Exploring Ashland's Earnings Expectations
Ashland (NYSE:ASH) is set to give its latest quarterly earnings report on Monday, 2026-02-02. Here's what investors need to know before the announcement.
Analysts estimate that Ashland will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.24.
The market awaits Ashland's announcement, with hopes high for news of surpassing estimates and providing upbeat guidance for the next quarter.
It's important for new investors to understand that guidance can be a significant driver of stock prices.
Performance in Previous Earnings
Last quarter the company missed EPS by $0.15, which was followed by a 6.06% increase in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at Ashland's past performance and the resulting price change:
| Quarter | Q4 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS Estimate | 1.23 | 1.18 | 1.10 | 0.18 |
| EPS Actual | 1.08 | 1.04 | 0.99 | 0.28 |
| Price Change % | 6.00 | 6.00 | -10.00 | -10.00 |
Tracking Ashland's Stock Performance
Shares of Ashland were trading at $61.73 as of January 29. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 0.8%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release.
Analyst Insights on Ashland
For investors, grasping market sentiments and expectations in the industry is vital. This analysis explores the latest insights regarding Ashland.
The consensus rating for Ashland is Neutral, based on 8 analyst ratings. With an average one-year price target of $63.12, there's a potential 2.25% upside.
Peer Ratings Overview
The following analysis focuses on the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Quaker Houghton, Ingevity and H.B. Fuller, three prominent industry players, providing insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
- Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for Quaker Houghton, with an average 1-year price target of $171.0, suggesting a potential 177.01% upside.
- Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for Ingevity, with an average 1-year price target of $62.5, suggesting a potential 1.25% upside.
- Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for H.B. Fuller, with an average 1-year price target of $67.33, suggesting a potential 9.07% upside.
Peer Analysis Summary
The peer analysis summary presents essential metrics for Quaker Houghton, Ingevity and H.B. Fuller, unveiling their respective standings within the industry and providing valuable insights into their market positions and comparative performance.
| Company | Consensus | Revenue Growth | Gross Profit | Return on Equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | Neutral | -8.62% | $159M | 1.69% |
| Quaker Houghton | Outperform | 6.83% | $180.87M | 2.25% |
| Ingevity | Neutral | -0.21% | $133.90M | 33.62% |
| H.B. Fuller | Neutral | -3.09% | $282.08M | 1.50% |
Key Takeaway:
Ashland ranks at the bottom for Revenue Growth with a decrease of 8.62%. It is also at the bottom for Gross Profit at $159M. However, Ashland is in the middle for Return on Equity at 1.69%.
About Ashland
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: Financial Performance Dissected
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers.
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, Ashland faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -8.62% in revenue growth as of 30 September, 2025. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Materials sector.
Net Margin: Ashland's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 6.71%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
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.
To track all earnings releases for Ashland visit their earnings calendar on our site.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.