BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on Ashland, PT Raised to $61

BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on Ashland, PT Raised to $61

BMO Capital Markets has maintained its market perform rating on Ashland Inc. (ASH) while increasing its price target to $61.00, according to a recent report. The new price target represents a 20.25% increase from the current stock price of $54.56, reflecting a positive outlook on the company's future performance [1].

The latest earnings report for Ashland, released on August 13, 2025, showed a loss of $742 million or $16.21 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Despite the loss, adjusted earnings per share were $1.04, down from $1.49 in the prior-year quarter. Sales were down 14.9% year over year to $463 million, with declines in several segments including Life Sciences, Personal Care, and Specialty Additives [2].

BMO's decision to maintain the market perform rating is based on the company's recent performance and the analysts' expectation of a gradual recovery. The increased price target reflects the analysts' belief that Ashland's portfolio optimization actions and divestitures of lower-margin products will lead to improved financial results in the long term.

Analysts' ratings for Ashland remain mixed, with a consensus rating of "Hold" based on five recent ratings from Wall Street analysts. The consensus price target is $65.60, with a high forecast of $84.00 and a low forecast of $53.00. The average predicted upside is 20.25% based on analysts' 12-month stock forecasts [1].

Investors should monitor Ashland's upcoming earnings releases and any further developments in the company's portfolio optimization strategy to gauge the potential impact on its stock price. As always, it is essential for investors to conduct their own research and consider their individual risk tolerance and investment objectives.

References:
[1] https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/ASH/forecast/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-ashland-ash-6-7-153004611.html