EXHIBIT 99.1
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Media Relations: Investor Relations:
Jim Vitak Daragh Porter
(614) 790-3715 (859) 815-3825
jevitak@ashland.com dlporter@ashland.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2006
ASHLAND INC. REPORTS PRELIMINARY NET INCOME
OF $1.29 PER SHARE FOR FISCAL THIRD QUARTER
Covington, Ky. - Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced the following
preliminary* results for its fiscal third quarter ended June 30, 2006:
o Net income was $93 million, or $1.29 per share, as compared with
$1,767 million, or $23.65 per share, in the June 2005 quarter. The
prior year included $22.87 per share of earnings related to the MAP
Transaction(a) and associated debt repayments.
o Chemical Sector operating income totaled $70 million, down 18 percent
versus the prior-year quarter, despite strong results from Ashland
Performance Materials.
- Performance Materials and Ashland Water Technologies, formerly
reported together as Ashland Specialty Chemical, are now being
disclosed as separate reporting segments in order to provide
stakeholders with a clearer understanding of Ashland's businesses as
the company evolves into a diversified chemical company.
- Performance Materials achieved record operating income of $41
million versus $33 million for the June 2005 quarter.
- Water Technologies' operating income of $9 million included an $8
million pre-tax ($5 million after-tax or $.07 per share) foreign
currency hedging gain on the Degussa acquisition and compares with
operating income of $2 million in the June 2005 quarter.
- Ashland Distribution earned operating income of $30 million,
slightly less than the prior-year quarter.
- Valvoline recorded an operating loss of $10 million as compared with
$19 million of operating income a year ago, as margin pressure
continued.
o Transportation Construction Sector operating income grew to a record
$68 million versus operating income of $41 million in the 2005 third
quarter.
"During the third quarter, two of our businesses--Performance
Materials and APAC--performed exceptionally well, while Distribution
delivered another solid quarter," said James J. O'Brien, Ashland chairman
and chief executive officer. "Valvoline's performance, however, continued
to suffer as rising lube stock costs and the resultant margin compression
led to a loss for the third quarter. In addition, we acquired the Degussa
AG water treatment business, part of our ongoing investment in the Water
Technologies business. We also entered into an exclusive negotiating period
with Oldcastle Materials Inc., regarding the possible sale of our APAC
subsidiary."
Performance Materials earned record operating income for the June 2006
quarter of $41 million, 24 percent above the $33 million of operating
income earned in the June 2005 quarter. Sales and operating revenues were
$370 million for the June 2006 quarter, a 3-percent decline from the June
2005 quarter. Volume declined 6 percent versus the 2005 quarter, excluding
businesses sold as part of the MAP transaction a year ago. However, gross
profit margins improved from 22.6 percent to 25.0 percent, driven by
optimization of our product mix, combined with aggressive price increases.
Distribution earned $30 million of operating income in the June 2006
quarter, slightly less than the prior year's record third quarter of $31
million. Performance for the quarter was primarily driven by volume growth
of 3 percent and lower selling, general and administrative costs, while
gross profit margins contracted to 9.3 percent from 10.0 percent a year
ago. Higher costs, primarily in chemicals, outpaced pricing to customers,
resulting in a near-term margin compression. Sales and operating revenues
increased 6 percent versus the June 2005 quarter to $1,050 million, a
record for the third quarter.
Valvoline recorded an operating loss of $10 million for the June 2006
quarter as compared with operating income of $19 million in the June 2005
quarter. Valvoline's sales and operating revenues were $366 million for the
quarter, a 3-percent increase over the June 2005 quarter. However,
Valvoline's performance primarily reflects lower margins, as ongoing rapid
increases in lube stock costs have not been fully offset by price increases
in the marketplace. Total volume declined 6 percent, which we believe is
consistent with the weak demand in its primary markets.
Water Technologies recorded operating income of $9 million for the
June 2006 quarter as compared with $2 million for the prior-year quarter.
Operating income for the 2006 quarter included a foreign currency hedging
gain of $8 million pre-tax on the Degussa acquisition price. Sales and
operating revenues grew 12 percent to $113 million. Results for the quarter
continued to be impacted by margin pressure, due to rising raw material
costs and the lag in passing through price increases.
The Transportation Construction Sector, known as Ashland Paving And
Construction, Inc. (APAC), earned $68 million of operating income for the
June 2006 quarter, beating the record $41 million it set in the June 2005
quarter. Revenues increased 18 percent to $838 million. APAC's excellent
performance primarily reflects strong pricing and favorable weather.
Hot-mix asphalt production was down 8 percent for the quarter, despite
lower-than-normal precipitation. At June 30, 2006, APAC's construction
backlog, which consists of work awarded and funded but not yet performed,
was $2.0 billion, 7 percent below the prior year. Asphalt tonnage in the
backlog declined 21 percent in the quarter versus a year ago. Governments,
whose road building, repair and maintenance budgets are generally
dollar-denominated, represent the primary customers of APAC. As asphalt and
aggregate prices rise, governments appear to be reducing their tonnage
demand.
Ashland's tax rate for the 2006 third quarter was 32 percent and for
the full year is currently expected to be 31 percent.
Commenting on the outlook for the remainder of the year, O'Brien
concluded, "We're pleased with Performance Materials' and Distribution's
results for the June quarter, which is typically their strongest of the
year. While this seasonal pattern is likely to continue, both businesses
should outperform the September 2005 quarter, barring unforeseen
circumstances. Valvoline and Water Technologies continue to be vulnerable
to rising raw material costs. We are disappointed in their performance and
are addressing expenses and reevaluating their business models in order to
counter their market challenges. The results of these efforts are not
likely to be seen for several months. In the meantime, Valvoline continues
to pass through raw materials cost increases, although on a delayed basis.
If raw materials cost increases subside, some improvement in margin should
occur in the September 2006 quarter, but we would expect results to be
below the September 2005 performance. Water Technologies should outperform
the September 2005 quarter, largely due to the Degussa acquisition. APAC
continues to benefit from improvements in its bidding and estimating
processes and should continue its strong performance relative to the prior
year in the September 2006 quarter, despite expected declines in volumes."
Today at 11 a.m. (EDT), Ashland will provide a live webcast of its
quarterly conference call with securities analysts. The webcast will be
accessible through Ashland's website, www.ashland.com. Following the live
event, an archived version of the webcast will be available for 12 months
at www.ashland.com/investors.
Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a FORTUNE 500 chemical and transportation
construction company providing products, services and customer solutions
throughout the world. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.
-0-
FORTUNE 500 is a registered trademark of Time Inc.
FOOTNOTES
(a) The "MAP Transaction" refers to the June 30, 2005, transfer of
Ashland's 38-percent interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP),
Ashland's maleic anhydride business and 60 Valvoline Instant Oil
Change centers in Michigan and northwest Ohio to Marathon Oil Corp.
*PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Financial results are preliminary until the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This
filing is expected to be made on or before August 9, 2006.
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, with respect to Ashland's operating
performance. These estimates are based upon a number of assumptions,
including those mentioned within this news release. Such estimates are also
based upon internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market
conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, weather, operating
efficiencies and economic conditions, such as prices, supply and demand,
cost of raw materials, and legal proceedings and claims (including
environmental and asbestos matters). 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 and risks
affecting Ashland are contained in Ashland's Form 10-K, as amended, for the
fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2005. 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
release.
Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Page 1
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(In millions except per share data - preliminary and unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
June 30 June 30
---------------------- -----------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
REVENUES
Sales and operating revenues $ 2,691 $ 2,492 $ 7,378 $ 6,731
Equity income 4 315 9 530
Other income 13 14 49 49
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
2,708 2,821 7,436 7,310
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales and operating expenses 2,252 2,074 6,217 5,678
Selling, general and administrative expenses 329 337 948 957
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
2,581 2,411 7,165 6,635
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME 127 410 271 675
Gain (loss) on the MAP Transaction (a) - 1,295 (2) 1,295
Loss on early retirement of debt - (143) - (145)
Net interest and other financing income (costs) 9 (31) 29 (89)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
BEFORE INCOME TAXES 136 1,531 298 1,736
Income tax (expense) benefit (43) 236 (90) 157
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 93 1,767 208 1,893
Results from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) - - (1) -
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME $ 93 $ 1,767 $ 207 $ 1,893
========== ========== ========== ==========
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income from continuing operations $ 1.29 $ 23.65 $ 2.87 $ 25.48
Results from discontinued operations - - (.01) -
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 1.29 $ 23.65 $ 2.86 $ 25.48
========== ========== ========== ==========
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES AND ASSUMED CONVERSIONS 72 75 72 74
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
APAC $ 838 $ 713 $ 2,053 $ 1,713
Performance Materials (b) 370 383 1,068 1,028
Distribution 1,050 987 3,046 2,837
Valvoline 366 354 1,030 987
Water Technologies (b) 113 101 310 290
Intersegment sales (46) (46) (129) (124)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 2,691 $ 2,492 $ 7,378 $ 6,731
========== ========== ========== ==========
OPERATING INCOME (c)
APAC $ 68 $ 41 $ 95 $ (6)
Performance Materials (b) 41 33 94 73
Distribution 30 31 95 80
Valvoline (10) 19 (6) 49
Water Technologies (b) 9 2 9 9
Refining and Marketing (d) - 290 - 486
Unallocated and other (11) (6) (16) (16)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 127 $ 410 $ 271 $ 675
========== ========== ========== ==========
(a) "MAP Transaction" refers to the June 30, 2005 transfer of Ashland's
38% interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP), Ashland's
maleic anhydride business and 60 Valvoline Instant Oil Change centers
in Michigan and northwest Ohio to Marathon Oil Corporation in a
transaction valued at approximately $3.7 billion.
(b) In June 2006, Ashland redefined its reporting segments in order to
provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of its businesses
as the company evolves into a diversified chemical company.
Performance Materials and Water Technologies were formerly combined
under Ashland Specialty Chemical. Prior periods have been conformed
to the current period presentation.
(c) In October 2005, Ashland refined its segment reporting to allocate
substantially all corporate expenses to Ashland's five operating
divisions, with the exception of certain legacy costs or items
clearly not associated with the operating divisions. Prior periods
have been conformed to the current period presentation.
(d) Includes Ashland's equity income from MAP, amortization related to
Ashland's excess investment in MAP and other activities associated
with refining and marketing through June 30, 2005.
Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Page 2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)
June 30
---------------------------
2006 2005
----------- ------------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 363 $ 692
Available-for-sale securities 621 -
Accounts receivable proceeds from the MAP Transaction - 913
Accounts receivable 1,759 1,520
Inventories 625 567
Deferred income taxes 96 113
Other current assets 153 125
----------- ------------
3,617 3,930
Investments and other assets
Goodwill and other intangibles 710 649
Asbestos insurance receivable (noncurrent portion) 446 374
Deferred income taxes 182 160
Other noncurrent assets 464 428
----------- ------------
1,802 1,611
Property, plant and equipment
Cost 3,463 3,219
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (1,949) (1,839)
----------- ------------
1,514 1,380
----------- ------------
$ 6,933 $ 6,921
=========== ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Debt due within one year $ 18 $ 78
Trade and other payables 1,420 1,358
Income taxes 48 71
----------- ------------
1,486 1,507
