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 | 12.2 | |||
November | 14.6 | 15.8 | ||||
December | 15.5 | 16.6 | ||||
* NOTE: Selected Working Capital Components - October 31, 2008 | ||||||
Unaudited Data | ||||||
($ in millions) | Operating Segments (a) | Other Components | Total | |||
Accounts receivable (b) | 1,334 | 59 | (d) | 1,393 | ||
Inventories (c) | 720 | (202) | 518 | |||
(Less) Trade and other payables | (998) | (176) | (d) | (1,174) | ||
Net | 1,056 | (319) | 737 |
(a) | Represents amounts considered for internal performance metrics. | |
(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. |