Ashland Inc. Reports Preliminary Operating Income of $152 Million for Fiscal Third Quarter, Generates $355 Million of Cash Flows

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COVINGTON, Ky., July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) today announced preliminary(1) results for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the third quarter of its 2009 fiscal year. On Nov. 13, 2008, Ashland completed the acquisition of Hercules Incorporated, which significantly impacted Ashland's reported results. Ashland's results for the June 2009 quarter were as follows: sales and operating revenues of $2,037 million; operating income of $152 million; and net income of $50 million, or 66 cents per share. Income from continuing operations amounted to $51 million after taxes, or 68 cents per share, in the June 2009 quarter. Unadjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization(2) were $240 million, and cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations were $355 million. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040113/ASHLANDLOGO) Key items affecting the June 2009 quarter were as follows: -- severance and accelerated depreciation charges of $16 million pretax [14 cents earnings per share (EPS) impact], primarily related to cost-reduction programs; -- a noncash charge of $10 million pretax (9 cents EPS impact) from accelerated debt-issuance-cost amortization related to the retirement of Ashland's bridge loan, affecting Ashland's interest expense; and -- an unfavorable $8 million tax judgment in a foreign jurisdiction (10 cents EPS impact). Earnings in the June 2009 quarter also were significantly affected by an unfavorable adjustment to income tax expense related to a projected shift to more U.S.-sourced earnings for the year. The combination of the aforementioned foreign tax judgment and earnings shift resulted in a 44-percent effective tax rate for the June 2009 quarter. The effective tax rate for the June quarter reflects an adjustment to achieve an annualized effective tax rate of 27 percent excluding discrete items. (Refer to Table 5 of the accompanying financial statements for details of key items affecting operating income.) Adjusted Pro Forma Results(3) Ashland believes the use of adjusted pro forma results enhances understanding of its current and future performance by providing more comparable results period to period. Thus, adjusting for the impact of key items in both the current and prior year and including Hercules' results as if the acquisition had been completed on Oct. 1, 2007, Ashland's results for the June 2009 quarter versus the June 2008 quarter would have been as follows: -- pro forma sales and operating revenue declined 28 percent from $2,814 million to $2,037 million; -- adjusted pro forma operating income increased 11 percent from $151 million to $168 million; and -- adjusted pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased 9 percent from $227 million to $248 million. Performance Summary Commenting on Ashland's adjusted pro forma third-quarter results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James J. O'Brien said, "Our performance during the June 2009 quarter continued to demonstrate our ability to generate cash during a difficult demand environment. We increased overall EBITDA by 9 percent versus the prior-year quarter, in spite of volume declines in all of our businesses except Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline), which saw an uptick. The EBITDA improvement was achieved both through strong gross-profit performance and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses. Our results benefited from all-time-record quarterly EBITDA from Consumer Markets and reduced overall expenses of $87 million in the quarter, both from integration and other cost-reduction initiatives." O'Brien continued, "Our annualized run-rate cost savings now stand at $287 million through the June 2009 quarter, exceeding our previously announced $265 million fiscal 2009 target by $22 million, which was achieved three months sooner than we had announced. "We made considerable progress in the June quarter towards our goals of generating cash and reducing debt. We generated $355 million of cash flows from operating activities and reduced gross debt by $269 million. This reduced our total debt to less than $2 billion. In addition, we issued $650 million of 9 1/8% Senior Notes and used the proceeds, along with available liquidity, to retire our $750 million bridge loan. Also during the quarter, we signed a definitive agreement to sell our Drew Marine business. We expect net aftertax proceeds of approximately $105 million from the transaction, which is anticipated to close before the end of the fiscal year. We expect to use the proceeds from this divestiture to further reduce our debt." Business Performance In order to aid understanding of Ashland's ongoing business performance, the results of Ashland's business segments are presented on an adjusted pro forma basis as described under the heading "Adjusted Pro Forma Results" and reconciled to GAAP in footnote 3 of this news release. Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients recorded sales and operating revenue of $233 million in the June 2009 quarter, a 23-percent decline versus the year-ago quarter, and metric tons sold declined 27 percent. These results continue to reflect the worldwide decline in the construction market. Overall volume declines ranged from 11 percent in Asia Pacific to 36 percent in North America. Gross profit as a percent of sales was 27.6 percent, 210 basis points below the June 2008 quarter. The decision to reduce inventory by manufacturing at below-replacement levels negatively impacted gross profit by $7 million, or 3 percent of sales. However, this decision enabled Functional Ingredients to generate $23 million of cash from the reduced inventories. In total, Functional Ingredients' EBITDA in the June 2009 quarter declined 26 percent versus the prior June quarter, to $50 million, and represented 21.5 percent of sales. Both the $50 million of EBITDA and 21.5 percent of sales are slight improvements over the March quarter. Ashland Hercules Water Technologies' sales and operating revenue declined 21 percent to $436 million for the June 2009 quarter as compared with the same year-ago quarter, primarily driven by a 17-percent volume decline. At 34.7 percent, gross profit as a percent of sales improved by 200 basis points over the June 2008 quarter. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses declined by $32 million, or 21 percent. EBITDA of $56 million was slightly ahead of the prior-year quarter and represented 12.8 percent of sales, a 290-basis-point improvement. Sequentially, EBITDA increased 47 percent over the March quarter results, while EBITDA as a percent of sales improved by 400 basis points. Ashland Performance Materials' sales and operating revenue of $256 million declined 40 percent versus the same prior-year quarter, and volume per day declined 22 percent. Both revenue and volume comparisons were affected by the acquisition of a line of business from Air Products in 2008. Excluding this effect, revenue and volume decreased 46 percent and 36 percent, respectively, due to continued significant weakness in demand in all key geographies in both the transportation and construction markets. These volume reductions reflect slight sequential improvement. This was generally consistent with the overall composites and castings markets. Disciplined price management and savings from idled plant capacity drove a 280-basis-point improvement in gross profit percentage versus the June 2008 quarter. A 23-percent reduction in SG&A expenses reflects the benefits of actions taken in this and prior quarters to reduce costs. Despite these improvements, EBITDA declined 33 percent to $20 million in the June 2009 quarter versus the prior-year June quarter, but improved 70 basis points to 7.8 percent of sales. Ashland Consumer Markets' sales and operating revenue was $441 million, a 3-percent increase over the June 2008 quarter. Lubricant volume increased by 4 percent, primarily due to increases in volumes sold through the Do-It-Yourself market channel. Same-store sales at Valvoline Instant Oil Change increased 6 percent versus the prior year. Gross profit improved to 37.5 percent of sales in the June 2009 quarter, driven by a combination of pricing actions that began in 2008, lower raw materials costs in the quarter, cost-savings initiatives and a continued shift in mix toward sales of premium brands. SG&A expenses declined 5 percent, further contributing to Consumer Markets' record quarterly performance. As a result, Consumer Markets' quarterly EBITDA nearly tripled versus the prior June quarter to $103 million. For the June 2009 quarter, EBITDA represented 23.4 percent of sales as compared with 8.2 percent in the prior-year quarter. Ashland Distribution's sales and operating revenue for the June 2009 quarter declined 39 percent to $698 million. Volume decreased 26 percent versus the prior-year quarter, generally in line with the year-over-year trends in the March quarter. Gross profit as a percent of sales improved to 10.1 percent versus 7.8 percent in the June 2008 quarter. SG&A expenses were 4 percent below the prior-year quarter. Margin improvements and SG&A expense reductions were not enough to offset the impact of volume reductions. As a result, EBITDA of $13 million for the June 2009 quarter represented a decline of 50 percent as compared with the