.

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.

(1) Preliminary Results

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

(2) Regulation G - Unadjusted EBITDA

The information presented in this news release regarding unadjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (unadjusted EBITDA) does not conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management has included this non-GAAP information to assist in understanding the operating performance of the company and its operating 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 the table provided below.



         (in millions)                      Q2 2009    Q2 2008
                                            -------    -------
         Operating income                     $112        $52
         Add:
            Depreciation and amortization       93         37
                                            ------     ------
         Unadjusted EBITDA                    $205        $89
                                            ======     ======

(3) Regulation G - Adjusted Pro Forma Results

The information presented in this news release regarding adjusted pro forma results does not conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management has included this non-GAAP information to assist in understanding the 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 the tables provided below.

The unaudited adjusted pro forma results are presented for informational purposes only and do not reflect future events that may occur or any operating efficiencies or inefficiencies that may result from the acquisition of Hercules Incorporated. Certain significant and identifiable cost allocation, reporting and accounting policy differences have been reflected in these adjusted pro forma results. However, these adjusted pro forma results do not purport to identify all these differences. Therefore, the unaudited adjusted pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of results that would have been achieved had the businesses been combined during the period presented or the results that Ashland will experience in the future. In addition, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions can be significantly different depending on changes to conform to Ashland policy.


    RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      ($ millions, except percentages)
      Preliminary
      ASHLAND AQUALON                      Ashland   Eliminate   Adjusted
      FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS                GAAP     Key Items  Pro Forma
      Three Months Ended March 31, 2009    Results   (Table 5)   Results
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Sales and operating revenue          $ 223                  $ 223
      Cost of sales and operating expenses   173      $  (16)       157
      Gross profit as a percent of sales    22.4%                  29.6%
      Selling, general and administrative
       expenses                               52          (1)        51
      Equity and other income                 (1)                    (1)
      Operating income                        (3)         17         14
      Operating income as a percent of
       sales                                -1.3%                   6.3%
      Depreciation and amortization           33                     33
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Earnings before interest, taxes,
       depreciation and amortization       $  30      $   17      $  47
      ===================================================================
      EBITDA as a percent of sales          13.5%                  21.1%
      -------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      ($ millions, except percentages)
      Preliminary
      ASHLAND HERCULES                     Ashland    Eliminate      Adjusted
      WATER TECHNOLOGIES                    GAAP      Key Items     Pro Forma
      Three Months Ended March 31, 2009    Results    (Table 5)      Results
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Sales and operating revenue          $ 433                      $ 433
      Cost of sales and operating expenses   292                        292
      Gross profit as a percent of sales    32.6%                      32.6%
      Selling, general and administrative
       expenses                              129                        129
      Equity and other income                  1                          1
      Operating income                        13                         13
      Operating income as a percent of
       sales                                 3.0%                       3.0%
      Depreciation and amortization           25                         25
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Earnings before interest, taxes,
       depreciation and amortization       $  38                      $  38
      =======================================================================
      EBITDA as a percent of sales           8.8%                       8.8%
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      ($ millions, except percentages)
      Preliminary
      ASHLAND PERFORMANCE                  Ashland    Eliminate   Adjusted
      MATERIALS                             GAAP      Key Items  Pro Forma
      Three Months Ended March 31, 2009    Results    (Table 5)   Results
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Sales and operating revenue          $ 259                  $ 259
      Cost of sales and operating expenses   209        $ (4)       205
      Gross profit as a percent of sales    19.5%                  20.8%
      Selling, general and administrative
       expenses                               47          (1)        46
      Equity and other income                  2                      2
      Operating income                         5           5         10
      Operating income as a percent of
       sales                                 1.9%                   3.9%
      Depreciation and amortization           15          (2)        13
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Earnings before interest, taxes,
       depreciation and amortization       $  20        $  3      $  23
      ===================================================================
      EBITDA as a percent of sales           7.7%                   8.9%
      -------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      ($ millions, except percentages)
      Preliminary
      ASHLAND CONSUMER                     Ashland     Eliminate     Adjusted
      MARKETS (Valvoline)                   GAAP       Key Items    Pro Forma
      Three Months Ended March 31, 2009    Results     (Table 5)     Results
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Sales and operating revenue          $ 407                      $ 407
      Cost of sales and operating expenses   276                        276
      Gross profit as a percent of sales    32.2%                      32.2%
      Selling, general and administrative
       expenses                               68                         68
      Equity and other income                  3                          3
      Operating income                        66                         66
      Operating income as a percent of
       sales                                16.2%                      16.2%
      Depreciation and amortization            9                          9
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Earnings before interest, taxes,
       depreciation and amortization       $  75                      $  75
      =======================================================================
      EBITDA as a percent of sales          18.4%                      18.4%
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      ($ millions, except percentages)
      Preliminary                          Ashland     Eliminate     Adjusted
      ASHLAND DISTRIBUTION                  GAAP       Key Items    Pro Forma
      Three Months Ended March 31, 2009    Results     (Table 5)     Results
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Sales and operating revenue          $ 698                      $ 698
      Cost of sales and operating expenses   609                        609
      Gross profit as a percent of sales    12.8%                      12.8%
      Selling, general and administrative
       expenses                               59                         59
      Equity and other income                  1                          1
      Operating income                        31                         31
      Operating income as a percent of
       sales                                 4.4%                       4.4%
      Depreciation and amortization            7                          7
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Earnings before interest, taxes,
       depreciation and amortization       $  38                      $  38
      =======================================================================
      EBITDA as a percent of sales           5.4%                       5.4%
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      ($ millions, except percentages)
      Preliminary
      INTERSEGMENT SALES/ UNALLOCATED      Ashland    Eliminate   Adjusted
      AND OTHER                             GAAP      Key Items  Pro Forma
      Three Months Ended March 31, 2009    Results    (Table 5)   Results
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Sales and operating revenue          $ (30)                 $ (30)
      Cost of sales and operating expenses   (28)       $ (2)       (30)
      Selling, general and administrative
       expenses                               (3)          2         (1)
      Equity and other income                 (1)                    (1)
      Operating income                         -           -          -
      Depreciation and amortization            4          (4)         -
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Earnings before interest, taxes,
       depreciation and amortization       $   4        $ (4)     $   -
      ===================================================================



    RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      ($ millions, except percentages)
      Preliminary                          Ashland    Eliminate    Adjusted
      ASHLAND INC.                          GAAP      Key Items   Pro Forma
      Three Months Ended March 31, 2009    Results    (Table 5)    Results
      --------------------------------------------------------------------
      Sales and operating revenue         $ 1,990                 $ 1,990
      Cost of sales and operating expenses  1,531        $(22)      1,509
      Gross profit as a percent of sales     23.1%                   24.2%
      Selling, general and administrative
       expenses                               352           -         352
      Equity and other income                   5                       5
      Operating income                        112          22         134
      Operating income as a percent of
       sales                                  5.6%                    6.7%
      Depreciation and amortization            93          (6)         87
      --------------------------------------------------------------------
      Earnings before interest, taxes,
       depreciation and amortization      $   205        $ 16     $   221
      ====================================================================
      EBITDA as a percent of sales           10.3%                   11.1%
      --------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND AQUALON                     Pro Forma Adjustments
    FUNCTIONAL                   ----------------------------------
    INGREDIENTS                              Additional
                         Ashland Hercules     Purchase               Adjusted
    Three Months Ended    GAAP   Ongoing     Accounting Conforming  Pro Forma
    March 31, 2008       Results Results (a)    D&A     Adjustments  Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating
     revenue              $ -     $ 255                               $ 255
    Cost of sales and
     operating expenses             167         $  8                    175
    Gross profit as a
     percent of sales              34.5%                               31.4%
    Selling, general
     and administrative
     expenses                        40           10        $  4         54
    Equity and other
     income                           -                        -          -
    Operating income                 48          (18)         (4)        26
    Operating income as a
     percent of sales              18.8%                               10.2%
    Depreciation and
     amortization                    13           18           -         31
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before
     interest, taxes,
     depreciation and
     amortization         $ -     $  61         $  -        $ (4)     $  57
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent of
     sales                         23.9%                               22.4%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND HERCULES                   Pro Forma Adjustments
    WATER TECHNOLOGIES           ----------------------------------
                                             Additional
                         Ashland Hercules     Purchase               Adjusted
    Three Months Ended    GAAP   Ongoing     Accounting Conforming  Pro Forma
    March 31, 2008       Results Results (a)    D&A     Adjustments  Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating
     revenue            $ 217     $ 303                               $ 520
    Cost of sales and
     operating expenses   136       208          $ 2                    346
    Gross profit as a
     percent of sales    37.3%     31.4%                               33.5%
    Selling, general
     and administrative
     expenses              83        65            3        $  5        156
    Equity and other
     income                 -         -                        1          1
    Operating income       (2)       30           (5)         (4)        19
    Operating income as
     a percent of sales  -0.9%      9.9%                                3.7%
    Depreciation and
     amortization           7        11            5           1         24
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before
     interest, taxes,
     depreciation and
     amortization       $   5     $  41          $ -        $ (3)     $  43
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent
     of sales             2.3%     13.5%                                8.3%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND PERFORMANCE                Pro Forma Adjustments
    MATERIALS                    ----------------------------------
                                             Additional
                         Ashland Hercules     Purchase               Adjusted
    Three Months Ended    GAAP   Ongoing     Accounting Conforming  Pro Forma
    March 31, 2008       Results Results (a)    D&A     Adjustments  Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating
     revenue             $ 398                                        $ 398
    Cost of sales and
     operating expenses    326                                          326
    Gross profit as a
     percent
     of sales             18.1%                                        18.1%
    Selling, general
     and administrative
     expenses               58                                           58
    Equity and other
     income                  6                                            6
    Operating income        20                                           20
    Operating income as
     a percent of sales    5.0%                                         5.0%
    Depreciation and
     amortization           10                              $ 1          11
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before
     interest, taxes,
     depreciation and
     amortization        $  30                              $ 1       $  31
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent
     of sales              7.5%                                         7.8%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    ASHLAND CONSUMER                   Pro Forma Adjustments
    MARKETS (Valvoline)          ----------------------------------
                                             Additional
                         Ashland Hercules     Purchase               Adjusted
    Three Months Ended    GAAP   Ongoing     Accounting Conforming  Pro Forma
    March 31, 2008       Results Results (a)    D&A     Adjustments  Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating
     revenue             $ 401                                        $ 401
    Cost of sales and
     operating expenses    303                                          303
    Gross profit as a
     percent of sales     24.4%                                        24.4%
    Selling, general
     and
     administrative
     expenses               77                                           77
    Equity and other
     income                  3                                            3
    Operating income        24                                           24
    Operating income
     as a percent of
     sales                 6.0%                                         6.0%
    Depreciation and
     amortization            8                              $ 2          10
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before
     interest, taxes,
     depreciation and
     amortization        $  32                              $ 2       $  34
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a percent
     of sales              8.0%                                         8.5%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary                        Pro Forma Adjustments
    ASHLAND DISTRIBUTION         ----------------------------------
                                             Additional
                         Ashland Hercules     Purchase               Adjusted
    Three Months Ended    GAAP   Ongoing     Accounting Conforming  Pro Forma
    March 31, 2008       Results Results (a)    D&A     Adjustments  Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating
     revenue            $1,082                                       $1,082
    Cost of sales and
     operating expenses    999                                          999
    Gross profit as a
     percent of sales      7.7%                                         7.7%
    Selling, general and
     administrative
     expenses               71                                           71
    Equity and other
     income                  1                                            1
    Operating income        13                                           13
    Operating income
     as a percent
     of sales              1.2%                                         1.2%
    Depreciation
     and amortization        6                              $ 2           8
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before
     interest, taxes,
     depreciation and
     amortization       $   19                              $ 2      $   21
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a
     percent of sales      1.8%                                         1.9%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary
    INTERSEGMENT SALES/                Pro Forma Adjustments
    UNALLOCATED AND OTHER        ----------------------------------
                                             Additional Conforming
                         Ashland Hercules     Purchase  Adjustments  Adjusted
    Three Months Ended    GAAP   Ongoing     Accounting  and Key    Pro Forma
    March 31, 2008       Results Results (a)    D&A      Items       Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sales and operating
     revenue             $ (39)                                       $ (39)
    Cost of sales and
     operating expenses    (39)                                         (39)
    Selling, general
     and administrative
     expenses                3    $   4                  $ (14)          (7)
    Equity and other
     income                  -       (6)                     4           (2)
    Operating income        (3)     (10)                    18            5
    Depreciation and
     amortization            6        -                     (6)           -
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before
     interest, taxes,
     depreciation and
     amortization        $   3    $ (10)                 $  12        $   5
    =========================================================================



    RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL SECOND QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ($ millions, except percentages)
    Preliminary                         Pro Forma Adjustments
    ASHLAND INC.                 ----------------------------------
                                             Additional Conforming
                         Ashland Hercules     Purchase  Adjustments  Adjusted
    Three Months Ended    GAAP   Ongoing     Accounting  and Key    Pro Forma
    March 31, 2008      Results Results (a)    D&A      Items (b)    Results
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sales and operating
     revenue             $2,059   $ 558                              $2,617
    Cost of sales and
     operating expenses   1,725     375         $ 10                  2,110
    Gross profit as a
     percent of sales      16.2%   32.8%                               19.4%
    Selling, general and
     administrative
     expenses               292     109           13      $ (5)         409
    Equity and other
     income                  10      (6)           -         5            9
    Operating income         52      68          (23)       10          107
    Operating income
     as a percent
     of sales               2.5%   12.2%                                4.1%
    Depreciation
     and amortization        37      24           23         -           84
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings before
     interest, taxes,
     depreciation and
     amortization        $ 89     $  92         $  -      $ 10        $ 191
    =========================================================================
    EBITDA as a
     percent of sales       4.3%   16.5%                                7.3%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) Certain nonrecurring, noncash or key items have been removed.
    (b) Includes the $5 million charge related to the Cargill joint venture
        (see Table 5), as well as other conforming adjustments related to
        Hercules that are consistent with Ashland's historical reporting
        treatment.

