Ashland reports fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results and issues outlook for full-year 2026

Core Insights - Ashland Inc. reported its fourth-quarter financial results for fiscal year 2025, showing a disciplined approach to navigating challenging market conditions while maintaining strong margins and delivering results in line with expectations [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter sales were $478 million, down 8% from $522 million in the prior-year quarter, with Portfolio Optimization initiatives reducing sales by approximately $38 million, or 7% [4][21] - Net income was $32 million, up from $16 million in the prior year, with income from continuing operations at $33 million, compared to $19 million [3][4] - Adjusted EBITDA was $119 million, representing a 25% margin, down 4% from $124 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to a reduction from Portfolio Optimization [3][4][24] Segment Performance - Life Sciences: Sales totaled $173 million, down 10% year-over-year, primarily due to Portfolio Optimization initiatives, with pharma demand showing resilience and low-single-digit sales growth [9][10][11] - Personal Care: Sales were $151 million, a decrease of 7% compared to the prior year, but excluding divestiture impacts, the segment delivered 5% sales growth [12][15] - Specialty Additives: Sales were $131 million, down 9% year-over-year, with performance stability in Europe and Latin America despite challenges in North America and MEAI [16][17] - Intermediates: Sales totaled $33 million, down 8% year-over-year, driven by lower pricing and merchant volumes [18][19] Fiscal Year 2025 Summary - Total sales for fiscal year 2025 were $1.824 billion, down 14% from the prior year, with Portfolio Optimization initiatives reducing sales by approximately $208 million [21][24] - Net loss was $845 million, primarily due to non-cash impairments, with adjusted income from continuing operations at $157 million, down from $224 million [23][24] - Cash flow from operating activities totaled $134 million, down from $462 million in the prior year, reflecting changes in working capital and lower earnings [25] Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook - Sales guidance for fiscal 2026 is projected between $1.835 billion and $1.905 billion, reflecting organic growth of approximately 1% to 5% [29][30] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $400 million and $430 million, with ongoing free cash flow conversion targeted at approximately 50% of adjusted EBITDA [29][30] - The company remains focused on executing its strategic priorities, including cost management and innovation-driven growth [34][32]