Ashland's Q2 Earnings and Revenues Miss Estimates, Down Y/Y

Core Viewpoint - Ashland Global Holdings Inc. reported a significant decline in profits and sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, missing consensus estimates across various metrics [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - The company recorded a profit of $31 million or 65 cents per share, down from $120 million or $2.39 in the same quarter last year [1]. - Adjusted earnings were 99 cents, a decrease from $1.27 year-over-year, and below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.10 [1]. - Total sales fell 16.7% year-over-year to $479 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $508.8 million [2]. Segment Performance - Life Sciences: Sales decreased by 22.5% year-over-year to $172 million, below the consensus estimate of $177 million, primarily due to the divestiture of the Neutraceuticals division [2]. - Personal Care: Sales declined 13.6% year-over-year to $146 million, missing the consensus estimate of $162.3 million, mainly due to portfolio optimization [3]. - Specialty Additives: Sales fell 14.6% year-over-year to $134 million, also missing the consensus estimate of $141.1 million, attributed to portfolio optimization [3]. - Intermediates: Sales decreased 7.5% year-over-year to $37 million, slightly beating the consensus estimate of $36.3 million, with overall sales impacted by lower prices [4]. Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $168 million at the end of the quarter, down approximately 23% sequentially [5]. - Long-term debt increased to $1,336 million, up roughly 2% compared to the previous quarter [5]. Outlook - For the full fiscal year, Ashland expects sales to range between $1.825 billion and $1.9 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected at $400 million to $420 million [6]. Stock Performance - Ashland's shares have declined by 49% over the past year, contrasting with a 0.9% decline in the industry [7].