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 quarter ended December 31, 2008, 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.


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

                                        Three months ended   Six months ended
                                             March 31            March 31
                                        -------------------  ----------------
                                           2009      2008      2009     2008
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------

    SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES          $1,990    $2,059    $3,956   $3,964

    COSTS AND EXPENSES
      Cost of sales and operating
       expenses                            1,531     1,725     3,172    3,314
      Selling, general and
       administrative expenses (a)           352       292       696      573
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------
                                           1,883     2,017     3,868    3,887
    EQUITY AND OTHER INCOME                    5        10        17       21
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------

    OPERATING INCOME                         112        52       105       98
      (Loss) gain on the MAP
       Transaction (b)                        (1)       22         -       22
      Net interest and other financing
       (expense) income                      (54)        8       (82)      21
      Other expenses (c)                       -         -       (86)       -
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      BEFORE INCOME TAXES                     57        82       (63)     141
      Income tax expense                       9        10         8       31
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS                    48        72       (71)     110
      Loss from discontinued operations
       (net of income taxes)                   -         -         -       (5)
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------
    NET INCOME (LOSS)                     $   48    $   72    $  (71)  $  105
                                          ======    ======    ======   ======

    DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
      Income (loss) from
       continuing operations              $  .65    $ 1.13    $(1.00)  $ 1.74
      Loss from discontinued operations        -         -         -     (.09)
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------
      Net income (loss)                   $  .65    $ 1.13    $(1.00)  $ 1.65
                                          ======    ======    ======   ======

    AVERAGE COMMON SHARES AND
     ASSUMED CONVERSIONS                      74        63        71       63

    SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
      Functional Ingredients              $  223    $    -    $  342   $    -
      Water Technologies                     433       217       751      423
      Performance Materials                  259       398       583      769
      Consumer Markets                       407       401       795      781
      Distribution                           698     1,082     1,551    2,072
      Intersegment sales                     (30)      (39)      (66)     (81)
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------
                                          $1,990    $2,059    $3,956   $3,964
                                          ======    ======    ======   ======
    OPERATING INCOME
      Functional Ingredients              $   (3)   $    -    $  (10)  $    -
      Water Technologies                      13        (2)        7        3
      Performance Materials                    5        20        11       31
      Consumer Markets                        66        24        85       44
      Distribution                            31        13        40       19
      Unallocated and other                    -        (3)      (28)       1
                                          ------    ------    ------   ------
                                          $  112    $   52    $  105   $   98
                                          ======    ======    ======   ======

    (a) The six months ended March 31, 2009 includes a $10 million charge
        related to the original valuation of the ongoing research and
        development projects at Hercules Incorporated (Hercules) as of the
        merger date.  In accordance with applicable GAAP and SEC accounting
        regulations, these purchased in-process research and development
        costs should be expensed as recognized. The three and six months
        ended March 31, 2009 include $5 million and $31 million,
        respectively, for severance charges for the ongoing integration and
        reorganization from the Hercules acquisition and other cost reduction
        programs. In addition, a charge of $16 million and $37 million for
        the three and six months ended March 31, 2009 was recorded for a
        one-time fair value assessment of Hercules inventory as of the date
        of the transaction.

