Exhibit 99.15
(Text of graph posted to Ashland Inc.'s website concerning
operating segment trade working capital)
Operating Segment Trade Working Capital % of Annualized Sales * | ||||||
Monthly Actual (%) | ||||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||
January | 16.2 | 16.2 | ||||
February | 16.8 | 15.9 | ||||
March | 15.3 | 14.3 | ||||
April | 15.9 | 14.4 | ||||
May | 15.5 | 13.9 | ||||
June | 15.3 | 13.9 | ||||
July | 16.0 | 13.3 | ||||
August | 15.3 | 13.2 | ||||
September | 15.3 | 12.3 | ||||
October | 13.6 | 15.2 | ||||
November | 14.6 | 15.8 | ||||
December | 15.5 | 16.6 | ||||
* NOTE: Selected Working Capital Components - September 30, 2008 | ||||||
Unaudited Data | ||||||
($in millions) | Operating Segments (a) | Other Components | Total | |||
Accounts receivable (b) | 1,409 | 60 | (d) | 1,469 | ||
Inventories (c) | 694 | (200) | 494 | |||
(Less) Trade and other payables | (1,011) | (198) | (d) | (1,209) | ||
Net | 1,092 | (338) | 754 |
(a) | Represents amounts considered in 2008 internal performance metrics applicable to most employees. | |
(b) | Accounts receivable is shown net of allowances for doubtful accounts. | |
(c) | Operating segment amount excludes LIFO reserve, which is presented under Other Components. | |
(d) | Amount relates to items within Corporate reporting segments. |