UBS Reiterates Buy Rating for Ashland Inc. with $72 Target

On June 10, 2026, UBS analyst Joshua Spector reiterated a buy rating for Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), setting a price target of $72. This comes as Ashland's shares trade near $64.98, reflecting the firm's positive outlook on the specialty chemicals company.

What Changed in UBS's Ashland Inc. Position

UBS maintained its buy rating on Ashland, signaling continued confidence in the company's potential. The new price target of $72 suggests upside potential from the current trading level.

Other Institutional Activity in Ashland Inc.

Several major funds have adjusted their holdings in Ashland Inc. BlackRock, Inc. increased its position by 213,316 shares, resulting in a total of 4,294,911 shares valued at about $238.8 million. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. added 128,752 shares, bringing its total to 2,814,887 shares worth approximately $156.5 million. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake by 267,741 shares, ending with 2,496,021 shares valued at around $138.8 million.

Ashland Inc. Stock Snapshot

Shares of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) are trading near $64.98. The company has a market cap of roughly $2.98 billion and a forward P/E ratio of 14.9. Ashland's stock has a 52-week low of $46.3 and a high of $67.2, with a 50-day moving average of $56.59 and a 200-day moving average of $55.65. The company maintains a current ratio of 3.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 79.21.

Recent Earnings

Ashland Inc. reported revenue of $1.81 billion, with a slight growth of 0.6%. However, the company is not currently profitable, reflected in a negative net margin of -39% and a return on equity of -30.96%. The next earnings report is expected on April 28, 2026.

Dividend

Ashland pays an annual dividend of $1.67 per share, yielding 2.56%. The dividend payout ratio is 40%, indicating a sustainable dividend policy.

Insider Buying and Selling at Ashland Inc.

Recently, insider activity at Ashland Inc. included several transactions. On May 15, 2026, Loy Bertrand bought 1,741 shares at an average price of $54.50. On May 8, 2026, James Minicucci, SVP and GM of Personal Care, bought and sold shares, with purchases of 4,310 shares at $55.01 and sales of an equal amount at the same price. CEO Guillermo Novo also made significant purchases earlier in the year, acquiring 32,096 shares on February 6, 2026.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

On June 10, 2026, UBS maintained its buy rating for Ashland with a $72 price target. Seaport Global recently upgraded its rating to buy with a target of $75 on May 6, 2026. JP Morgan has maintained a buy rating with targets of $65 and $70 in recent months. Wells Fargo held its rating at hold with a target of $50.

About Ashland Inc.

Ashland Inc. is a specialty chemicals company based in Wilmington, Delaware. It operates across four segments: Life Sciences, Personal Care, Specialty Additives, and Intermediates. The company provides a wide range of products, including pharmaceutical solutions, personal care ingredients, and specialty additives. Founded in 1924, Ashland serves various consumer and industrial markets worldwide.

Bottom Line

UBS's reaffirmation of its buy rating for Ashland Inc. highlights the company's potential in the specialty chemicals sector. Investors often watch analyst ratings for insights, though they should remember these are backward-looking assessments. Ashland's diverse operations and strategic market presence make it a company to watch in the coming months.