ASHLAND INC
10-Q, 2000-05-09
PETROLEUM REFINING
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                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549



                                 FORM 10-Q

          Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                      Securities Exchange Act of 1934




               FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2000

                       Commission file number 1-2918



                                ASHLAND INC.
                          (a Kentucky corporation)



                           I.R.S. No. 61-0122250
                        50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard
                               P. O. Box 391
                       Covington, Kentucky 41012-0391



                      Telephone Number: (859) 815-3333



     Indicate  by check  mark  whether  the  Registrant  (1) has  filed all
reports  required  to be filed  by  Section  13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934 during the  preceding  12 months (or for such shorter
period that the Registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has
been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

     At April 30, 2000, there were 70,574,938 shares of Registrant's Common
Stock  outstanding.  One  Right to  purchase  one-thousandth  of a share of
Series  A  Participating   Cumulative   Preferred  Stock  accompanies  each
outstanding share of Registrant's Common Stock.

==============================================================================


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                       PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Three months ended           Six months ended
                                                                                     March 31                    March 31
                                                                               -----------------------     -----------------------
 (In millions except per share data)                                              2000         1999           2000          1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>
 REVENUES

     Sales and operating revenues                                              $ 1,822      $ 1,503        $ 3,718       $ 3,149
     Equity income                                                                  51          139             88           100
     Other income                                                                   22           13             36            39
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
                                                                                 1,895        1,655          3,842         3,288
 COSTS AND EXPENSES

     Cost of sales and operating expenses                                        1,460        1,176          2,996         2,476
     Selling, general and administrative expenses                                  287          251            531           517
     Depreciation, depletion and amortization                                       58           52            115           103
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
                                                                                 1,805        1,479          3,642         3,096
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
 OPERATING INCOME                                                                   90          176            200           192
     Interest expense (net of interest income)                                     (45)         (34)           (88)          (67)
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                              45          142            112           125
     Income taxes                                                                  (20)         (55)           (47)          (49)
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                                  25           87             65            76
     Loss from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)                        (9)           -           (215)            -
     Costs of spin-off of discontinued operations (net of income taxes)             (3)           -             (3)            -
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
 INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY LOSS                                            13           87           (153)           76
     Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt (net of income taxes)           (2)           -             (2)            -
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
 NET INCOME (LOSS)                                                             $    11      $    87        $  (155)      $    76
                                                                               ==========   ==========     ==========    =========

 BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Note A
     Income from continuing operations                                         $   .35      $  1.17        $   .91       $  1.02
     Loss from discontinued operations                                            (.12)           -          (3.01)            -
     Costs of spin-off discontinued operations                                    (.04)           -           (.04)            -
     Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt                               (.03)           -           (.03)            -
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
     Net income (loss)                                                         $   .16      $  1.17        $ (2.17)      $  1.02
                                                                               ==========   ==========     ==========    =========
 DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Note A
     Income from continuing operations                                         $   .35      $  1.16        $   .91       $  1.01
     Loss from discontinued operations                                            (.12)           -          (3.01)            -
     Costs of spin-off discontinued operations                                    (.04)           -           (.04)            -
     Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt                               (.03)           -           (.03)            -
                                                                               ----------   ----------     ----------    ---------
     Net income (loss)                                                         $   .16      $  1.16        $ (2.17)      $  1.01
                                                                               ==========   ==========     ==========    =========

 DIVIDENDS PAID PER COMMON SHARE                                               $  .275      $  .275        $   .55       $   .55

</TABLE>


SEE NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                                                         2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               March 31         September 30            March 31
(In millions)                                                                      2000                 1999                1999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               ASSETS
                               ------

<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>                  <C>
CURRENT ASSETS

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                 $      64            $     110            $     90
    Accounts receivable                                                           1,179                1,242               1,072
    Allowance for doubtful accounts                                                 (21)                 (23)                (22)
    Inventories - Note A                                                            519                  464                 480
    Deferred income taxes                                                           104                  107                 120
    Other current assets                                                            145                  159                 111
                                                                              ----------           ----------           ---------
                                                                                  1,990                2,059               1,851
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

    Investment in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP)                            2,189                2,172               2,095
    Cost in excess of net assets of companies acquired                              484                  220                 224
    Investment in Arch Coal - discontinued operations                                36                  417                 422
    Other noncurrent assets                                                         308                  264                 340
                                                                              ----------           ----------           ---------
                                                                                  3,017                3,073               3,081
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

    Cost                                                                          2,935                2,649               2,544
    Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization                         (1,417)              (1,357)             (1,322)
                                                                              ----------           ----------           ---------
                                                                                  1,518                1,292               1,222
                                                                              ----------           ----------           ---------
                                                                              $   6,525            $   6,424            $  6,154
                                                                              ==========           ==========           =========
                LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                ------------------------------------

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    Debt due within one year                                                  $     413            $     219            $    441
    Trade and other payables                                                      1,196                1,135               1,115
    Income taxes                                                                    103                   42                  39
                                                                              ----------           ----------           ---------
                                                                                  1,712                1,396               1,595
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

    Long-term debt (less current portion)                                         1,947                1,627               1,481
    Employee benefit obligations                                                    415                  418                 426
    Deferred income taxes                                                            87                  226                  89
    Reserves of captive insurance companies                                         194                  175                 181
    Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits                                346                  382                 301
    Commitments and contingencies - Note D
                                                                              ----------           ----------           ---------
                                                                                  2,989                2,828               2,478

COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                       1,824                2,200               2,081
                                                                              ----------           ----------           ---------

                                                                              $   6,525            $   6,424            $  6,154
                                                                              ==========           ==========           =========

</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
                                                                        3


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Accumulated
                                                                                                                other
                                                          Common        Paid-in       Retained          comprehensive
(In millions)                                              stock        capital       earnings                   loss         Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                     <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>                    <C>
BALANCE AT OCTOBER 1, 1998                              $     76       $    602      $   1,501       $           (42)       $ 2,137
   Total comprehensive income (loss) (1)                                                    76                   (12)            64
   Cash dividends                                                                          (41)                                 (41)
   Issued common stock under
     Stock incentive plans                                                    5                                                   5
     Acquisitions of other companies                           1             43                                                  44
   Repurchase of common stock                                 (3)          (126)                                               (129)
   Other changes                                                              1                                                   1
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------      ----------------       --------
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 1999                               $     74       $    525      $   1,536       $           (54)       $ 2,081
                                                        =========      =========     ==========      ================       ========

BALANCE AT OCTOBER 1, 1999                              $     72       $    464      $   1,710       $           (46)       $ 2,200
   Total comprehensive income (loss) (1)                                                  (155)                   (8)          (163)
   Dividends
     Cash                                                                                  (39)                                 (39)
     Spin-off of Arch Coal shares                                                         (123)                                (123)
   Issued common stock for
     acquisitions of other companies                                          1                                                   1
   Repurchase of common stock                                 (2)           (50)                                                (52)
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------      ----------------       --------
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2000                               $     70       $    415      $   1,393       $           (54)       $ 1,824
                                                        =========      =========     ==========      ================       ========

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  (1)  Reconciliations of net income (loss) to total comprehensive income
       (loss) follow.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                          Three months ended              Six months ended
                                                                               March 31                       March 31
                                                                       ---------------------------    ---------------------------
          (In millions)                                                      2000           1999            2000           1999
          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                    <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
          Net income (loss)                                            $       11      $      87      $     (155)     $      76
          Unrealized translation adjustments                                   (4)           (13)            (14)           (11)
             Related tax benefit                                                2              3               6              3
          Unrealized losses on securities                                       -             (2)              -             (3)
            Related tax benefit                                                 -              1               -              1
          Gains on securities included in net income                            -             (1)              -             (3)
            Related tax expense                                                 -              -               -              1
                                                                       -----------     -----------    -----------     -----------
          Total comprehensive income (loss)                            $        9      $      75      $     (163)     $      64
                                                                       ===========     ===========    ===========     ===========

