Ashland Inc. Reports June Quarter Earnings
COVINGTON, Ky., July 22 -- The following was issued today by Ashland Inc. :
Fiscal 2003: Third quarter highlights
* Refining and marketing results improved despite high crude prices and
weak economy
* Ashland Distribution recovery continues
* APAC results down, reflecting continued above-normal precipitation
levels
* Ashland Specialty Chemical results off due to weak demand and plant
write-down
* Valvoline performing well
Quarter ended Nine months ended
June 30 June 30
In millions except earnings per share 2003 2002 2003 2002
Operating income $ 138 $ 132 $ 147 $ 225
Income from continuing operations $ 71 $ 61 $ 33 $ 75
Net income (loss) $ 70 $ 65 $ (61) $ 70
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Income from continuing operations $ 1.03 $ .87 $ .48 $ 1.06
Net income (loss) $ 1.01 $ .93 $ (.89) $ 1.00
Ashland Inc. today reported net income of $70 million, or $1.01 a share, for the quarter ended June 30, the third quarter of the company's 2003 fiscal year. These results compared to net income of $65 million, or 93 cents a share, for the June 2002 quarter. Ashland's income from continuing operations for the June 2003 quarter amounted to $71 million, or $1.03 a share, compared to $61 million, or 87 cents a share, for the quarter a year ago. A loss of $1 million from discontinued operations for the quarter just ended included the results of the Electronic Chemicals business group and an after-tax charge of $5 million for future asbestos liabilities less probable insurance recoveries. As previously announced, quarterly charges are being recognized to maintain asbestos reserves at a level adequate to cover estimated future payments over a rolling 10-year period.
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"The June quarter was very challenging," O'Brien said. "We continued to struggle with high energy costs, a sluggish economy, and poor weather conditions. However, we're doing the work now that will set the course for a successful future. There's a lot of change occurring at Ashland, and I believe it's only a matter of time before we start seeing solid results."
For the nine months ended June 30, 2003, Ashland reported a net loss of $61 million, or 89 cents a share, compared to net income of $70 million, or $1.00 a share for the same period last year. Ashland's income from continuing operations for the 2003 period totaled $33 million, or 48 cents a share, which compared to $75 million, or $1.06 a share, for the 2002 period. An after-tax charge of $104 million associated with estimated future asbestos liabilities less probable insurance recoveries, is reflected in discontinued operations for the 2003 period, along with the results of the Electronic Chemicals business group, which Ashland has agreed to sell to Air Products for approximately $300 million.
Review of operations
Commenting on operations, O'Brien noted that results from refining and marketing improved significantly over the previous year. Operating income totaled $100 million, compared to $66 million in the June 2002 quarter. Demand for petroleum products was soft in the quarter due to high crude oil prices and a weak industrial economy. However, MAP refineries operated well, and refining margins improved over last year.
Operating income from APAC was $17 million, compared to $42 million in last year's June quarter. APAC continues to suffer from adverse weather that has significantly hampered construction activity. Twelve of the 14 states in APAC's operating area experienced much higher than normal rainfall for the quarter, continuing the pattern that has persisted throughout this fiscal year. Construction backlog, which consists of work awarded and funded but not yet performed, continues to grow and was at a record high for the June quarter of $1.8 billion.
APAC also has completed its strategic reorganization, reducing the number of operating units to 24 from 38 and decreasing field overhead expenses by approximately $8 million per year. Additionally, financial shared services were implemented for four more operating units during the quarter, bringing to 11 the total number sharing financial services. This centralization of resources, resulting from the Project PASS business redesign effort, advances APAC's competitive position as a low-cost, operationally efficient organization.
Results from Ashland Distribution improved, with much stronger earnings compared to the previous year. Operating income for the June quarter was $11 million compared to $3 million in the 2002 quarter. Ashland Distribution continues to revitalize its business and to improve service to customers by aggressively implementing quality initiatives. As a result, unit sales volumes have increased 5 percent for the first nine months of the fiscal year, while revenues are up 11 percent for the same period.