    (b) "MAP Transaction" refers to the June 30, 2005 transfer of Ashland's
        38% interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP) and two other
        businesses to Marathon Oil Corporation.

    (c) The six months ended March 31, 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 $4 million relates
        to securities sold.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                    Table 2
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                                                              March 31
                                                              --------
                                                            2009     2008
                                                           ------   ------
    ASSETS
      Current assets
        Cash and cash equivalents                          $  203   $  847
        Available-for-sale securities                           -       74
        Accounts receivable                                 1,400    1,498
        Inventories                                           628      545
        Deferred income taxes                                  93       68
        Other current assets                                  100       83
                                                           ------   ------
                                                            2,424    3,115

      Investments and other noncurrent assets
        Auction rate securities                               214      254
        Goodwill                                            2,088      279
        Intangibles                                         1,293      106
        Asbestos insurance receivable
         (noncurrent portion)                                 440      443
        Deferred income taxes                                   -      145
        Other noncurrent assets                               590      421
                                                           ------   ------
                                                            4,625    1,648

      Property, plant and equipment
        Cost                                                3,462    2,178
        Accumulated depreciation and
         amortization                                      (1,274)  (1,163)
                                                           ------   ------
                                                            2,188    1,015
                                                           ------   ------

                                                           $9,237   $5,778
                                                           ======   ======

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
      Current liabilities
        Short-term debt                                    $   84   $    -
        Current portion of long-term debt                      94        3
        Trade payables                                        752      861
        Accrued expenses and other liabilities                459      272
                                                           ------   ------
                                                            1,389    1,136

      Noncurrent liabilities
        Long-term debt (noncurrent portion)                 2,084       64
        Employee benefit obligations                          667      259
        Asbestos litigation reserve (noncurrent portion)      796      539
        Deferred income taxes                                 218        -
        Other noncurrent liabilities                          540      484
                                                           ------   ------
                                                            4,305    1,346

      Stockholders' equity                                  3,543    3,296
                                                           ------   ------

                                                           $9,237   $5,778
                                                           ======   ======



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                    Table 3
    STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)
                                                           Six months ended
                                                               March 31
                                                               --------
                                                             2009     2008
                                                            ------   ------
    CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      Net (loss) income                                     $  (71)  $  105
      Loss from discontinued operations (net
       of income taxes)                                          -        5
      Adjustments to reconcile income from
       continuing operations to
       cash flows from operating activities
        Depreciation and amortization                          156       71
        Purchased in-process research and
         development amortization                               10        -
        Debt issuance cost amortization                         16        -
        Deferred income taxes                                    2       13
        Equity income from affiliates                           (7)     (11)
        Distributions from equity affiliates                     4        5
        Gain from the sale of property
         and equipment                                           -       (1)
        Stock based compensation expense                         3        5
        Gain on the MAP Transaction                              -      (22)
        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)                                        58       52
                                                            ------   ------
                                                               294      222
    CASH FLOWS USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      Additions to property, plant and equipment               (80)     (85)
      Proceeds from the disposal of property,
       plant and equipment                                       4        8
      Purchase of operations - net of cash acquired         (2,078)      (4)
      Proceeds from sale of operations                           7       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                            29      255
                                                            ------   ------
                                                            (2,213)    (235)
    CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
     FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt               2,000        -
      Repayment of long-term debt                             (632)      (3)
      Proceeds from/repayments of issuance
       of short-term debt                                       43        -
      Debt issuance costs                                     (137)       -
      Premium on long-term debt repayment                      (13)       -
      Cash dividends paid                                      (11)     (35)
      Proceeds from the exercise of stock options                -        2
      Excess tax benefits related to share-
       based payments                                            -        1
                                                            ------   ------
                                                             1,250      (35)
                                                            ------   ------
    CASH USED BY CONTINUING OPERATIONS                        (669)     (48)
      Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations
        Operating cash flows                                     3       (5)
      Effect of currency exchange rate
       changes on cash and cash equivalents                    (17)       3
                                                            ------   ------
    DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                     (683)     (50)
    Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year              886      897
                                                            ------   ------
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD               $  203   $  847
                                                            ======   ======