          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       At March 31, 2000,  the  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss was comprised of net unrealized  translation losses of
       $44 million and a minimum pension liability of $10 million.
</TABLE>


SEE NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                                                        4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Six months ended
                                                                                                             March 31
                                                                                                  --------------------------------
(In millions)                                                                                         2000                 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                                               <C>                  <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

    Income from continuing operations                                                             $     65             $     76
    Expense (income) not affecting cash
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization                                                         115                  103
      Deferred income taxes                                                                            (24)                   2
      Equity income from affiliates                                                                    (88)                (100)
      Distributions from equity affiliates                                                              68                  104
    Change in operating assets and liabilities (1)                                                      64                 (135)
                                                                                                  -----------          -----------
                                                                                                       200                   50

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING

    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                                           737                    -
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                                               -                    3
    Repayment of long-term debt                                                                       (356)                 (26)
    Repurchase of common stock                                                                         (52)                (129)
    Increase in short-term debt                                                                        129                  300
    Dividends paid (2)                                                                                 (39)                 (41)
                                                                                                  -----------          -----------
                                                                                                       419                  107

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENT

    Additions to property, plant and equipment                                                        (136)                (102)
    Purchase of operations - net of cash acquired (3)                                                 (550)                 (24)
    Investment purchases (4)                                                                           (12)                 (73)
    Investment sales and maturities (4)                                                                  7                   94
    Other - net                                                                                         24                    5
                                                                                                  -----------          -----------
                                                                                                      (667)                (100)
                                                                                                  -----------          -----------
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                                          (48)                  57
    Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations                                                      2                   (1)
                                                                                                  -----------          -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                       (46)                  56

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                                        110                   34
                                                                                                  -----------          -----------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD                                                         $     64             $     90
                                                                                                  ===========          ===========

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1)  Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold.
(2)  The 2000 amount  excludes  the dividend of Arch Coal shares to Ashland
     shareholders  which  resulted  in a $123  million  charge to  retained
     earnings.
(3)  Amounts exclude acquisitions through the issuance of common stock of $1
     million in 2000 and $44 million in 1999.
(4)  Represents primarily investment transactions of captive insurance
     companies.


SEE NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                                                        5
<PAGE>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

         INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORTING

         The  accompanying   unaudited  condensed   consolidated  financial
         statements   have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  generally
         accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and
         Securities  and Exchange  Commission  regulations.  Although  such
         statements are subject to any year-end audit adjustments which may
         be  necessary,  in the  opinion  of  management,  all  adjustments
         (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for
         a fair presentation have been included. These financial statements
         should be read in conjunction with Ashland's Annual Report on Form
         10-K for the fiscal  year ended  September  30,  1999.  Results of
         operations   for  the  periods  ended  March  31,  2000,  are  not
         necessarily  indicative  of  results to be  expected  for the year
         ending September 30, 2000.

         INVENTORIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             March 31        September 30            March 31
           (In millions)                                                         2000                1999                1999
           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>                 <C>
           Chemicals and plastics                                             $   385              $  358              $  370
           Construction materials                                                  79                  55                  53
           Petroleum products                                                      56                  45                  53
           Other products                                                          54                  55                  49
           Supplies                                                                 7                   5                   8
           Excess of replacement costs over LIFO carrying values                  (62)                (54)                (53)
                                                                              --------             -------             -------
                                                                              $   519              $  464              $  480
                                                                              ========             =======             =======
</TABLE>
         EARNINGS PER SHARE

         The  following  table  sets  forth  the  computation  of basic and
         diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Three months ended             Six months ended
                                                                                March 31                      March 31
                                                                          -----------------------       -----------------------
            (In millions except per share data)                               2000         1999              2000         1999
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>          <C>              <C>           <C>
            NUMERATOR

            Numerator for basic and diluted EPS - Income from
               continuing operations                                      $     25     $     87         $      65     $     76
                                                                          ==========   ==========       ===========   ==========
            DENOMINATOR

            Denominator for basic EPS - Weighted average
               common shares outstanding                                        71           74                71           74
            Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options                -            1                 -            1
                                                                          ----------   ----------       -----------   ----------
            Denominator for diluted EPS - Adjusted weighted
               average shares and assumed conversions                           71           75                71           75
                                                                          ==========   ==========       ===========   ==========

            BASIC EPS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                          $    .35     $   1.17         $     .91     $   1.02
            DILUTED EPS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                        $    .35     $   1.16         $     .91     $   1.01

</TABLE>

                                                                        6
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE B - UNUSUAL ITEMS

         DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

         On March  16,  2000,  Ashland's  Board  of  Directors  approved  a
         spin-off of 17.4  million  shares of its Arch Coal Common Stock to
         Ashland's shareholders of record on March 24, 2000, in the form of
         a taxable dividend.  The spin-off resulted in a charge to retained
         earnings of $123 million, with no gain or loss recorded.  However,
         Ashland accrued $5 million of costs related to the spin-off and an
         offsetting tax benefit of $2 million.  Ashland intends, subject to
         then-existing market conditions but within one year, to dispose of
         its  remaining  4.7  million  Arch  shares  in  a  transaction  or
         transactions  that  qualify  as a  sale  for  federal  income  tax
         purposes.  Accordingly,  results  from the Arch Coal  segment  are
         shown as  discontinued  operations  with prior  periods  restated.
         Components  of  amounts  reflected  in the income  statements  are
         presented in the following table. Results for the six months ended
         March 31,  2000,  include a net loss of $203  million  related  to
         asset  impairment  and  restructuring  costs,  largely  due to the
         write-down  of  assets  at  Arch's  Dal-Tex  and  Hobet 21  mining
         operations and certain coal reserves in central Appalachia.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Three months ended              Six months ended
                                                                                March 31                       March 31
                                                                       --------------------------     ---------------------------
           (In millions)                                                    2000           1999             2000            1999
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>
           Revenues - Equity loss                                       $     (9)      $      -        $    (246)      $       -
           Costs and expenses - SG&A expenses                                 (1)             -               (1)             (1)
                                                                       -----------    -----------     ------------    ------------
           Operating loss                                                    (10)             -             (247)             (1)
           Income tax benefit                                                  1              -               32               1
                                                                       -----------    -----------     ------------    ------------
           Loss from discontinued operations                            $     (9)      $      -        $    (215)      $       -
                                                                       ===========    ===========     ============    ============

</TABLE>
         EXTRAORDINARY LOSS

         During the quarter  ended March 31,  2000,  Ashland  refunded  $36
         million of pollution control revenue bonds and repaid $285 million
         of the $600 million  floating-rate  bank credit  agreement used to
         fund  the  acquisition  of the  U.S.  construction  operations  of
         Superfos a/s. The redemption premium on the bonds and write-off of
         unamortized  deferred  debt issuance  expenses  resulted in pretax
         charges  totaling $3 million which,  net of income tax benefits of
         $1 million,  resulted in an extraordinary loss on early retirement
         of debt of $2 million.

         OTHER

         Marathon  Ashland  Petroleum  LLC  (MAP)  maintains  an  inventory
         valuation  reserve to reduce the LIFO cost of its  inventories  to
         their net  realizable  values.  Adjustments  in that  reserve  are
         recognized quarterly based on changes in petroleum product prices,
         creating  non-cash  charges or credits to Ashland's  earnings.  No
         adjustments  to the reserve  were  required  during the March 2000
         periods.


                                     7

<PAGE>



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE B - UNUSUAL ITEMS (continued)

         The  following  tables show the effects of these  unusual items on
         Ashland's  operating  income,  net income and diluted earnings per
         share for the periods ended March 31, 2000, and 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Three months ended              Six months ended
                                                                               March 31                       March 31
                                                                       --------------------------     ---------------------------
           (In millions except per share data)                              2000            1999           2000            1999
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
           Operating income before unusual items                         $    90       $      44       $    200        $    153
             MAP inventory valuation adjustments                               -             132              -              39
                                                                       -----------    -----------     ------------    ------------
           Operating income as reported                                  $    90       $     176       $    200        $    192
                                                                       ===========    ===========     ============    ============

           Net income before unusual items                               $    25       $       6       $     65        $     52
             Loss from discontinued operations                                (9)              -           (215)              -
             Costs of spin-off of discontinued operations                     (3)              -             (3)              -
             Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt                   (2)              -             (2)              -
             MAP inventory valuation adjustments                               -              81              -              24
                                                                       -----------    -----------     ------------    ------------
           Net income (loss) as reported                                 $    11       $      87       $   (155)       $     76
                                                                       ===========    ===========     ============    ============

           Diluted earnings per share before unusual items              $    .35       $     .08       $    .91        $    .70
             Impact of unusual items                                        (.19)           1.08          (3.08)            .31
                                                                       -----------    -----------     ------------    ------------
           Diluted earnings (loss) per share as reported                $    .16       $    1.16       $  (2.17)       $   1.01
                                                                       ===========    ===========     ============    ============
</TABLE>

NOTE C - UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

         Ashland  is  required  by  Rule  3-09  of  Regulation  S-X to file
         separate financial  statements for its significant  unconsolidated
         affiliate,   Marathon  Ashland  Petroleum  LLC  (MAP).   Ashland's
         ownership  position  in Arch  Coal,  Inc.  met those  same  filing
         requirements  prior to the spin-off described in Note B. Financial
         statements  for MAP and Arch Coal for the year ended  December 31,
         1999,  were filed on a Form  10-K/A on March 21,  2000.  Unaudited
         income statement information for MAP is shown below.

         MAP is organized as a limited  liability  company that has elected
         to  be  taxed  as  a  partnership.   Therefore,  the  parents  are
         responsible  for income taxes  applicable  to their share of MAP's
         taxable  income.  The net income  reflected below for MAP does not
         include any  provision  for income taxes which will be incurred by
         its parents.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Three months ended                 Six months ended
                                                                               March 31                          March 31
                                                                    -----------------------------   -------------------------------
           (In millions)                                                    2000             1999             2000             1999
           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>              <C>               <C>
           MAP
              Sales and operating revenues                             $   6,515        $   4,184        $  12,518         $  8,882
              Income from operations                                         147              383              253              292
              Net income
                Including inventory valuation adjustments                    146              381              257              293
                Excluding inventory valuation adjustments                    146               33              257              189
              Ashland's equity income
                Including inventory valuation adjustments                     49              138               85               97
                Excluding inventory valuation adjustments                     49                6               85               58

</TABLE>
                                                                        8

<PAGE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE D - LITIGATION, CLAIMS AND CONTINGENCIES

         Ashland  is  subject   to   various   federal,   state  and  local
         environmental  laws  and  regulations  that  require   remediation
         efforts  at  multiple   locations,   including  current  operating
         facilities, operating facilities conveyed to MAP, previously owned
         or operated  facilities,  and Superfund or other waste sites.  For
         information   regarding    environmental    reserves,    see   the
         "Miscellaneous - Environmental  Matters" section of Ashland's Form
         10-K.

         Environmental   reserves   are   subject  to   numerous   inherent
         uncertainties  that affect Ashland's ability to estimate its share
         of the  ultimate  costs  of  required  remediation  efforts.  Such
         uncertainties  involve the nature and extent of  contamination  at
         each site, the extent of required  cleanup  efforts under existing
         environmental  regulations,  widely  varying  costs  of  alternate
         cleanup  methods,  changes  in  environmental   regulations,   the
         potential   effect  of  continuing   improvements  in  remediation
         technology,  and  the  number  and  financial  strength  of  other
         potentially  responsible parties at multiparty sites. Reserves are
         regularly  adjusted as  environmental  assessments and remediation
         efforts proceed.

         In addition to these  matters,  Ashland and its  subsidiaries  are
         parties to numerous  other claims and lawsuits,  some of which are
         for substantial amounts.  While these actions are being contested,
         the  outcome  of  individual   matters  is  not  predictable  with
         assurance.

         Ashland does not believe that any liability  resulting from any of
         the above matters,  after taking into  consideration its insurance
         coverage and amounts  already  provided  for, will have a material
         adverse effect on its consolidated financial position,  cash flows
         or liquidity.  However,  such matters could have a material effect
         on results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year as
         they develop or as new issues are identified.

NOTE E - ACQUISITIONS

         In October 1999,  Ashland  completed its tender offer for Superfos
         a/s, a Denmark based  industrial  company.  In November 1999, in a
         series of  transactions,  Ashland sold the businesses of Superfos,
         other than its U.S. construction operations, to a unit of Industri
         Kapital,   a  European   private  equity  fund.  In  the  November
         transactions,  Ashland received from Industri Kapital a short-term
         note for $285  million,  which  was  redeemed  in the  March  2000
         quarter.  Ashland's net cost for the U.S. construction business of
         Superfos  was  approximately  $537  million.  Prior  to  Ashland's
         acquisition,   these  operations  generated  sales  and  operating
         revenues  of $557  million  and  operating  income of $30  million
         during the year ended September 30, 1999.

         Primarily  as a result of this  acquisition,  APAC's  total assets
         increased  from $996  million  at  September  30,  1999,  to $1.55
         billion at March 31, 2000. APAC's capital employed  increased from
         $663 million at September 30, 1999, to $1.152 billion at March 31,
         2000. The  acquisition  was funded with short-term debt and a $600
         million,  floating-rate  bank  credit  agreement  that  matures in
         increasing  payments  between 2000 and 2004.  Ashland  repaid $285
         million of the bank  credit  agreement  in the March 2000  quarter
         upon redemption of the note described above. Primarily as a result
         of this new debt and the  charges  to equity  related to Arch Coal
         (see Note B),  Ashland's debt amounted to 56% of capital  employed
         at March 31, 2000, compared to 46% at September 30, 1999.

                                     9
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Three months ended                    Six months ended
                                                                             March 31                             March 31
                                                                    -----------------------------       ---------------------------
(In millions)                                                             2000             1999               2000             1999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>
REVENUES
   Sales and operating revenues
     APAC                                                           $      431       $      262         $    1,036       $      691
     Ashland Distribution                                                  812              716              1,580            1,422
     Ashland Specialty Chemical                                            323              304                637              613
     Valvoline                                                             286              250                524              484
     Intersegment sales
       Ashland Distribution                                                 (9)              (8)               (19)             (17)
       Ashland Specialty Chemical                                          (20)             (20)               (39)             (41)
       Valvoline                                                            (1)              (1)                (1)              (3)
                                                                    ------------     ------------       ------------     -----------
                                                                         1,822            1,503              3,718            3,149
   Equity income
     Ashland Specialty Chemical                                              1                1                  2                3
     Valvoline                                                               1                -                  1                -
     Refining and Marketing                                                 49              138                 85               97
                                                                    ------------     ------------       ------------     -----------
                                                                            51              139                 88              100
   Other income
     APAC                                                                    5                2                  6                5
     Ashland Distribution                                                    3                2                  5                4
     Ashland Specialty Chemical                                              7                5                 13                9
     Valvoline                                                               2                1                  3                3
     Refining and Marketing                                                  2                3                  5               11
     Corporate                                                               3                -                  4                7
                                                                    ------------     ------------       ------------     -----------
                                                                            22               13                 36               39
                                                                    ------------     ------------       ------------     -----------
                                                                    $    1,895       $    1,655         $    3,842       $    3,288
                                                                    ============     ============       ============     ===========
OPERATING INCOME (1)
   APAC                                                             $        1       $        2         $       38       $       28
   Ashland Distribution                                                     14               13                 27               25
   Ashland Specialty Chemical                                               24               21                 53               49
   Valvoline                                                                23               13                 34               24
   Refining and Marketing                                                   45              138                 78               97
   Corporate                                                               (17)             (11)               (30)             (31)
                                                                    ------------     ------------       ------------     -----------
                                                                    $       90       $      176         $      200       $      192
                                                                    ============     ============       ============     ===========


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)      See Note B to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of unusual items.

</TABLE>


                                                                        10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Three months ended                 Six months ended
                                                                               March 31                          March 31
                                                                      -----------------------------     ----------------------------
                                                                            2000            1999             2000            1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>
OPERATING INFORMATION
   APAC
     Construction backlog at March 31 (millions)                                                        $   1,388        $    872
     Hot mix asphalt production (million tons)                             5.2             3.1               14.0             9.9
     Aggregate production (million tons)                                   5.5             4.1               11.9             9.3
     Ready-mix concrete production (thousand cubic yards)                  629             289              1,226             621
   Ashland Distribution (1)
     Sales per shipping day (millions)                                $   12.5        $   11.4          $    12.5        $   11.4
     Gross profit as a percent of sales                                   15.4%           16.3%              15.5%           16.0%
   Ashland Specialty Chemical (1)
     Sales per shipping day (millions)                                $    5.0        $    4.8          $     5.1        $    4.9
     Gross profit as a percent of sales                                   34.4%           35.5%              35.2%           35.8%
   Valvoline lubricant sales (thousand barrels per day)                   13.3            12.3               12.3            11.9
   Refining and Marketing (2)
     Refined products sold (thousand barrels per day)                    1,219           1,121              1,270           1,181
     Crude oil refined (thousand barrels per day)                          851             848                838             855
     Merchandise sales (millions)                                     $    541        $    459          $   1,084        $    946
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1)  Sales are defined as sales and  operating  revenues.  Gross  profit is
     defined  as sales  and  operating  revenues,  less  cost of sales  and
     operating  expenses,  less  depreciation and amortization  relative to
     manufacturing assets.
(2)  Amounts represent 100 percent of the volumes of MAP, in which Ashland
     owns a 38 percent interest.



                                                                        11
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         CURRENT  QUARTER -  Ashland's  net income was $11  million for the
         quarter  ended  March 31,  2000,  compared  to $87 million for the
         quarter ended March 31, 1999. Excluding unusual items described in
         Note B to the Condensed  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  net
         income amounted to $25 million in the 2000 period,  compared to $6
         million  in the  1999  period.  The  increase  reflected  improved
         refining margins for Marathon Ashland  Petroleum (MAP), as well as
         a 25%  improvement  in combined  operating  income from  Ashland's
         wholly owned businesses.  Valvoline showed the biggest improvement
         on the  strength  of  higher  earnings  from  the  sales  of  R-12
         refrigerant.  Five of Ashland Specialty  Chemical's seven business
         units  reported  profit  improvements.  Strong  performances  from
         adhesives and electronic  chemicals more than offset the impact of
         margin  compression in polyester resins and petrochemical  product
         lines, which faced rising raw material costs. Ashland Distribution
         was up slightly from last year's  quarter,  while APAC operated at
         near breakeven  levels.  Partially  offsetting the improvements in
         operating income was higher interest  expense  resulting from debt
         incurred to purchase the U.S. construction  operations of Superfos
         a/s.

         YEAR-TO-DATE  - For the six months ended March 31,  2000,  Ashland
         recorded a net loss of $155 million, compared to net income of $76
         million for the six months ended March 31, 1999. Excluding unusual
         items,  net income  amounted  to $65  million in the 2000  period,
         compared  to $52  million  in the  1999  period.  The  improvement
         reflects  a  20%  increase  in  combined   operating  income  from
         Ashland's  wholly owned  businesses and improved  refining margins
         for MAP. Though all four of the wholly owned businesses  improved,
         the biggest  increases came from  Valvoline and APAC.  Valvoline's
         improvement  reflects the net effects of higher  earnings from the
         sales of R-12  refrigerant and antifreeze,  and reduced  lubricant
         margins.  APAC's results  benefited from the Superfos  acquisition
         and a change in estimated depreciable lives and salvage values for
         its construction  equipment.  Ashland Specialty  Chemical improved
         reflecting   strong   performances  in  adhesives  and  electronic
         chemicals.  Ashland Distribution was up despite margin compression
         in  the  chemicals  and  solvents   business,   reflecting  strong
         performances  in the  plastics  and fine  ingredients  units.  The
         increases  in  operating  income were  partially  offset by higher
         interest expense resulting from increased debt levels.

         APAC

         CURRENT  QUARTER  -  Operating  income  from  APAC's  construction
         operations  amounted  to $1 million  for the March  2000  quarter,
         compared  to $2  million  in the  March  1999  quarter.  Given the
         seasonality  of  highway   construction,   the  March  quarter  is
         typically  the  slowest  period in the  construction  season.  The
         current   year  period   reflects  a  $5  million   reduction   in
         depreciation  expense  related to changes in the estimated  useful
         lives  and  salvage  values  of  APAC's  construction   equipment.
         However,  this  favorable  effect  was more than  offset by higher
         liquid  asphalt costs and adverse winter weather in many of APAC's
         operating areas.

         YEAR-TO-DATE  - For the six  months  ended  March 31,  2000,  APAC
         reported operating income of $38 million,  compared to $28 million
         for the same period of 1999.  The increase  reflects a $10 million
         benefit from the change in depreciation  described  above, as well
         as  operating  income  from the U.S.  construction  operations  of
         Superfos  (see  Note E to  the  Condensed  Consolidated  Financial
         Statements).  Partially  offsetting  these  positive  factors were
         higher liquid asphalt costs and poor weather  conditions in APAC's
         markets  during  January 2000.  Net revenue  increased  18%, while
         production of hot mix asphalt was up 42%, crushed aggregate was up
         28%, and ready-mix  concrete was up 97% from the 1999 period.  The
         construction  backlog  at  March  31,  2000,  amounted  to  $1.388
         billion,  up 59%  from a year  ago  and  the  highest  in  company
         history.  This growth  reflects  APAC's  acquisitions,  as well as
         robust highway funding.


                                     12

<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         APAC (continued)

         As a result of the  Superfos  acquisition,  17 other  acquisitions
         completed  since the  beginning  of fiscal 1999, the growth of the
         historical APAC businesses and the change in depreciation, Ashland
         expects APAC to generate  operating income of roughly $170 million
         in fiscal 2000, up from $108 million in fiscal 1999.

         ASHLAND DISTRIBUTION

         CURRENT QUARTER - Ashland  Distribution  reported operating income
         of $14 million for the quarter  ended March 31, 2000,  compared to
         $13 million for last year's March quarter.  Industrial Chemicals &
         Solvents  felt the  impact  of margin  compression,  due to higher
         costs for  hydrocarbon-based  products.  The  impact was more than
         offset  by  improvements   in  each  of  the  other   distribution
         businesses.  Strong sales volumes were achieved in thermoplastics,
         fine  ingredients,  chemical   distribution  and  fiber-reinforced
         plastics.   In  addition,   losses  from  the  European   plastics
         operations  have  declined  due to an  improvement  in their gross
         profit percentage.

         YEAR-TO-DATE  - For the six months ended March 31,  2000,  Ashland
         Distribution reported operating income of $27 million, compared to
         $25  million for the same period of 1999.  Sales  volumes  were up
         over the prior year, but much of that increase was offset by lower
         gross profit  percentages,  due to higher product costs. As in the
         current quarter comparison,  IC&S declined due to higher costs for
         petroleum-based raw materials that adversely affected margins, but
         the effects  were more than offset by better  results from each of
         the other distribution businesses.

         ASHLAND SPECIALTY CHEMICAL

         CURRENT  QUARTER - For the quarter  ended March 31, 2000,  Ashland
         Specialty  Chemical  reported  operating  income  of $24  million,
         compared to $21 million reported for the March 1999 quarter.  Five
         of the seven  specialty  chemical  business units reported  profit
         improvements.  Specialty  Polymers & Adhesives set a new quarterly
         record for operating income and Electronic Chemicals is rebounding
         well,  as last year's  results  were still  being  affected by the
         lingering impact of the worldwide semiconductor  recession.  These
         improvements  were  partially  offset  by  declines  in  Composite
         Polymers and Petrochemicals,  as rising raw material and feedstock
         costs squeezed margins for polyester resins and maleic anhydride.

         YEAR-TO-DATE  - For the six months ended March 31,  2000,  Ashland
         Specialty  Chemical  reported  operating  income  of $53  million,
         compared to $49 million for the first six months of 1999. The same
         factors discussed in the current quarter comparison above affected
         the year-to-date comparison.

         VALVOLINE

         CURRENT QUARTER - For the quarter ended March 31, 2000,  Valvoline
         reported  operating income of $23 million, a 79% increase compared
         to $13  million  for the March  1999  quarter.  The  increase  was
         primarily  the  result of higher  earnings  from the sales of R-12
         refrigerant.  Valvoline  Instant Oil Change  (VIOC)  posted record
         March quarter results,  reflecting higher car counts,  improvement
         in the  average  ticket  price,  and a gain on the sale of certain
         service centers.  Valvoline International earnings improved due to
         better results from operations in Europe,  Asia/Pacific  and Latin
         America.  Also  contributing  to Valvoline's  improvement  was the
         elimination of losses incurred by First  Recovery,  which was sold
         late in fiscal 1999. The core lubricants  business showed a slight
         decline despite increased volumes,  reflecting  continued pressure
         on margins  resulting  from base oil and other raw  material  cost
         increases.   Price  increases  for  lubricants  went  into  effect
         February  14, and the  favorable  impacts were seen in results for
         both February and March.

                                    13
<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         VALVOLINE (CONTINUED)

         YEAR-TO-DATE - For the six months ended March 31, 2000,  Valvoline
         reported operating income of $34 million,  compared to $24 million
         for the same  period  of 1999,  a 46%  improvement.  The  increase
         primarily  reflects  the net effects of higher  earnings  from the
         sales of R-12  refrigerant and antifreeze,  and reduced  lubricant
         margins  attributed to increasing  raw material  costs.  Valvoline
         International   earnings  improved  due  to  better  results  from
         operations in Europe,  Australia,  Asia/Pacific and Latin America.
         VIOC reported record income,  primarily due to improvements in car
         counts and the average  ticket price.  The  elimination  of losses
         incurred by First Recovery in 1999 also contributed to Valvoline's
         improvement.

         REFINING AND MARKETING

         CURRENT  QUARTER - Operating  income from  Refining and  Marketing
         amounted to $45 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2000. This
         compares  to $6  million  for the  quarter  ended  March 31,  1999
         (excluding $132 million in favorable  inventory  market  valuation
         adjustments). Results for both periods include Ashland's 38% share
         of MAP's earnings,  amortization of Ashland's excess investment in
         MAP,  and  results  of certain  retained  refining  and  marketing
         activities.  MAP experienced  significant improvement in wholesale
         refining  margins during the March 2000 quarter.  Refined  product
         sales volumes also increased, primarily reflecting the acquisition
         of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock's marketing assets in Michigan in the
         December 1999 quarter.  Retail operations  declined,  however,  as
         retail  prices  did not keep pace  with  wholesale  product  price
         increases,  resulting  in  retail  margin  compression.  Partially
         offsetting this decline were increased merchandise sales volumes.

         YEAR-TO-DATE  -  Operating  income  from  Refining  and  Marketing
         amounted to $78 million for the six months  ended March 31,  2000.
         This  compares to $58  million for the six months  ended March 31,
         1999  (excluding  $39  million  in  favorable   inventory   market
         valuation adjustments).  The increase in operating income reflects
         improved refining  margins,  higher refined product sales volumes,
         and increased  merchandise sales volumes.  These improvements were
         partially offset by decreased retail product margins.

         CORPORATE

         Corporate  expenses  amounted to $17 million in the quarter  ended
         March 31,  2000,  compared to $11  million  for the quarter  ended
         March 31, 1999. The higher level of expenses reflects increases in
         incentive and deferred compensation costs. Corporate expenses on a
         year-to-date  basis were  relatively  unchanged,  amounting to $30
         million in the 2000  period,  compared  to $31 million in the 1999
         period.

         INTEREST EXPENSE (NET OF INTEREST INCOME)

         For the quarter  ended March 31,  2000,  interest  expense (net of
         interest income) totaled $45 million,  compared to $34 million for
         the March 1999 quarter.  For the  year-to-date,  interest  expense
         (net of  interest  income)  amounted  to $88  million  in the 2000
         period,  compared to $67 million in the 1999 period. The increases
         reflect higher debt levels resulting  primarily from the debt used
         to finance the acquisition of the U.S. construction  operations of
         Superfos and higher interest rates on floating-rate debt.


                                    14
<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

         As described  in Note B to the  Condensed  Consolidated  Financial
         Statements,   in  March  2000  Ashland   distributed   to  Ashland
         shareholders  the major portion of its common shares of Arch Coal.
         The spin-off  resulted in no gain or loss, but Ashland  accrued $3
         million  in  after-tax  costs  related  to the  transaction.  As a
         result,  the former Arch Coal segment is now shown as discontinued
         operations, with prior periods restated.

         CURRENT  QUARTER - The  operations  of Arch Coal resulted in a net
         loss to Ashland of $9 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2000,
         compared to breakeven  results in the March 1999 period.  The loss
         reflects  continued  weakness in U.S. coal markets and losses from
         Arch's  West Elk mine in  Colorado,  which  has  been  idle  since
         January   28,   2000,   when   higher   than   normal   levels  of
         combustion-related gases were detected in the mine.

         YEAR-TO-DATE  - For the six months ended March 31,  2000,  Ashland
         recorded a net loss of $215  million from its  investment  in Arch
         Coal,  compared to breakeven results in the March 1999 period. The
         current  year  loss  includes  a $203  million  net  charge in the
         December  quarter  related to asset  impairment and  restructuring
         costs.  The charge was largely due to the  write-down of assets at
         Arch's  Dal-Tex and Hobet 21 mining  operations  and certain  coal
         reserves in central Appalachia.

         EXTRAORDINARY LOSS

         During the quarter  ended March 31,  2000,  Ashland  refunded  $36
         million of pollution control revenue bonds and repaid $285 million
         of the $600 million  floating-rate  bank credit  agreement used to
         fund  the  acquisition  of the  U.S.  construction  operations  of
         Superfos.  The  redemption  premium on the bonds and  write-off of
         unamortized  deferred  debt issuance  expenses  resulted in pretax
         charges  totaling $3 million which,  net of income tax benefits of
         $1 million,  resulted in an extraordinary loss on early retirement
         of debt of $2 million.

FINANCIAL POSITION

         LIQUIDITY

         Ashland's  financial position has enabled it to obtain capital for
         its financing  needs and to maintain  investment  grade ratings on
         its  senior  debt of Baa2 from  Moody's  and BBB from  Standard  &
         Poor's.  Ashland has two revolving credit agreements providing for
         up to $400 million in  borrowings,  neither of which was in use at
         March 31, 2000. Under a shelf registration, Ashland can also issue
         an additional  $348 million in debt and equity  securities  should
         future  opportunities or needs arise.  Ashland intends to increase
         this  capacity to $600 million under a new shelf  registration  in
         May 2000.  Furthermore,  Ashland has access to various uncommitted
         lines of credit and  commercial  paper  markets,  under which $310
         million of short-term  borrowings  were  outstanding  at March 31,
         2000. The revolving credit agreements  contain a covenant limiting
         new borrowings.  Primarily due to the debt incurred to finance the
         acquisition of the U.S. construction  operations of Superfos,  the
         $203 million  charge to earnings  resulting from Arch Coal's asset
         impairment  write-down and restructuring  costs, and the Arch Coal
         spin-off, additional debt permissible has been reduced from $1.454
         billion at September 30, 1999, to $377 million at March 31, 2000.


                                    15

<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         LIQUIDITY (CONTINUED)

         Cash flows from operations, a major source of Ashland's liquidity,
         amounted to $200  million for the six months ended March 31, 2000,
         compared to $50 million for the six months  ended March 31,  1999.
         The increase is  primarily  the result of the sale of $150 million
         of  accounts  receivable  under a new program  initiated  in March
         2000.  Ashland's cash flows from  operations  exceeded its capital
         requirements  for net  property  additions  and  dividends  by $49
         million for the six months ended March 31, 2000.

         Operating  working capital  (accounts  receivable and inventories,
         less  trade  and  other  payables)  at March  31,  2000,  was $481
         million,  compared to $548 million at September 30, 1999, and $415
         million at March 31, 1999.  Liquid assets (cash,  cash equivalents
         and accounts receivable) amounted to 71% of current liabilities at
         March 31, 2000,  compared to 95% at September 30, 1999, and 71% at
         March 31, 1999.  Ashland's  working capital is affected by its use
         of  the  LIFO  method  of   inventory   valuation,   which  valued
         inventories $62 million below their replacement costs at March 31,
         2000.

         CAPITAL RESOURCES

         For the six  months  ended  March  31,  2000,  property  additions
         amounted to $136  million,  compared to $102  million for the same
         period last year.  Property  additions and cash  dividends for the
         remainder  of fiscal 2000 are  estimated  at $150  million and $40
         million.  Under Ashland's share  repurchase  program  initiated in
         August 1998,  Ashland had  repurchased  7.8 million shares through
         March  31,  2000,  with  remaining   authority  to  repurchase  an
         additional  1.6 million  shares.  The number of shares  ultimately
         purchased  and the  prices  Ashland  will  pay for its  stock  are
         subject to  periodic  review by  management.  Ashland  anticipates
         meeting its  remaining  2000  capital  requirements  for  property
         additions,  dividends and scheduled debt repayments of $34 million
         from internally generated funds.  However,  external financing may
         be necessary to fund common stock repurchases and acquisitions.

         At March 31, 2000, Ashland's debt level amounted to $2.36 billion,
         compared to $1.846  billion at September  30,  1999.  The increase
         reflects a floating-rate bank credit agreement and short-term debt
         incurred  to  finance  the  acquisition  of the U.S.  construction
         operations of Superfos.  Common  stockholders' equity decreased by
         $376  million   during  the  six  months  ended  March  31,  2000,
         reflecting the $203 million charge to earnings resulting from Arch
         Coal's asset impairment  write-down and  restructuring  costs, and
         the spin-off of Arch Coal shares.  As a result,  debt as a percent
         of capital employed amounted to 56% at March 31, 2000, compared to
         46% at September 30, 1999.  Ashland's long-term debt included $455
         million  of  floating-rate  debt at March 31,  2000.  As a result,
         Ashland's  interest costs for the remainder of 2000 will fluctuate
         based  on  short-term  interest  rates  on  that  portion  of  its
         long-term debt outstanding, as well as on any short-term notes and
         commercial paper.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

         Federal,  state and local  laws and  regulations  relating  to the
         protection of the  environment  have resulted in higher  operating
         costs and capital  investments  by the industries in which Ashland
         operates.   Because  of  the  continuing   trends  toward  greater
         environmental awareness and ever increasing  regulations,  Ashland
         believes  that  expenditures  for  environmental  compliance  will
         continue to have a significant effect on its businesses.  Although
         it cannot  accurately  predict how such trends will affect  future
         operations   and  earnings,   Ashland   believes  the  nature  and
         significance of its ongoing compliance costs will be comparable to
         those of its  competitors.  For  information  on certain  specific
         environmental proceedings and

                                    16
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASHLAND INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (continued)

         investigations,  see the "Legal Proceedings"  section of this Form
         10-Q. For information regarding  environmental  reserves,  see the
         "Miscellaneous - Environmental  Matters" section of Ashland's Form
         10-K.

         Environmental   reserves   are   subject  to   numerous   inherent
         uncertainties  that affect Ashland's ability to estimate its share
         of the  ultimate  costs  of  required  remediation  efforts.  Such
         uncertainties  involve the nature and extent of  contamination  at
         each site, the extent of required  cleanup  efforts under existing
         environmental  regulations,  widely  varying  costs  of  alternate
         cleanup  methods,  changes  in  environmental   regulations,   the
         potential   effect  of  continuing   improvements  in  remediation
         technology,  and  the  number  and  financial  strength  of  other
         potentially  responsible parties at multiparty sites. Reserves are
         regularly  adjusted as  environmental  assessments and remediation
         efforts proceed.

         Ashland  does  not  believe  that  any  liability  resulting  from
         environmental   matters,   after  taking  into  consideration  its
         insurance  coverage and amounts already  provided for, will have a
         material  adverse effect on its consolidated  financial  position,
         cash  flows or  liquidity.  However,  such  matters  could  have a
         material  effect on results of operations in a particular  quarter
         or fiscal year as they develop or as new issues are identified.

CONVERSION TO THE EURO

         On January 1,  1999,  certain  member  countries  of the  European
         Economic and Monetary  Union (EMU)  established  fixed  conversion
         rates  between  their  existing  currencies  and the EMU's  common
         currency,  the Euro.  Entities in the participating  countries can
         conduct  their  business   operations  in  either  their  existing
         currencies or the Euro until  December 31, 2001.  After that date,
         all  non-cash   transactions   will  be  conducted  in  Euros  and
         circulation  of Euro  notes and coins for cash  transactions  will
         commence. National notes and coins will be withdrawn no later than
         June 30, 2002.

         Ashland conducts  business in all of the  participating  countries
         and is addressing  the issues  associated  with the Euro. The more
         important  issues  include   converting   information   technology
         systems,  reassessing currency risk, and processing accounting and
         tax records.  Based on the progress to date, Ashland believes that
         the use of the  Euro  will not have a  significant  impact  on the
         manner  in  which  it  conducts  its business  and  processes  its
         accounting  records.  Accordingly,  the  use  of the  Euro  is not
         expected  to have a  material  effect  on  Ashland's  consolidated
         financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

         This Form 10-Q  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  and  earnings.  Estimates as to
         operating  performance  and  earnings  are based  upon a number of
         assumptions,  including (among others) prices,  supply and demand,
         market  conditions,  cost of raw materials,  weather and operating
         efficiencies.  Although Ashland believes that its expectations are
         based  on  reasonable  assumptions,  it  cannot  assure  that  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.  Other
         factors and risks  affecting  Ashland are  contained  in Ashland's
         Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999.


                                    17

<PAGE>
                        PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ITEM 1.           LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Environmental  Proceedings  - (1) As of March 31,  2000,  Ashland  had been
identified as a "potentially  responsible party" ("PRP") under Superfund or
similar state laws for potential  joint and several  liability for clean-up
costs in  connection  with  alleged  releases of  hazardous  substances  in
connection  with 90 waste  treatment  or  disposal  sites.  These sites are
currently  subject  to  ongoing   investigation  and  remedial  activities,
overseen  by the EPA or a state  agency,  in  which  Ashland  is  typically
participating  as a member of a PRP  group.  Generally,  the type of relief
sought  includes  remediation  of  contaminated  soil  and/or  groundwater,
reimbursement for past costs of site clean-up and administrative oversight,
and/or  long-term  monitoring  of  environmental  conditions  at the sites.
Ashland carefully  monitors the investigatory and remedial activity at many
of  these  sites.  Based  on its  experience  with  site  remediation,  its
familiarity with current  environmental laws and regulations,  its analysis
of the  specific  hazardous  substances  at issue,  the  existence of other
financially  viable  PRPs  and  its  current  estimates  of  investigatory,
clean-up  and  monitoring  costs at each site,  Ashland  believes  that its
liability at these sites,  either  individually or in the aggregate,  after
taking into  account  its  insurance  coverage  and  established  financial
reserves, will not have a material adverse effect on Ashland's consolidated
financial  position,  cash flow or liquidity.  However,  such matters could
have a material  effect on Ashland's  results of operations in a particular
quarter or fiscal  year as they  develop  or as new issues are  identified.
Estimated  costs  for these  matters  are  recognized  in  accordance  with
generally  accepted  accounting  principles  governing the likelihood  that
costs will be incurred and Ashland's ability to reasonably  estimate future
costs.

(2) Pursuant to a 1990 Agreed  Order with the  Commonwealth  of  Kentucky's
Natural Resources and Environmental  Protection Cabinet ("NREPC"),  Ashland
has  conducted  source  investigation  and remedial  activities  related to
hydrocarbon  contamination  of the  groundwater  beneath the  Catlettsburg,
Kentucky  refinery,  operated since 1998 by Marathon Ashland  Petroleum LLC
("MAP").  In 1999,  Ashland and the NREPC initiated  negotiations for a new
Agreed  Order  which  would  identify  future  investigative   efforts  and
establish timetables for strategic remedial activities.  This Order is also
expected to include a monetary penalty. In connection with the formation of
MAP,  Ashland  agreed to retain  responsibility  for this  matter.  Because
discussions  are  ongoing,  Ashland  is  unable to  predict  what the final
penalty  amount might be.  However,  the penalty  amount is not expected to
have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  Ashland's   consolidated  financial
position, cash flow or liquidity.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)  Exhibits
     --------

12     Computation  of Ratios of  Earnings to Fixed  Charges  and  Earnings to
       Combined  Fixed Charges and Preferred  Stock  Dividends
27.1   Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.
27.2   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended December 31, 1999.
27.3   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the fiscal year ended  September
       30, 1999.
27.4   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended June 30, 1999.
27.5   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
27.6   Restated Financial  Data  Schedule for the quarter  ended December 31,
       1998.
27.7   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the fiscal year ended September 30,
       1998.
27.8   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.



                                    18
<PAGE>

27.9   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.
27.10  Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended  December 31,
       1997.
27.11  Restated Financial Data Schedule for the fiscal year ended September 30,
       1997.

(b)    Reports on Form 8-K

       A report on Form 8-K was filed on January 24, 2000 to announce  that
Ashland  continues to pursue  spin-off  alternatives  for its investment in
Arch Coal, including both tax-free and taxable distributions.

       A report  on Form 8-K was filed on  February  24,  2000 to  announce
that,  absent  intervening  circumstances  or  material  events,  Ashland's
management  intends  to  recommend  to its Board of  Directors  at the next
Ashland Board meeting, a distribution to Ashland shareholders of 17,397,233
shares of its Arch Coal Common Stock in the form of a taxable dividend.

       A report on Form 8-K was filed on March 16,  2000 to  announce  that
Ashland's  Board of  Directors  had  approved  a  taxable  distribution  of
17,397,233  shares of Arch Coal Common Stock to Ashland's  shareholders and
had set a record date of March 24, 2000 for the distribution.

       A report on Form 8-K was filed on March 27,  2000 to  announce  that
17,397,233  shares  of Arch  Coal  Common  Stock  had been  distributed  to
Ashland's shareholders.

                                    19
<PAGE>


                                 SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  Registrant  has duly  caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                    Ashland Inc.
                                    ---------------
                                    (Registrant)


Date:  May 9, 2000                  /s/ Kenneth L. Aulen
                                    --------------------
                                    Kenneth L. Aulen
                                    Administrative Vice President and Controller
                                    (Chief Accounting Officer)


Date:  May 9, 2000                  /s/ David L. Hausrath
                                    ---------------------
                                    David L. Hausrath
                                    Vice President and General Counsel




                                    20
<PAGE>
                               EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.              Description
- -----------         --------------------------------------------------------

12     Computation  of Ratios of  Earnings to Fixed  Charges  and  Earnings to
       Combined  Fixed Charges and Preferred  Stock  Dividends
27.1   Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.
27.2   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended December 31, 1999.
27.3   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the fiscal year ended  September
       30, 1999.
27.4   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended June 30, 1999.
27.5   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
27.6   Restated Financial  Data  Schedule for the quarter  ended December 31,
       1998.
27.7   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the fiscal year ended September 30,
       1998.
27.8   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.
27.9   Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.
27.10  Restated Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended  December 31,
       1997.
27.11  Restated Financial Data Schedule for the fiscal year ended September 30,
       1997.




EXHIBIT 12
                                ASHLAND INC.
             COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                 AND EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND
                         PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
                               (In millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                Six Months Ended
                                                                Years Ended September 30                            March 31
                                              -------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------
                                                1995         1996         1997        1998         1999        1999         2000
                                              ----------   ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------  ----------   ----------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
EARNINGS

Income (loss) from continuing operations      $     (2)    $    115    $    169     $    178     $    291     $     76    $     65
Income taxes                                         -           71         125          114          193           49          47
Interest expense                                   153          154         148          133          141           68          96
Interest portion of rental expense                  35           44          48           40           35           17          18
Amortization of deferred debt expense                1            1           1            1            1            -           1
Undistributed earnings of
    unconsolidated affiliates                       (1)          (3)         (6)         (62)         (11)           4         (20)
Amounts related to significant affiliates*
    Earnings                                         7            7           7            -            -            -           -
    Dividends                                       (1)           -           -            -            -            -           -
                                              ----------   ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------
                                              $    192     $    389    $    492     $    404     $    650     $    214    $    207
                                              ==========   ==========  ===========  ==========   ==========   ==========  ==========

FIXED CHARGES

Interest expense                              $    153     $    154    $    148     $    133     $    141     $     68    $     96
Interest portion of rental expense                  35           44          48           40           35           17          18
Amortization of deferred debt expense                1            1           1            1            1            -           1
Capitalized interest                                 -            -           1            -            -            -           -
Fixed charges of significant affiliates*             6            6           5            -            -            -           -
                                              ----------   ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------
                                              $    195     $    205    $    203     $    174     $    177     $     85    $    115
                                              ==========   ==========  ===========  ==========   ==========   ==========  ==========

COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK
DIVIDENDS

Preferred dividend requirements               $     19     $     19    $      9     $      -     $      -     $      -    $      -
Ratio of pretax to net income**                   1.04         1.61        1.74            -            -            -           -
                                              ----------   ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------  --------
Preferred dividends on a pretax basis               19           30          17            -            -            -           -
Fixed charges                                      195          205         203          174          177           85         115
                                              ----------   ----------  -----------  ----------   ----------   ----------  --------
                                              $    214     $    235    $    220     $    174     $    177     $     85    $    115
                                              ==========   ==========  ===========  ==========   ==========   ==========  =========

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO
FIXED CHARGES                                      ***         1.90        2.42         2.32         3.67         2.52        1.79

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES
AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
                                                  ****         1.66        2.24         2.32         3.67         2.52        1.79

*     Significant affiliates are companies accounted for on the equity method that are 50% or greater owned or
      whose indebtedness has been directly or indirectly guaranteed by Ashland or its consolidated
      subsidiaries.

**    Computed as income from continuing operations before income taxes divided by income from continuing
      operations, which adjusts dividends on preferred stock to a pretax basis.

***   Fixed charges exceeded earnings (as defined) by $3 million.

****  Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends exceeded earnings (as defined) by $22 million.

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>             THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                     EXTRACTED FROM ASHLAND INC.'S 2ND QUARTER 2000 10-Q AND IS
                     QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-Q.
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 MAR-31-2000
<CASH>                                                                                64
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,179
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          21
<INVENTORY>                                                                          519
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   1,990
<PP&E>                                                                             2,935
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,417
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     6,525
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,712
<BONDS>                                                                            1,947
<COMMON>                                                                              70
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         1,754
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       6,525
<SALES>                                                                            3,718
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   3,842
<CGS>                                                                              3,111
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      3,111
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                    88
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      112
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                          47
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                   65
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                      (218)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                       (2)
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                        (155)
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                        (2.17)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                      (2.17)


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED FROM ASHLAND INC.'S 1ST QUARTER 2000 10-Q WHICH
                  WAS  RESTATED  IN  THE  2ND  QUARTER  2000  10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-Q'S AND
                  NOTE  B OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL
                  STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000 10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE
                  RESTATEMENT.
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                                                                46
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,274
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          24
<INVENTORY>                                                                          522
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   2,326
<PP&E>                                                                             2,902
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,390
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     6,950
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,664
<BONDS>                                                                            2,198
<COMMON>                                                                              71
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         1,901
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       6,950
<SALES>                                                                            1,897
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   1,948
<CGS>                                                                              1,594
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      1,594
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                    43
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                       68
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                          28
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                   40
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                      (206)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                        (166)
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                        (2.32)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                      (2.32)


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED   FROM   ASHLAND   INC.'S   ANNUAL   REPORT  TO
                  SHAREHOLDERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                  WHICH WAS RESTATED IN THE 2ND QUARTER  2000 10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY  REFERENCE  TO SUCH ANNUAL
                  REPORT  AND  10-Q  AND  NOTE  B  OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED
                  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000
                  10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE RESTATEMENT.
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 SEP-30-1999
<CASH>                                                                               110
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,242
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          23
<INVENTORY>                                                                          464
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   2,059
<PP&E>                                                                             2,649
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,357
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     6,424
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,396
<BONDS>                                                                            1,627
<COMMON>                                                                              72
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         2,128
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       6,424
<SALES>                                                                            6,801
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   7,253
<CGS>                                                                              5,574
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      5,574
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                      12
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                   140
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      485
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                         194
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                  291
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                        (1)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                         290
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                         3.94
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                       3.89


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED FROM ASHLAND INC.'S 3RD QUARTER 1999 10-Q WHICH
                  WAS  RESTATED  IN  THE  2ND  QUARTER  2000  10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-Q'S AND
                  NOTE  B OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL
                  STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000 10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE
                  RESTATEMENT.

<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 JUN-30-1999
<CASH>                                                                                81
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,152
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          23
<INVENTORY>                                                                          491
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   1,957
<PP&E>                                                                             2,594
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,340
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     6,281
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,515
<BONDS>                                                                            1,627
<COMMON>                                                                              73
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         2,032
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       6,281
<SALES>                                                                            4,945
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   5,207
<CGS>                                                                              4,037
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      4,037
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                   102
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      287
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                         111
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                  176
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                         0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                         176
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                         2.37
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                       2.35


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED FROM ASHLAND INC.'S 2ND QUARTER 1999 10-Q WHICH
                  WAS  RESTATED  IN  THE  2ND  QUARTER  2000  10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-Q'S AND
                  NOTE  B OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL
                  STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000 10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE
                  RESTATEMENT.

<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 MAR-31-1999
<CASH>                                                                                90
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,072
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          22
<INVENTORY>                                                                          480
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   1,851
<PP&E>                                                                             2,544
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,322
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     6,154
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,595
<BONDS>                                                                            1,481
<COMMON>                                                                              74
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         2,007
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       6,154
<SALES>                                                                            3,149
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   3,288
<CGS>                                                                              2,579
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      2,579
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                    67
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      125
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                          49
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                   76
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                         0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                          76
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                         1.02
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                       1.01


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED FROM ASHLAND INC.'S 1ST QUARTER 1999 10-Q WHICH
                  WAS  RESTATED  IN  THE  2ND  QUARTER  2000  10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-Q'S AND
                  NOTE  B OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL
                  STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000 10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE
                  RESTATEMENT.
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                                                                91
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,109
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          21
<INVENTORY>                                                                          471
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   1,853
<PP&E>                                                                             2,472
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,289
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     5,963
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,396
<BONDS>                                                                            1,511
<COMMON>                                                                              75
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         1,988
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       5,963
<SALES>                                                                            1,646
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   1,634
<CGS>                                                                              1,350
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      1,350
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                    33
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      (16)
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                          (6)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                  (10)
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                        (1)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                         (11)
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                         (.14)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                       (.14)


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED   FROM   ASHLAND   INC.'S   ANNUAL   REPORT  TO
                  SHAREHOLDERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                  WHICH WAS RESTATED IN THE 2ND QUARTER  2000 10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY  REFERENCE  TO SUCH ANNUAL
                  REPORT  AND  10-Q  AND  NOTE  B  OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED
                  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000
                  10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE RESTATEMENT.

<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                                                                34
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,129
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          19
<INVENTORY>                                                                          440
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   1,828
<PP&E>                                                                             2,413
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,252
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     6,082
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,361
<BONDS>                                                                            1,507
<COMMON>                                                                              76
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         2,061
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       6,082
<SALES>                                                                            6,534
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   6,908
<CGS>                                                                              5,480
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      5,480
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       8
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                   130
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      292
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                         114
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                  178
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                        25
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                         203
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                         2.68
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                       2.63


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED FROM ASHLAND INC.'S 3RD QUARTER 1998 10-Q WHICH
                  WAS  RESTATED  IN  THE  2ND  QUARTER  2000  10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-Q'S AND
                  NOTE  B OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL
                  STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000 10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE
                  RESTATEMENT.
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                                                                44
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,050
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          20
<INVENTORY>                                                                          486
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   1,795
<PP&E>                                                                             2,315
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,225
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     5,978
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,325
<BONDS>                                                                            1,509
<COMMON>                                                                              76
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         2,098
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       5,978
<SALES>                                                                            4,777
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   5,075
<CGS>                                                                              4,006
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      4,006
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                    96
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      300
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                         121
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                  179
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                        24
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                         203
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                         2.69
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                       2.64


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED FROM ASHLAND INC.'S 2ND QUARTER 1998 10-Q WHICH
                  WAS  RESTATED  IN  THE  2ND  QUARTER  2000  10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-Q'S AND
                  NOTE  B OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL
                  STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000 10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE
                  RESTATEMENT.
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                                                                18
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,004
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          20
<INVENTORY>                                                                          465
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   1,664
<PP&E>                                                                             2,250
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,186
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     5,812
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,281
<BONDS>                                                                            1,536
<COMMON>                                                                              76
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         1,991
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       5,812
<SALES>                                                                            3,071
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   3,204
<CGS>                                                                              2,594
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      2,594
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                    62
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      113
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                          50
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                   63
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                        18
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                          81
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                         1.07
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                       1.05


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED FROM ASHLAND INC.'S 1ST QUARTER 1998 10-Q WHICH
                  WAS  RESTATED  IN  THE  2ND  QUARTER  2000  10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 10-Q'S AND
                  NOTE  B OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL
                  STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000 10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE
                  RESTATEMENT.

<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                                                                48
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                        996
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          19
<INVENTORY>                                                                          449
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   1,658
<PP&E>                                                                             2,159
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     1,160
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     5,508
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              1,206
<BONDS>                                                                            1,345
<COMMON>                                                                              75
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         1,981
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       5,508
<SALES>                                                                            1,598
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                   1,663
<CGS>                                                                              1,349
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                      1,349
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                    27
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                       76
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                          34
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                   42
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                        10
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                        0
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                          52
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                          .69
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                        .68


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>          THIS  SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
                  EXTRACTED   FROM   ASHLAND   INC.'S   ANNUAL   REPORT  TO
                  SHAREHOLDERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                  WHICH WAS RESTATED IN THE 2ND QUARTER  2000 10-Q,  AND IS
                  QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY  REFERENCE  TO SUCH ANNUAL
                  REPORT  AND  10-Q  AND  NOTE  B  OF  NOTES  TO  CONDENSED
                  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN THE 2ND QUARTER 2000
                  10-Q THAT EXPLAINS THE RESTATEMENT.

<MULTIPLIER>  1,000,000

<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                            SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                                                 SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                                                               250
<SECURITIES>                                                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                      1,610
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          25
<INVENTORY>                                                                          660
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                   2,720
<PP&E>                                                                             5,567
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                     2,889
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                     6,462
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                              2,028
<BONDS>                                                                            1,356
<COMMON>                                                                              75
                                                                  0
                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                         1,949
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                       6,462
<SALES>                                                                           12,833
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                  12,936
<CGS>                                                                             11,150
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                     11,150
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                       9
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                   142
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      294
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                         125
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                  169
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                       119
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                       (9)
<CHANGES>                                                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                         279
<EPS-BASIC>                                                                         3.86
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                       3.64


</TABLE>


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