Is Ashland (ASH) Stock a Smart Buy for Long-Term Growth?

Ashland Global Holdings (NYSE:ASH) rose about 5.5% after Bloomberg reported the chemical maker is exploring a potential sale amid takeover interest. Bloomberg said Ashland is working with Citigroup and Lazard and has had contact from firms including Advent, Apollo, and Carlyle, with Standard Industries also interested. Deliberations are ongoing and no deal is assured.

Ashland Inc. reported Q3 2026 sales of $497 million and net income of $16 million, versus a year-earlier net loss, and reaffirmed full-year sales guidance of $1.84 billion to $1.87 billion. The company also added two independent directors and created a Capital Allocation Advisory Committee with a major shareholder, signaling a focus on cash deployment.

Ashland Inc (NYSE:ASH) reported Q2 earnings of $1.02 per share, above the 98 cents consensus, and sales of $497.0 million versus $485.979 million expected. The company kept FY2026 sales guidance at $1.835 billion to $1.870 billion. After the results, analysts at BMO and Mizuho raised price targets for ASH.

Ashland Global Holdings (ASH) shares rose 5.91% to $72.03 on Jul 28, driven by two simultaneous events. The company reported Q3 FY26 revenue of $497M (+7% YoY) and adjusted EPS of $1.02, beating estimates. It also confirmed a cooperation agreement with activist Ancora, adding independent directors and a capital allocation committee, with analysts citing activism in raised price targets of $77-$78.

ASHLAND INC. (ASH) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Results of Operations and Financial Condition. EX-99.1 2 ash-ex99_1.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1 Exhibit 99.1 Ashland reports third quarter 2026 results and reaffirms full-year sales & Adjusted EBITDA outlook • Sales of $497 million, up seven percent from the prior-year quarter • Income from continuing operations of $41 million, or $0

Bloomberg reports Ashland Inc. is nearing a settlement with activist Ancora Holdings Group that would add two directors to Ashland’s board and create a capital allocation committee, according to people familiar with the matter. The details are not public and could be announced as soon as today. Ancora disclosed a stake in Ashland in June and urged a sale; Cruiser Capital also launched a campaign.