Why did Ashland lower its adjusted EPS outlook despite higher Q3 sales and improved profitability?

Ashland lowered its adjusted EPS outlook from mid-to-high-single digit growth to low-to-mid-single digit growth 'to reflect a higher tax rate associated with unfavorable discrete items,' as stated in the Outlook section of the news body.

What were the key drivers of Ashland's 7% year-over-year sales increase in Q3?

The 7% year-over-year sales increase to $497 million was driven by a 6% rise in sales volumes across all business units and continued pricing actions to recover higher raw material costs, as explicitly noted in the body: 'sales volumes rose 6% year over year, with gains across all business units' and 'teams continued to successfully recover higher raw material costs through pricing actions, preserving margins while maintaining strong customer relationships.'

Ashland Q3 sales rise 7%, trims EPS outlook on tax rate

Jul 29, 2026

Ashland Inc. reported a 7% Q3 sales increase driven by volume and pricing actions to offset raw material costs, though EPS guidance was lowered due to tax rates. Growth was led by Life Sciences and Personal Care, with Intermediates benefiting from battery application demand.

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