Core Insights - Ashland Inc. specializes in providing additives and specialty ingredients across various segments, including Life Sciences, Personal Care & Household, Specialty Additives, and Intermediates and Solvents, catering to diverse consumer and industrial markets [1] Price Target Trends - The consensus price target for Ashland's stock has shown a positive trend, with the average price target rising from $63.67 last year to $70.25 last quarter, indicating growing confidence among analysts [2] - J.P. Morgan has set a price target of $105 for Ashland, reflecting an optimistic view of the company's future performance and suggesting potential growth opportunities for investors [3] Upcoming Earnings Release - Ashland's first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings release is scheduled for January 20, 2026, and will be a significant event for investors, providing insights into the company's financial health and future prospects [4][6] Comparative Analysis - Compared to Trinseo, Ashland's stock is viewed favorably based on analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, and valuation, with a higher price target set by J.P. Morgan, positioning Ashland as a strong contender in the basic materials sector [5]

Core Insights - Univar Solutions has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Ashland Inc. to enhance the availability of cellulose ethers in the EMEA food and beverage market, starting January 1, 2026 [1][3][4] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration will introduce a wide range of cellulose ethers, including methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), ethylcellulose (EC), and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) [3][4] - This partnership aims to meet the rising demand for functional ingredients, particularly in the context of alternative and plant-based proteins [3][4] Group 2: Market Impact - The partnership is expected to provide significant value through enhanced product availability, faster delivery, specialized expertise, and improved support services for food manufacturers in EMEA [4] - The collaboration will help food manufacturers innovate and meet evolving consumer expectations regarding health, convenience, and quality [4] Group 3: Strategic Goals - Univar Solutions aims to leverage its global distribution network and technical expertise to support customers in creating innovative food and beverage products [3][4] - The partnership is positioned to drive advancements in food and beverage innovation, particularly in vegan foods, plant-based meats, and gluten-free products [3][4]

WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced plans to issue its first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings release at approximately 5 p.m. ET on Monday, February 2, 2026. The company’s live webcast with securities analysts will include an executive summary and detailed remarks. The live webcast will take place at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, February 3. Simultaneously, the company will post a slide presentation in the Investor Relations section of its website at http://inves ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The meeting confirmed that a quorum was present, allowing for the business to proceed, indicating a stable shareholder base [3] - Preliminary voting results showed that all nominees for director were duly elected, and the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2026 was ratified [8] Business Lines Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific data on business lines or key metrics was provided during the meeting [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific market data or key metrics were discussed during the meeting [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong governance with the election of experienced directors from various industries, which may enhance strategic decision-making [4][6] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management did not provide specific comments on the operating environment or future outlook during the meeting [9] Other Important Information - The final results of the voting will be published in a Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC by January 23, 2026, and will also be available on the company's website [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were there any questions from shareholders? - There were no questions in the queue from shareholders during the meeting [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The meeting confirmed that a quorum was present, indicating shareholder participation and engagement [3] - Preliminary voting results showed that all nominees for director were duly elected, and the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2026 was ratified by shareholders [8] Business Lines Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific financial data or key metrics related to business lines were discussed during the meeting [2][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific market data or key metrics were provided in the meeting [2][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The meeting focused on the election of directors and the ratification of the accounting firm, indicating a stable governance structure and continuity in company strategy [7][8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management did not provide specific comments on the operating environment or future outlook during the meeting [2][12] Other Important Information - The meeting was conducted virtually, and shareholders were able to participate via a web portal, reflecting the company's adaptation to modern communication methods [2][3] - The final results of the voting will be published in a Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC, ensuring transparency and compliance [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were there any questions from shareholders? - There were no questions in the queue from shareholders during the meeting [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The meeting confirmed that a quorum was present, indicating shareholder participation and engagement [3] - Preliminary vote results showed that all nominees for director were duly elected, and the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2026 was ratified by shareholders [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific financial data or business line metrics were discussed during the meeting [2][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific market data or metrics were provided during the meeting [2][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The meeting focused on the election of directors and the ratification of accounting firm appointments, indicating a stable governance structure [6][8] - The company is committed to maintaining strong corporate governance and transparency as evidenced by the election of experienced directors [4][8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management did not provide specific comments on the operating environment or future outlook during the meeting [2][10] Other Important Information - The meeting was conducted virtually, allowing for broader participation from shareholders [2][3] - The final results of the voting will be published in a Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC, ensuring compliance and transparency [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were there any questions from shareholders? - There were no questions in the queue from shareholders during the Q&A session [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - American Century Investments Small Cap Value Fund reported a strong performance in the third quarter of 2025, with equities rising and the US Federal Reserve reducing interest rates for the first time this year [1]. Fund Performance - The investor class of the fund returned 4.69% in the third quarter, while the Russell 2000 Value Index returned 12.60% [1]. Company Focus: Ashland Inc. - Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) was highlighted as a key investment, focusing on specialty chemicals for consumer and pharmaceutical markets [3]. - The stock of Ashland Inc. experienced a one-month return of 4.09% but lost 16.09% over the last 52 weeks, closing at $59.85 per share with a market capitalization of $2.739 billion on January 2, 2026 [2]. Investment Positioning - The fund opened a position in Ashland Inc., noting that despite its high-quality portfolio, the stock is trading at a steep discount to historical valuations [3]. - Ashland Inc. reported an 8% year-over-year decline in sales to $478 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 [3]. Hedge Fund Interest - Ashland Inc. was held by 32 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter, a slight decrease from 33 in the previous quarter [3].