prior-year quarter and was 1.9 percent of sales. For the June 2009 quarter, EBITDA of $6 million was recorded for Unallocated and Other, as compared with $13 million of EBITDA in the same prior-year quarter. Outlook Commenting on Ashland's outlook, O'Brien said, "Our short-term focus continues to be on generating cash and paying down debt. It appears that demand could remain flat for the foreseeable future due to global macroeconomic dynamics. We will continue to manage our pricing, reduce our costs, and apply the cash we generate to reduce debt from our current 2.4 times debt-to-EBITDA level to our targeted ratio of 2.0 times. We continue to resize our businesses to match current economic conditions and to create a leverageable cost structure that will support increased profitability and growth when the economy improves." Conference Call Webcast Today at 9 a.m. (EDT), Ashland will provide a live webcast of its third-quarter conference call with securities analysts. The webcast will be accessible through Ashland's website, http://www.ashland.com/. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast will be available for 12 months at http://investor.ashland.com/. Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world's most essential needs and industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit http://www.ashland.com/. (1) Preliminary Results Financial results are preliminary until Ashland's quarterly report on Form 10-Q is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. (2) Regulation G - Unadjusted EBITDA The information presented in this news release regarding unadjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (unadjusted EBITDA) does not conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management has included this non-GAAP information to assist in understanding the operating performance of the company and its operating segments. The non-GAAP information provided may not be consistent with the methodologies used by other companies. All non-GAAP information is reconciled with reported GAAP results in the table provided below. Q3 2009 Q3 2008 (in millions) ------- ------- Operating income $152 $87 Add: Depreciation and amortization 88 34 -- -- Unadjusted EBITDA $240 $121 ==== ==== (3) Regulation G - Adjusted Pro Forma Results The information presented in this news release regarding adjusted pro forma results does not conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management has included this non-GAAP information to assist in understanding the operating performance of the company and its segments. The non-GAAP information provided may not be consistent with the methodologies used by other companies. All non-GAAP information is reconciled with reported GAAP results in the tables provided below. The unaudited adjusted pro forma results are presented for informational purposes only and do not reflect future events that may occur or any operating efficiencies or inefficiencies that may result from the acquisition of Hercules Incorporated. Certain significant and identifiable cost allocation, reporting and accounting policy differences have been reflected in these adjusted pro forma results. However, these adjusted pro forma results do not purport to identify all these differences. Therefore, the unaudited adjusted pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of results that would have been achieved had the businesses been combined during the period presented or the results that Ashland will experience in the future. In addition, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions can be significantly different depending on changes to conform to Ashland policy. RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL THIRD QUARTERADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Preliminary ASHLAND AQUALON Ashland Eliminate Adjusted FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS GAAP Key Items Pro Forma Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Results (Table 5) Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ 233 $ 233 Cost of sales and operating expenses 169 169 Gross profit as a percent of sales 27.6% 27.6% Selling, general and administrative expenses 39 39 Equity and other income (1) (1) Operating income 24 24 Operating income as a percent of sales 10.3% 10.3% Depreciation and amortization 26 26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 50 $ 50 ====================================================================== EBITDA as a percent of sales 21.5% 21.