    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
      Functional Ingredients                                $   50   $    -
      Water Technologies                                        41       13
      Performance Materials                                     27       21
      Consumer Markets                                          18       18
      Distribution                                              15       14
      Unallocated and other                                      5        5
                                                            ------   ------
                                                            $  156   $   71
                                                            ======   ======
    ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
      Functional Ingredients                                $   27   $    -
      Water Technologies                                         9        9
      Performance Materials                                     18       30
      Consumer Markets                                          15       12
      Distribution                                               1       15
      Unallocated and other                                     10       19
                                                            ------   ------
                                                            $   80   $   85
                                                            ======   ======

    (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       Six months
                                                 ended             ended
                                                March 31          March 31
                                              -----------       -----------
                                             2009     2008     2009     2008
                                            ------   ------   ------   ------
    FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS (a) (b)
      Sales per shipping day                $ 3.5    $   -    $ 3.7    $   -
      Pounds sold per shipping day            1.6        -      1.6        -
      Gross profit as a percent of sales     22.4%       -     20.0%       -
    WATER TECHNOLOGIES (a) (b)
      Sales per shipping day                $ 6.9    $ 3.5    $ 6.0    $ 3.4
      Gross profit as a percent of sales     32.6%    37.3%    31.6%    38.3%
    PERFORMANCE MATERIALS (a)
      Sales per shipping day                $ 4.1    $ 6.3    $ 4.7    $ 6.2
      Pounds sold per shipping day            3.7      4.8      4.0      4.7
      Gross profit as a percent of sales     19.5%    18.1%    17.5%    18.1%
    CONSUMER MARKETS (a)
      Lubricant sales (gallons)              37.7     42.1     70.7     81.9
      Premium lubricants (percent of
       U.S. branded volumes)                 29.1%    25.7%    28.2%    24.4%
      Gross profit as a percent
       of sales                              32.2%    24.4%    27.1%    24.6%
    DISTRIBUTION (a)
      Sales per shipping day                $11.1    $17.2    $12.4    $16.6
      Pounds sold per shipping day           14.3     18.9     14.9     18.8
      Gross profit as a percent
       of sales (c)                          12.8%     7.7%    10.5%     7.6%


    (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)  Distribution's gross profit as a percentage of sales for the three
         and six months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 include a LIFO quantity
         credit of $11 million and $4 million, respectively.



    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                    Table 5
    COMPONENTS OF OPERATING INCOME
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                                    Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
                                                                     Consumer
                            Functional      Water      Performance   Markets
                           Ingredients   Technologies   Materials  (Valvoline)
                           -----------   ------------   ---------  -----------
    OPERATING
     INCOME
      Severance                $(1)          $ -          $(3)         $ -
      Inventory fair
       value adjustment        (16)            -            -            -
      Asset impairments
       and accelerated
       depreciation              -             -           (2)           -
      Currency gain
       on intracompany
       loan                      -             -            -            -
      All other
       operating income         14            13           10           66
                            ------        ------       ------       ------
                               $(3)          $13          $ 5          $66
                            ======        ======       ======       ======



                                          Unallocated
                            Distribution    & Other      Total
                            ------------  -----------   -------
    OPERATING INCOME
      Severance                $ -           $(1)        $ (5)
      Inventory fair
       value adjustment          -             -          (16)
      Asset impairments
       and accelerated
       depreciation              -            (4)          (6)
      Currency gain
       on intracompany
       loan                      -             5            5
      All other
       operating income         31             -          134
                            ------        ------       ------
                               $31           $ -         $112
                            ======        ======       ======




                              Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
                                                              Consumer
                       Functional      Water                  Markets
                       Ingredients  Technologies  Materials (Valvoline)
                       -----------  ------------  --------- -----------
    OPERATING INCOME
      Joint venture
       impairment          $ -          $ -          $ -         $ -
      All other
       operating income      -           (2)          20          24
                        ------       ------       ------      ------
                           $ -          $(2)         $20         $24
                        ======       ======       ======      ======



                                        Unallocated
                          Distribution    & Other       Total
                          ------------  -----------    -------
    OPERATING INCOME
      Joint venture
       impairment              $ -          $(5)         $(5)
      All other
       operating income         13            2           57
                            ------       ------       ------
                               $13          $(3)         $52
                            ======       ======       ======

SOURCE Ashland Inc.

http://www.ashland.com

Copyright (C) 2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved