Topic: How To Invest

Q: Hi, Pat. What do you think about Ashland for new buying now? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: Ashland Inc., $88.60, symbol ASH on New York (Shares outstanding: 50.1 million; Market cap: $4.3 billion; www.ashland.com), is a global specialty additives and materials provider. The company serves both consumer and industrial markets, including architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. It has over 3,800 employees worldwide and customers in more than 100 countries. Ashland has four operating segments: Life Sciences (38% of revenue), Personal Care (29%), Specialty Additives (27%), and Intermediates (6%). In September 2016, Ashland Global Holdings Inc. sold a 17% stake in Valvoline through an IPO at $22.00 a share. In May 2017, Ashland handed out its remaining Valvoline shares to its own investors. On August 1, 2022, Ashland Global Holdings changed its name to the current form—Ashland Inc. On May 7, 2024, Ashland announced that it had sold its nutraceutical business to Turnspire Capital Partners, after initiating the sale process in November. While it feels the business has potential, it isn’t a core piece…