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Preliminary ASHLAND HERCULES Ashland Eliminate Adjusted WATER TECHNOLOGIES GAAP Key Items Pro Forma Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Results (Table 5) Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ 436 $ 436 Cost of sales and operating expenses 285 285 Gross profit as a percent of sales 34.7% 34.7% Selling, general and administrative expenses 120 120 Equity and other income - - Operating income 31 31 Operating income as a percent of sales 7.1% 7.1% Depreciation and amortization 25 25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 56 $ 56 ====================================================================== EBITDA as a percent of sales 12.8% 12.8% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Preliminary ASHLAND PERFORMANCE Ashland Eliminate Adjusted MATERIALS GAAP Key Items Pro Forma Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Results (Table 5) Results ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ 256 $ 256 Cost of sales and operating expenses 213 $ (9) 204 Gross profit as a percent of sales 16.9% 20.3% Selling, general and administrative expenses 48 (1) 47 Equity and other income - 3 3 Operating income (5) 13 8 Operating income as a percent of sales -2.0% 3.1% Depreciation and amortization 20 (8) 12 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 15 $ 5 $ 20 ======================================================================= EBITDA as a percent of sales 5.9% 7.8% ----------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Preliminary ASHLAND CONSUMER Ashland Eliminate Adjusted MARKETS (Valvoline) GAAP Key Items Pro Forma Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Results (Table 5) Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ 441 $ 441 Cost of sales and operating expenses 275 275 Gross profit as a percent of sales 37.5% 37.5% Selling, general and administrative expenses 76 76 Equity and other income 5 5 Operating income 95 95 Operating income as a percent of sales 21.5% 21.5% Depreciation and amortization 8 8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 103 $ 103 ====================================================================== EBITDA as a percent of sales 23.4% 23.4% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Preliminary Ashland Eliminate Adjusted ASHLAND DISTRIBUTION GAAP Key Items Pro Forma Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Results (Table 5) Results ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ 698 $ 698 Cost of sales and operating expenses 627 627 Gross profit as a percent of sales 10.1% 10.1% Selling, general and administrative expenses 69 $ (3) 66 Equity and other income 1 1 Operating income 3 3 6 Operating income as a percent of sales 0.4% 0.9% Depreciation and amortization 7 7 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 10 $ 3 $ 13 ======================================================================= EBITDA as a percent of sales 1.4% 1.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Preliminary INTERSEGMENT SALES/UNALLOCATED AND Ashland Eliminate Adjusted OTHER GAAP Key Items Pro Forma Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Results (Table 5) Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ (27) $ (27) Cost of sales and operating expenses (25) (25) Selling, general and administrative expenses 1 1 Equity and other income 7 7 Operating income 4 4 Depreciation and amortization 2 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 6 $ 6 ====================================================================== RECONCILIATION OF 2009 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ($ millions, except percentages) Preliminary Ashland Eliminate Adjusted ASHLAND INC. GAAP Key Items Pro Forma Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Results (Table 5) Results ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sales and operating revenue $ 2,037 $ 2,037 Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,544 $ (9) 1,535 Gross profit as a percent of sales 24.2% 24.6% Selling, general and administrative expenses 353 (4) 349 Equity and other income 12 3 15 Operating income 152 16 168 Operating income as a percent of sales 7.5% 8.2% Depreciation and amortization 88 (8) 80 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 240 $ 8 $ 248 ======================================================================== EBITDA as a percent of sales 11.8% 12.2% ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ($ millions, except percentages) Pro Forma Adjustments --------------------- Preliminary Additional ASHLAND AQUALON Ashland Hercules Purchase Adjusted FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS GAAP Ongoing Accounting Conforming Pro Forma Three Months Ended Results Results(a) D&A Adjustments Results June 30, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sales and operating revenue $ - $ 303 $ 303 Cost of sales and operating expenses 205 $ 8 213 Gross profit as a percent of sales 32.3% 29.7% Selling, general and administrative expenses 41 4 $ 2 47 Equity and other income - (1) (1) Operating income 57 (12) (3) 42 Operating income as a percent of sales 18.8% 13.9% Depreciation and amortization 13 12 1 26 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ - $ 70 $ - $ (2) $ 68 ======================================================================== EBITDA as a percent of sales 23.1% 22.4% ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Pro Forma Adjustments --------------------- Preliminary Additional ASHLAND HERCULES Ashland Hercules Purchase Adjusted WATER TECHNOLOGIES GAAP Ongoing Accounting Conforming Pro Forma Three Months Ended Results Results(a) D&A Adjustments Results June 30, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ 244 $ 310 $ 554 Cost of sales and operating expenses 153 215 $ 5 373 Gross profit as a percent of sales 37.2% 30.6% 32.7% Selling, general and administrative expenses 80 68 2 $ 2 152 Equity and other income 1 - 1 2 Operating income 12 27 (7) (1) 31 Operating income as a percent of sales 4.9% 8.7% 5.6% Depreciation and amortization 6 10 7 1 24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 18 $ 37 $ - $ - $ 55 ========================================================================= EBITDA as a percent of sales 7.4% 11.9% 9.9% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Pro Forma Adjustments --------------------- Preliminary Additional ASHLAND PERFORMANCE Ashland Hercules Purchase Adjusted MATERIALS GAAP Ongoing Accounting Conforming Pro Forma Three Months Ended Results Results(a) D&A Adjustments Results June 30, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ 425 $ 425 Cost of sales and operating expenses 350 350 Gross profit as a percent of sales 17.5% 17.5% Selling, general and administrative expenses 61 61 Equity and other income 5 5 Operating income 19 19 Operating income as a percent of sales 4.5% 4.5% Depreciation and amortization 10 $ 1 11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 29 $ 1 $ 30 ========================================================================= EBITDA as a percent of sales 6.8% 7.1% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Pro Forma Adjustments --------------------- Preliminary Additional ASHLAND CONSUMER Ashland Hercules Purchase Adjusted MARKETS (Valvoline) GAAP Ongoing Accounting Conforming Pro Forma Three Months Ended Results Results(a) D&A Adjustments Results June 30, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ 428 $ 428 Cost of sales and operating expenses 325 325 Gross profit as a percent of sales 23.9% 23.9% Selling, general and administrative expenses 80 80 Equity and other income 3 3 Operating income 26 26 Operating income as a percent of sales 6.1% 6.1% Depreciation and amortization 8 $ 1 9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 34 $ 1 $ 35 ======================================================================== EBITDA as a percent of sales 7.9% 8.2% ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Pro Forma Adjustments --------------------- Preliminary Additional ASHLAND Ashland Hercules Purchase Adjusted DISTRIBUTION GAAP Ongoing Accounting Conforming Pro Forma Three Months Ended Results Results(a) D&A Adjustments Results June 30, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $1,151 $ 1,151 Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,063 1,063 Gross profit as a percent of sales 7.8% 7.8% Selling, general and administrative expenses 69 69 Equity and other income 1 1 Operating income 20 20 Operating income as a percent of sales 1.7% 1.7% Depreciation and amortization 6 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 26 $ 26 ========================================================================= EBITDA as a percent of sales 2.3% 2.3% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Pro Forma Adjustments --------------------- Preliminary Additional INTERSEGMENT SALES/ Ashland Hercules Purchase Adjusted UNALLOCATED AND OTHER GAAP Ongoing Accounting Conforming Pro Forma Three Months Ended Results Results(a) D&A Adjustments Results June 30, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $ (47) $ (47) Cost of sales and operating expenses (47) (47) Selling, general and administrative expenses (7) $ - $ (4) (11) Equity and other income 3 (1) - 2 Operating income 10 (1) 4 13 Depreciation and amortization 4 - (4) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 14 $ (1) $ - $ 13 ======================================================================== RECONCILIATION OF 2008 FISCAL THIRD QUARTER ADJUSTED PRO FORMA RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except percentages) Pro Forma Adjustments --------------------- Additional Preliminary Ashland Hercules Purchase Adjusted ASHLAND INC. GAAP Ongoing Accounting Conforming Pro Forma Three Months Ended Results Results(a) D&A