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt (less current portion) 70 90
Employee benefit obligations 417 444
Reserves of captive insurance companies 182 190
Asbestos litigation reserve (noncurrent portion) 592 534
Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits 385 409
----------- ------------
1,646 1,667
Stockholders' equity 3,801 3,747
----------- ------------
$ 6,933 $ 6,921
=========== ============
Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Page 3
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)
Nine months ended
June 30
--------------------------
2006 2005
----------- ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Net Income $ 207 $ 1,893
Results from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) 1 -
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations
to cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 159 141
Deferred income taxes 7 (515)
Equity income from affiliates (9) (530)
Distributions from equity affiliates 9 277
Loss (gain) on the MAP Transaction 2 (1,295)
Loss on early retirement of debt - 145
Change in operating assets and liabilities (a) (259) 5
Other items (2) (5)
----------- ------------
115 116
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 17 100
Excess tax benefits related to share-based payments 6 17
Repayment of long-term debt (7) (1,477)
Repurchase of common stock (138) -
Decrease in short-term debt - (40)
Cash dividends paid (59) (60)
----------- ------------
(181) (1,460)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Additions to property, plant and equipment (189) (285)
Purchase of operations - net of cash acquired (177) (152)
Proceeds from sale of operations 12 2,397
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (645) -
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 437 -
Purchase of accounts receivable - (150)
Other - net 11 9
----------- ------------
(551) 1,819
----------- ------------
CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY CONTINUING OPERATIONS (617) 475
Cash used by discontinued operations
Operating cash flows (5) (26)
----------- ------------
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ (622) $ 449
=========== ============
DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION
APAC $ 79 $ 67
Performance Materials (b) 22 24
Distribution 16 13
Valvoline 21 20
Water Technologies (b) 10 9
Unallocated and other 11 8
----------- ------------
$ 159 $ 141
=========== ============
ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
APAC $ 75 $ 155
Performance Materials (b) 31 23
Distribution 26 16
Valvoline 27 52
Water Technologies (b) 16 18
Unallocated and other 14 21
----------- ------------
$ 189 $ 285
=========== ============
(a) Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold.
(b) In June 2006, Ashland redefined its reporting segments in order to
provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of its businesses
as the company evolves into a diversified chemical company.
Performance Materials and Water Technologies were formerly combined
under Ashland Specialty Chemical. Prior periods have been conformed
to the current period presentation.
Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Page 4
OPERATING INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
June 30 June 30
-------------------------- --------------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
APAC
Construction backlog at June 30 (a) $ 1,951 $ 2,100
Net construction job revenues (b) $ 509 $ 424 $ 1,189 $ 966
Hot-mix asphalt production (tons) 8.7 9.5 20.7 21.0
Aggregate production (tons) 8.7 8.3 23.7 22.6
PERFORMANCE MATERIALS (c) (d)
Sales per shipping day $ 5.9 $ 6.0 $ 5.7 $ 5.5
Pounds sold per shipping day 5.1 5.9 5.0 5.6
Gross profit as a percent of sales 25.0% 22.6% 23.2% 20.2%
DISTRIBUTION (c)
Sales per shipping day $ 16.7 $ 15.4 $ 16.2 $ 15.1
Pounds sold per shipping day 19.6 19.1 19.0 19.2
Gross profit as a percent of sales 9.3% 10.0% 9.7% 9.8%
VALVOLINE (c)
Lubricant sales (gallons) 45.1 48.1 127.8 131.4
Premium lubricants (percent of U.S. branded volumes) 22.4% 24.3% 23.2% 23.5%
Gross profit as a percent of sales 20.2% 25.9% 21.4% 27.0%
WATER TECHNOLOGIES (c) (d)
Sales per shipping day $ 1.8 $ 1.6 $ 1.6 $ 1.5
Gross profit as a percent of sales 45.5% 46.9% 47.0% 48.1%
(a) Includes APAC's proportionate share of the backlog of unconsolidated
joint ventures.
(b) Total construction job revenues, less subcontract costs.
(c) Sales are defined as sales and operating revenues. Gross profit is
defined as sales and operating revenues, less cost of sales and
operating expenses.
(d) In June 2006, Ashland redefined its reporting segments in order to
provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of its businesses
as the company evolves into a diversified chemical company.
Performance Materials and Water Technologies were formerly combined
under Ashland Specialty Chemical. Prior periods have been conformed
to the current period presentation.