Operating income for Ashland Specialty Chemical was $3 million in the June quarter and included an impairment charge of $10 million for a mothballed maleic anhydride production facility in Neville Island, Pa. These results compared to operating income of $20 million in the 2002 quarter. Demand for durable goods dipped by a combined 2.7 percent in April and May, adversely affecting sales volumes; however, volumes improved in June. In addition, Ashland Specialty Chemical's margins improved in June as previously announced price increases took effect. This trend should benefit profits going into the September quarter.
Commenting on the announced sale of Ashland Specialty Chemical's electronic chemicals business group to Air Products, O'Brien noted that this divestiture is an example of Ashland's strategic repositioning. "While this business is an excellent competitor, the semiconductor industry is not one of our major core markets. Consequently, we decided to monetize this asset and redeploy the proceeds elsewhere, in this case to strengthen our balance sheet." The Electronic Chemicals business has annual sales revenues of approximately $200 million. On July 16, Honeywell International filed suit in a Delaware state court seeking to enjoin this transaction. Honeywell claims the transaction would violate the strategic alliance agreement between Air Products and GEM Microelectronic Materials, a joint venture of Honeywell and Texas Ultrapure Inc. Ashland will join Air Products in contesting this action and expects the divestiture to be completed.
Valvoline continues to perform well. Operating income of $24 million in the June quarter nearly equaled the $25 million of a year ago. Although overall sales volumes declined, Valvoline increased share in a very soft market. Premium product sales volumes increased 7 percent. Valvoline Instant Oil Change had a record June quarter, due in part to a 20 percent increase in non-oil change revenues. In addition, results from Valvoline International improved due to better volumes in key markets and strengthening foreign currencies.
"Looking ahead, our goal is to be a top quartile performer versus our peers, and we are doing the work that will set the course for our continued, long-term success," O'Brien said. "We are focused on furthering the profitability plan I announced last October. We are becoming more operationally efficient, more strategically focused and more financially disciplined. The eventual result will be a much stronger company that better serves our owners and our customers."
Today at 10:00 a.m. (EDT), Ashland will provide a live audio webcast of its quarterly conference call with securities analysts. The webcast will be accessible through Ashland's Investor Relations website, www.ashland.com/investors. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Ashland website for 12 months. Minimum requirements to listen to the webcast include the free Windows MediaPlayer software and a 28.8 Kbps connection to the Internet.
Ashland Inc. is a Fortune 500 company providing products, services, and customer solutions throughout the world. Our businesses include road construction, specialty chemicals, lubricants, car-care products, chemical and plastics distribution and transportation fuels. Through the dedication of our employees, we are "The Who In How Things Work(TM)." Find us at www.ashland.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, with respect to Ashland's operating performance, earnings, and scope and effect of asbestos liabilities. These estimates are based upon a number of assumptions, including those mentioned within this news release. Such estimates are also based upon internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, weather, operating efficiencies and economic conditions, such as prices, supply and demand, cost of raw materials, and legal proceedings and claims (including environmental and asbestos matters). Although Ashland believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure the expectations reflected herein will be achieved. This forward- looking information may prove to be inaccurate and actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized or if other unexpected conditions or events occur. Other factors and risks affecting Ashland are contained in Ashland's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2002, as amended. Ashland undertakes no obligation to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
(TM) Trademark, Ashland Inc.
Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(In millions except per share data - unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
June 30 June 30
2003 2002 2003 2002
REVENUES
Sales and operating revenues $ 2,006 $ 1,997 $ 5,388 $ 5,315
Equity income 104 80 169 141
Other income 15 7 43 35
2,125 2,084 5,600 5,491
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,648 1,602 4,430 4,285
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 290 298 870 828
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization 49 52 153 153
1,987 1,952 5,453 5,266
OPERATING INCOME 138 132 147 225
Net interest and other financial
costs (31) (33) (97) (103)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
BEFORE INCOME TAXES 107 99 50 122
Income taxes (36) (38) (17) (47)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 71 61 33 75
Results from discontinued operations
(net of income taxes) (1) 4 (94) 7
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT
OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE 70 65 (61) 82
Cumulative effect of accounting
change (net of income taxes) -- -- -- (12)
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 70 $ 65 $ (61) $ 70
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Income from continuing operations $ 1.03 $ .87 $ .48 $ 1.06
Results from discontinued operations (.02) .06 (1.37) .10
Cumulative effect of accounting
change -- -- -- (.16)
Net income (loss) $ 1.01 $ .93 $ (.89) $ 1.00
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES AND ASSUMED
CONVERSIONS 69 70 69 70
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
APAC $ 683 $ 756 $ 1,615 $ 1,861
Ashland Distribution 733 670 2,081 1,875
Ashland Specialty Chemical 308 290 870 809
Valvoline 307 305 889 833
Intersegment sales (25) (24) (67) (63)
$ 2,006 $ 1,997 $ 5,388 $ 5,315
OPERATING INCOME
APAC $ 17 $ 42 $ (39) $ 64
Ashland Distribution 11 3 27 8
Ashland Specialty Chemical 3 20 21 50
Valvoline 24 25 56 53
Refining and Marketing (a) 100 66 145 111
Corporate (17) (24) (63) (61)
$ 138 $ 132 $ 147 $ 225
(a) Includes Ashland's equity income from Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC
(MAP), amortization related to Ashland's excess investment in MAP, and
other activities associated with refining and marketing.
Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions - unaudited)
June 30
2003 2002
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 112 $ 101
Accounts receivable 1,045 1,053
Inventories 512 469
Deferred income taxes 98 130
Current assets of discontinued
operations held for sale 198 60
Other current assets 186 128
2,151 1,941
Investments and other assets
Investment in Marathon Ashland
Petroleum LLC (MAP) 2,401 2,406
Goodwill 519 507
Asbestos insurance receivable
(noncurrent portion) 398 168
Noncurrent assets of discontinued
operations held for sale -- 146
Other noncurrent assets 345 380
3,663 3,607
Property, plant and equipment
Cost 2,949 2,912
Accumulated depreciation,
depletion and amortization (1,725) (1,603)
1,224 1,309
$ 7,038 $ 6,857
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Debt due within one year $ 296 $ 302
Trade and other payables 1,235 1,225
Current liabilities of discontinued
operations held for sale 28 23
Income taxes 16 53
1,575 1,603
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt (less current
portion) 1,564 1,600
Employee benefit obligations 493 400
Deferred income taxes 201 271
Reserves of captive insurance
companies 184 182
Asbestos litigation reserve
(noncurrent portion) 535 148
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued
operations held for sale -- 13
Other long-term liabilities and
deferred credits 346 378
3,323 2,992
Common stockholders' equity 2,140 2,262
$ 7,038 $ 6,857
Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(In millions - unaudited)
Nine months ended
June 30
2003 2002
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS
Income from continuing operations $ 33 $ 75
Expense (income) not affecting cash
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization (a) 153 153
Deferred income taxes 43 (104)
Equity income from affiliates (169) (141)
Distributions from equity
affiliates 114 120
Other items (1) --
Change in operating assets and
liabilities (b) (62) (96)
111 7
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
Proceeds from issuance of common
stock 1 11
Repayment of long-term debt (191) (58)
Repurchase of common stock -- (11)
Increase in short-term debt 243 85
Dividends paid (56) (57)
(3) (30)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENT
Additions to property, plant and
equipment (a) (84) (130)
Purchase of operations - net of cash
acquired (5) (12)
Proceeds from sale of operations 5 --
Other - net (6) 1
(90) (141)
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CONTINUING
OPERATIONS 18 (164)
Cash provided by discontinued
operations 4 29
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS $ 22 $ (135)
DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION AND
AMORTIZATION
APAC $ 82 $ 83
Ashland Distribution 15 16
Ashland Specialty Chemical 30 28
Valvoline 19 18
Corporate 7 8
$ 153 $ 153
ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND
EQUIPMENT
APAC $ 39 $ 86
Ashland Distribution 3 9
Ashland Specialty Chemical 22 16
Valvoline 12 13
Corporate 8 6
$ 84 $ 130
(a) Excludes amounts related to equity affiliates. Ashland's 38 percent
share of MAP's DD&A was $104 million in 2003 and $103 million in 2002,
and its share of MAP's capital expenditures was $224 million in 2003
and $154 million in 2002.