Adjustments Results June 30, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and operating revenue $2,201 $ 613 $ 2,814 Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,844 420 $ 13 2,277 Gross profit as a percent of sales 16.2% 31.5% 19.1% Selling, general and administrative expenses 283 109 6 $ - 398 Equity and other income 13 (1) - 12 Operating income 87 83 (19) - 151 Operating income as a percent of sales 4.0% 13.5% 5.4% Depreciation and amortization 34 23 19 - 76 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization $ 121 $ 106 $ - $ - $ 227 ========================================================================= EBITDA as a percent of sales 5.5% 17.3% 8.1% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a) Certain nonrecurring, noncash or key items have been removed. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions, including those mentioned within this news release. Performance estimates are also based upon internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends; management plans and strategies; operating efficiencies and economic conditions, such as prices, supply and demand, and cost of raw materials; legal proceedings and claims (including environmental and asbestos matters); and weather. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual operating results to differ materially from those stated, projected or implied. Other risks and uncertainties include the possibility that the benefits anticipated from Ashland's acquisition of Hercules will not be fully realized; Ashland's substantial indebtedness may impair its financial condition; the restrictive covenants under the debt instruments may hinder the successful operation of Ashland's business; future cash flow may be insufficient to repay the debt; and other risks that are described in filings made by Ashland with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Although Ashland believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure the expectations reflected herein will be achieved. This forward-looking information may prove to be inaccurate and actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized or if other unexpected conditions or events occur. Other factors, uncertainties and risks affecting Ashland are contained in Ashland's periodic filings made with the SEC, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2008, and Form 10-Q for the quarters ended Dec. 31, 2008, and March 31, 2009, which are available on Ashland's Investor Relations website at http://investor.ashland.com/ or the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/. Ashland undertakes no obligation to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release. Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Table 1 STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME (In millions except per share data - preliminary and unaudited) Three months ended Nine months ended June 30 June 30 ------------------ ----------------- 2009 2008 2009 2008 ------ ------ ------ ------ SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES $2,037 $2,201 $5,993 $6,166 COSTS AND EXPENSES Cost of sales and operating expenses (a) 1,544 1,844 4,716 5,158 Selling, general and administrative expenses (a) (b) 353 283 1,049 856 ------ ------ ------ ------ 1,897 2,127 5,765 6,014 EQUITY AND OTHER INCOME 12 13 29 33 ------ ------ ------ ------ OPERATING INCOME 152 87 257 185 Gain on the MAP Transaction (c) 1 1 2 23 Net interest and other financing (expense) income (62) 5 (144) 26 Other expenses (d) - - (86) - ------ ------ ------ ------ INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 91 93 29 234 Income tax expense 40 27 49 58 ------ ------ ------ ------ INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 51 66 (20) 176 Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) (1) 6 (2) 1 ------ ------ ------ ------ NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 50 $ 72 $ (22) $ 177 ====== ====== ====== ====== DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE Income (loss) from continuing operations $ .68 $ 1.03 $ (.27) $ 2.77 Income (loss) from discontinued operations (.02) .10 (.03) .01 ------ ------ ------ ------ Net income (loss) $ .66 $ 1.13 $ (.30) $ 2.78 ====== ====== ====== ====== AVERAGE COMMON SHARES AND ASSUMED CONVERSIONS 75 64 72 63 SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES Functional Ingredients $ 233 $ - $ 575 $ - Water Technologies 436 244 1,187 667 Performance Materials 256 425 839 1,194 Consumer Markets 441 428 1,236 1,209 Distribution 698 1,151 2,249 3,223 Intersegment sales (27) (47) (93) (127) ------ ------ ------ ------ $2,037 $2,201 $5,993 $6,166 ====== ====== ====== ====== OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) Functional Ingredients $ 24 $ - $ 13 $ - Water Technologies 31 12 38 16 Performance Materials (5) 19 6 50 Consumer Markets 95 26 180 70 Distribution 3 20 44 39 Unallocated and other 4 10 (24) 10 ------ ------ ------ ------ $ 152 $ 87 $ 257 $ 185 ====== ====== ====== ====== (a) The three and nine months ended June 30, 2009 include $9 million and $13 million, respectively, within the cost of sales and operating expenses caption and $4 million and $39 million, respectively, within the selling, general and administrative expenses caption for restructuring charges related to the ongoing integration and reorganization from the Hercules acquisition and other cost reduction programs. (b) The nine months ended June 30, 2009 includes a $10 million charge related to the original valuation of the ongoing research and development projects at Hercules Incorporated (Hercules) as of the merger date. In accordance with applicable GAAP and SEC accounting regulations, these purchased in-process research and development costs should be expensed as recognized. In addition, a charge of $37 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2009 was recorded for a one-time fair value assessment of Hercules inventory as of the date of the transaction. (c) "MAP Transaction" refers to the June 30, 2005 transfer of Ashland's 38% interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP) and two other businesses to Marathon Oil Corporation. The income for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 is primarily due to a $23 million gain associated with a tax settlement agreement entered into with Marathon Oil Corporation, relating to four specific tax areas, that supplement the original Tax Matters Agreement from the initial MAP Transaction. The gain (loss) in the remaining periods presented reflects adjustments in the recorded receivable for future estimated tax deductions related primarily to environmental and other postretirement reserves. (d) The nine months ended June 30, 2009 includes a $54 million loss on currency swaps related to the Hercules acquisition and a $32 million realized loss on auction rate securities, of which $7 million relates to securities sold. Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Table 2 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In millions - preliminary and unaudited) June 30 --------------- 2009 2008 ------ ------ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 256 $ 853 Accounts receivable 1,420 1,520 Inventories 546 521 Deferred income taxes 95 74 Other current assets 64 79 Current assets held for sale 45 46 ------ ------ 2,426 3,093 Investments and other noncurrent assets Auction rate securities 188 267 Goodwill 2,150 291 Intangibles 1,178 114 Asbestos insurance receivable (noncurrent portion) 464 438 Deferred income taxes - 131 Other noncurrent assets 565 397 Noncurrent assets held for sale 41 49 ------ ------ 4,586 1,687 Property, plant and equipment Cost 3,492 2,243 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,339) (1,179) ------ ------ 2,153 1,064 ------ ------ $9,165 $5,844 ====== ====== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Short-term debt $ 44 $ - Current portion of long-term debt 71 20 Trade payables 790 910 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 455 264 Current liabilities held for sale 10 10 ------ ------ 1,370 1,204 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt (noncurrent portion) 1,878 45 Employee benefit obligations 657 262 Asbestos litigation reserve (noncurrent portion) 828 530 Deferred income taxes 147 - Other noncurrent liabilities 578 445 ------ ------ 4,088 1,282 ------ ------ Stockholders' equity 3,707 3,358 ------ ------ $9,165 $5,844 ====== ====== Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Table 3 STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (In millions - preliminary and unaudited) Nine months ended June 30 ----------------- 2009 2008 ------- ------- CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Net (loss) income $ (22) $ 177 Loss (income) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) 2 (1) Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to cash flows from operating activities Depreciation and amortization 244 105 Debt issuance cost amortization 35 - Purchased in-process research and development amortization 10 - Deferred income taxes 33 20 Equity income from affiliates (9) (17) Distributions from equity affiliates 13 7 Gain from the sale of property and equipment - (2) Stock based compensation expense 6 8 Stock contributions to qualified savings plans 8 - Gain on the MAP Transaction (2) (23) Inventory fair value adjustment 37 - Loss on currency swaps related to Hercules acquisition 54 - Loss on auction rate securities 32 - Change in operating assets and liabilities (a) 208 55 ------ ------ 649 329 