Core Viewpoint - InnoCare Pharma has presented over 20 studies on its BTK inhibitor orelabrutinib at the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology, highlighting its efficacy and safety in treating various lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia [1][2]. Group 1: Efficacy and Safety of Orelabrutinib - Orelabrutinib has shown significant efficacy in multiple lymphoma types, including marginal zone lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [2]. - In a study involving newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma, the combination of orelabrutinib, rituximab, and high-dose methotrexate achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 89.5% and a complete response (CR) rate of 78.9% [4]. - The orelabrutinib and obinutuzumab combination demonstrated an ORR of 96.0% in treatment-naïve marginal zone lymphoma patients, with no severe toxicities reported [5][6]. Group 2: Treatment Outcomes and Comparisons - The orelabrutinib plus bendamustine-rituximab regimen showed promising tumor response and survival outcomes compared to the standard bendamustine-rituximab regimen in transplant-ineligible, intermediate- to high-risk mantle cell lymphoma [9]. - In a large-scale real-world study of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in China, the R-CHOP regimen combined with orelabrutinib achieved a CR rate of 81.4% in MCD-like patients, supporting subtype-directed therapy [11]. - A prospective phase II study indicated that the combination of pomalidomide, rituximab, and orelabrutinib is a potential treatment option for elderly, unfit, or frail patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, achieving a CR rate of 77.8% among those who completed three cycles [12][13][14]. Group 3: Future Research and Development - Additional studies on orelabrutinib have been selected for poster presentation and publication at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting, indicating ongoing research and development efforts [15]. - InnoCare is committed to discovering and commercializing innovative drugs for cancer and autoimmune diseases, with a focus on addressing unmet medical needs [17].

Group 1 - Bristol Myers Squibb is advancing lymphoma research with new data on targeted protein degradation and cell therapy presented at ASH 2025 [1] - The company aims to enhance treatment options for lymphoma patients through innovative therapeutic approaches [1] - The presentation at ASH 2025 highlights the potential of these new therapies in improving patient outcomes [1]

Core Insights - CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is developing CID-103, an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody aimed at treating organ transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases [1] - The company presented data from a Phase 1 open-label study of CID-103 for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting [1] Study Details - The Phase 1 study involved adult patients with ITP and utilized a dose escalation approach with intravenous infusions of CID-103 [1] - Patients were assigned to sequential dose-escalating cohorts receiving CID-103 at doses of 30 mg (n=1), 150 mg (n=1), 300 mg (n=3), 600 mg (n=3), and 900 mg (n=3) [1] - A priming dose of CID-103 was administered prior to the cohort dose, either at 30 mg or 150 mg [1]