(b) Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold.
Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries
OPERATING INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT
(Unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
June 30 June 30
2003 2002 2003 2002
APAC
Construction backlog at June 30
(millions) (a) $ 1,824 $ 1,797
Hot-mix asphalt production (million
tons) 9.8 11.4 21.0 25.3
Aggregate production (million tons) 8.1 8.5 20.5 22.2
Ready-mix concrete production
(million cubic yards) 0.6 0.6 1.5 1.5
ASHLAND DISTRIBUTION (b)
Sales per shipping day (millions) $ 11.6 $ 10.5 $ 11.1 $ 10.0
Gross profit as a percent of sales 15.1% 15.6% 15.3% 16.3%
ASHLAND SPECIALTY CHEMICAL (b)
Sales per shipping day (millions) $ 4.9 $ 4.5 $ 4.6 $ 4.3
Gross profit as a percent of sales 33.1% 38.0% 33.8% 37.2%
VALVOLINE
Lubricant sales (million gallons) 49.2 53.7 142.2 145.5
Premium lubricants (percent of U.S.
branded volumes) 19.8% 17.2% 18.5% 15.7%
REFINING AND MARKETING (c)
Refinery runs (thousand barrels per
day)
Crude oil refined 951 973 878 930
Other charge and blend stocks 129 134 130 156
Refined product yields (thousand
barrels per day)
Gasoline 582 598 544 602
Distillates 292 308 276 298
Asphalt 76 77 69 71
Other 138 131 123 122
Total 1,088 1,114 1,012 1,093
Refined product sales (thousand
barrels per day) (d) 1,346 1,351 1,311 1,299
Refining and wholesale marketing
margin (per barrel) (e) $ 2.94 $ 2.18 $ 2.21 $ 1.89
Speedway SuperAmerica (SSA)
Retail outlets at June 30 1,802 2,081
Gasoline and distillate sales
(million gallons) 882 911 2,608 2,679
Gross margin - gasoline and
distillates (per gallon) $ .1229 $ .1116 $ .1134 $ .1032
Merchandise sales (millions) (f) $ 590 $ 612 $ 1,695 $ 1,736
Merchandise margin (as a percent of
sales) 23.9% 25.5% 24.4% 24.5%
(a) Includes APAC's proportionate share of the backlog of unconsolidated
joint ventures.
(b) Sales are defined as sales and operating revenues. Gross profit is
defined as sales and operating revenues, less cost of sales and
operating expenses, and depreciation and amortization relative to
manufacturing assets.
(c) Amounts represent 100% of MAP's operations, in which Ashland owns a
38% interest.
(d) Total average daily volume of all refined product sales to MAP's
wholesale, branded and retail (SSA) customers.
(e) Sales revenue less cost of refinery inputs, purchased products and
manufacturing expenses, including depreciation.
(f) Effective January 1, 2003, SSA adopted EITF 02-16, "Accounting by a
Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received
from a Vendor," which requires rebates from vendors to be recorded as
reductions to cost of sales. Rebates from vendors recorded in SSA
merchandise sales for periods prior to January 1, 2003 have not been
restated and included $38 million in the three months ended June 30,
2002; $46 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2003; and $129
million in the nine months ended June 30, 2002.
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