CASH FLOWS USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Additions to property, plant and equipment (107) (118) Proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and equipment 5 10 Purchase of operations - net of cash acquired (2,080) (128) Proceeds from sale of operations 7 35 Settlement of currency swaps related to Hercules acquisition (95) - Purchases of available-for-sale securities - (435) Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 55 314 ------ ------ (2,215) (322) CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 2,628 - Repayment of long-term debt (1,489) (4) Proceeds from/repayments of issuance of short-term debt 3 - Debt issuance costs (161) - Premium on long-term debt repayment (13) - Cash dividends paid (17) (52) Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 2 3 Excess tax benefits related to share-based payments - 1 ------ ------ 953 (52) ------ ------ CASH USED BY CONTINUING OPERATIONS (613) (45) Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations Operating cash flows (1) (2) Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (16) 3 ------ ------ DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (630) (44) Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 886 897 ------ ------ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD $ 256 $ 853 ====== ====== DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION Functional Ingredients $ 77 $ - Water Technologies 66 19 Performance Materials 48 29 Consumer Markets 26 24 Distribution 21 18 Unallocated and other 6 15 ------ ------ $ 244 $ 105 ====== ====== ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Functional Ingredients $ 42 $ - Water Technologies 13 11 Performance Materials 16 33 Consumer Markets 19 20 Distribution 2 20 Unallocated and other 15 34 ------ ------ $ 107 $ 118 ====== ====== (a) Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold. Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Table 4 INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT (In millions - preliminary and unaudited) Three months ended Nine months ended June 30 June 30 ------------------ ----------------- 2009 2008 2009 2008 --------- -------- -------- -------- FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS (a) (b) Sales per shipping day $ 3.7 $ - $ 3.7 $ - Metric tons sold 41.2 - 112.0 - Gross profit as a percent of sales 27.6% - 23.1% - WATER TECHNOLOGIES (a) (b) Sales per shipping day $ 6.9 $ 3.8 $ 6.3 $ 3.5 Gross profit as a percent of sales 34.7% 37.2% 32.8% 37.9% PERFORMANCE MATERIALS (a) Sales per shipping day $ 4.1 $ 6.6 $ 4.5 $ 6.3 Pounds sold per shipping day 3.8 4.9 3.9 4.7 Gross profit as a percent of sales 16.9% 17.5% 17.3% 17.9% CONSUMER MARKETS (a) Lubricant sales (gallons) 45.7 43.8 116.4 125.7 Premium lubricants (percent of U.S. branded volumes) 29.0% 24.9% 28.5% 24.6% Gross profit as a percent of sales 37.5% 23.9% 30.8% 24.4% DISTRIBUTION (a) Sales per shipping day $11.1 $18.0 $12.0 $17.1 Pounds sold per shipping day 14.1 19.0 14.6 18.9 Gross profit as a percent of sales (c) 10.1% 7.8% 10.4% 7.6% (a) Sales are defined as sales and operating revenues. Gross profit is defined as sales and operating revenues, less cost of sales and operating expenses. (b) Industry segment results from November 14, 2008 forward include operations acquired from Hercules Incorporated. (c) Distribution's gross profit as a percentage of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 include a LIFO quantity credit of $3 million and $1 million, respectively, and $14 million and $5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Table 5 COMPONENTS OF OPERATING INCOME (In millions - preliminary and unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Consumer Functional Water Performance Markets Ingredients Technologies Materials (Valvoline) ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- OPERATING INCOME Severance $ - $ - $ (1) $ - Accelerated depreciation - - (9) - Joint venture plant closing costs - - (3) - All other operating income 24 31 8 95 ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- $ 24 $ 31 $ (5) $ 95 ========== ========== ========= ========== Unallocated Distribution & Other Total ------------ ----------- --------- OPERATING INCOME Severance $ (3) $ - $ (4) Accelerated depreciation - - (9) Joint venture plant closing costs - - (3) All other operating income 6 4 168 ---------- ---------- --------- $ 3 $ 4 $ 152 ========== ========== ========= http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040113/ASHLANDLOGODATASOURCE: Ashland Inc. CONTACT: Media Relations: Jim Vitak, +1-614-790-3715, , or Investor Relations: Eric Boni, +1-859-815-4454, , both of Ashland Web Site: http://www.ashland.com/

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ASH Ashley House Plc