Expert Outlook: Ashland Through The Eyes Of 8 Analysts
Ratings for Ashland (NYSE:ASH) were provided by 8 analysts in the past three months, showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $60.88, a high estimate of $71.00, and a low estimate of $51.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $57.25, the current average has increased by 6.34%.
Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview
The standing of Ashland among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra Yates | Argus Research | Raises | Buy | $70.00 | $65.00 |
| Michael Sison | Wells Fargo | Raises | Equal-Weight | $60.00 | $51.00 |
| John Roberts | Mizuho | Raises | Outperform | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| John McNulty | BMO Capital | Raises | Outperform | $71.00 | $61.00 |
| John Roberts | Mizuho | Raises | Outperform | $60.00 | $54.00 |
| Michael Sison | Wells Fargo | Lowers | Equal-Weight | $51.00 | $52.00 |
| Stephen Richardson | Evercore ISI Group | Lowers | In-Line | $53.00 | $62.00 |
| Michael Sison | Wells Fargo | Lowers | Equal-Weight | $52.00 | $53.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Ashland. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
- Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Ashland compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts provide insights into price targets, offering estimates for the future value of Ashland's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.
Capture valuable insights into Ashland's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on Ashland analyst ratings.
Delving into Ashland's Background
Ashland Inc. is a specialty materials company serving markets including pharmaceuticals, personal care, food and beverages, coatings, construction, energy, and electronics. It operates through four segments: Life Sciences, Personal Care, Specialty Additives, and Intermediates. Life Sciences contributes the highest revenue, offering functional additives for pharmaceutical and nutrition applications. Personal Care provides ingredients for skin, hair, oral care, and household products, while Specialty Additives supplies performance-enhancing additives for coatings and. Intermediates produce BDO and related derivatives used in polymers, electronics, agriculture, and pharmaceutical applications. The company generates sales across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and regions.
Ashland: A Financial Overview
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is below the industry average, suggesting that it is relatively smaller compared to peers. This could be due to various factors, including perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Ashland's financials over 3M reveals challenges. As of 30 September, 2025, the company experienced a decline of approximately -8.62% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Materials sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 6.71%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ashland's ROE falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 1.69%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 0.69%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: Ashland's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.78.
Analyst Ratings: What Are They?
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.