Sales of $544 millionNet income (including discontinued operations) of $6 million, or $0.12 per diluted shareIncome from continuing operations of $31 million, or $0.60 per diluted shareAdjusted income from continuing operations excluding intangibles amortization expense of $75 million, or $1.49 per diluted shareAdjusted EBITDA of $139 million, up five percent from the prior-year quarterCash flows provided by operating activities of $128 million; ongoing free cash flow2 of $112 millionRepurchased 1.3 million ...

Investors might want to bet on Ashland (ASH) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.The power of a cha ...

Core Insights - Ashland (ASH) and Novozymes A/S (NVZMY) are both considered for investment in the Chemical - Specialty sector, with a focus on identifying which stock offers better value opportunities [1] Valuation Metrics - ASH has a forward P/E ratio of 21.12, while NVZMY has a higher forward P/E of 33.83 [2] - ASH's PEG ratio is 0.93, indicating a more favorable valuation compared to NVZMY's PEG ratio of 3.47 [2] - ASH's P/B ratio stands at 1.54, significantly lower than NVZMY's P/B ratio of 13.80 [2] Value Grades - ASH has received a Value grade of B, whereas NVZMY has been assigned a Value grade of F, indicating ASH is currently viewed as the superior value option [3]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Chemical - Specialty sector should consider Ashland (ASH) and Novozymes A/S (NVZMY) as potential value stocks, with ASH currently presenting a more favorable valuation based on key metrics [1][3]. Valuation Metrics - ASH has a forward P/E ratio of 20.82, while NVZMY has a significantly higher forward P/E of 33.53 [2]. - ASH's PEG ratio is 0.91, indicating a more attractive valuation relative to its expected earnings growth, compared to NVZMY's PEG ratio of 3.44 [2]. - ASH's P/B ratio stands at 1.52, which is considerably lower than NVZMY's P/B ratio of 13.68, suggesting ASH is undervalued relative to its book value [3]. Investment Outlook - Both ASH and NVZMY have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and an improving earnings outlook for both companies [1]. - ASH holds a Value grade of B, while NVZMY has a Value grade of F, reinforcing ASH as the superior value option based on current valuation figures [3].

Group 1 - Aris Mining Corporation (ARMN) has gained approximately 31.5% year-to-date, outperforming the Basic Materials sector, which has returned an average of -1.1% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARMN's full-year earnings has increased by 5.4% over the past quarter, indicating stronger analyst sentiment and an improving earnings outlook [2] - Aris Mining Corporation currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it has favorable characteristics to outperform the market in the near term [1] Group 2 - Aris Mining Corporation is part of the Mining - Gold industry, which includes 37 stocks and has an average year-to-date gain of 23.4%, indicating ARMN's strong performance relative to its industry [3] - In contrast, the Chemical - Specialty industry, which includes Ashland (ASH), has seen a year-to-date decline of -17.7%, highlighting the relative strength of ARMN [3] - Investors interested in Basic Materials stocks should monitor both Aris Mining Corporation and Ashland for potential continued solid performance [3]

WILMINGTON, Del., July 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced plans to issue its third-quarter earnings release at approximately 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. The company's live webcast with securities analysts will include an executive summary and detailed remarks. The live webcast will take place at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, August 7. Simultaneously, the company will post a slide presentation in the Investor Relations section of its website at http://investor.ashland. ...

WILMINGTON, Del., July 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced plans to issue its third-quarter earnings release at approximately 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. The company’s live webcast with securities analysts will include an executive summary and detailed remarks. The live webcast will take place at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, August 7. Simultaneously, the company will post a slide presentation in the Investor Relations section of its website at http://investor.ashland. ...

Company Announcement - Ashland Inc. announced the appointment of Omar Irani as vice president of strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and portfolio management, effective July 22, 2024 [1] - Irani will report directly to Guillermo Novo, the chair and CEO of Ashland [1] Leadership Experience - Irani brings extensive experience in strategy, profit improvement, and commercial excellence, including organization design, product management, demand management, and customer service [1] - He has a strong background in regulatory negotiations, lobbying, and crisis management [1] - Prior to joining Ashland, Irani held leadership roles at SI Group, National Refrigerants, Honeywell, and ILC Dover, focusing on rubber additives, life sciences, and industrial chemicals [1] Educational Background - Irani holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University [2] Company Overview - Ashland Inc. is a global additives and specialty ingredients company with a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives [3] - The company serves a diverse range of markets, including architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care, and pharmaceuticals [3] - Ashland employs approximately 3,800 professionals, including scientists, research chemists, engineers, and plant operators, who work on innovative solutions for customers in over 100 countries [3]

WILMINGTON, Del., June 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) has strengthened its performance  towards environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and a more just and equitable society through  a relationship with the Fair Wage Network (FWN) to understand living wages for the company’s 3,800 global employees. Following a rigorous and thorough process where compensation data for all employees was reviewed on an anonymous basis and steps were taken to remediate any pay gaps, Ashland ac ...

WILMINGTON, Del., June 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) has strengthened its performance  towards environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and a more just and equitable society through  a relationship with the Fair Wage Network (FWN) to understand living wages for the company's 3,800 global employees. Following a rigorous and thorough process where compensation data for all employees was reviewed on an anonymous basis and steps were taken to remediate any pay gaps, Ashland ac ...