Ashland (ASH) vs Hawkins (HWKN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Ashland (ASH) has outperformed Hawkins (HWKN) over the past year, gaining 48.8% versus a loss of 24.8%. Over five years, HWKN leads with a +245.1% price change compared with -26.2% for ASH. Ashland is the larger company by market cap ($3.24 billion vs $2.76 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while Hawkins is growing revenue faster (+11.2% vs -13.7%).
On valuation, Ashland trades at a lower forward P/E (16.4x vs 27.6x for Hawkins). Ashland offers the higher dividend yield (2.36% vs 0.57%). Hawkins converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 7.5% versus -46.3%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ASH | HWKN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $70.67 | $132.38 |
| Market cap | $3.24B | $2.76B |
| 1-day change | -0.42% | +0.10% |
| YTD return | +20.45% | -6.81% |
| 1-year return | +48.81% | -24.84% |
| 5-year return | -26.19% | +245.10% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 45.59 | 34.30 |
| Forward P/E | 16.43 | 27.59 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.55 | $3.86 |
| Dividend yield | 2.36% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $1.67 | $0.76 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.82B | $1.08B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -13.68% | +11.21% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-845.00M | $81.55M |
| Gross margin | 30.10% | 22.61% |
| Operating margin | -42.49% | 11.19% |
| Net margin | -46.33% | 7.52% |
| 52-week high | $78.25 | $177.91 |
| 52-week low | $47.12 | $116.05 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -9.69% | -25.59% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +13.07% | +31.63% |
| Average volume | 681.71K | 166.92K |
| Shares outstanding | 45.79M | 20.88M |
| Employees | 2,900 | 1,200 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Specialty Chemicals | Specialty Chemicals |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- ASH has outperformed HWKN by 73.6 percentage points over the past year.
- Ashland trades at a higher earnings multiple (45.6x vs 34.3x trailing P/E).
- Ashland offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.36% vs 0.57%).
- Hawkins is more profitable, keeping 7.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -46.3 cents for Ashland.
- Hawkins grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+11.21% vs -13.68%).
About Ashland
ASH stock →Ashland Inc. provides additives and specialty ingredients in the North and Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and internationally.
Consumer Discretionary · Specialty Chemicals · 2,900 employees
About Hawkins
HWKN stock →Hawkins, Inc. operates as a water treatment and specialty ingredients company in the United States.
Consumer Discretionary · Specialty Chemicals · 1,200 employees
ASH vs HWKN FAQ
Which is bigger, Ashland or Hawkins?
Ashland (ASH) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.24B compared with $2.76B for Hawkins (HWKN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ASH or HWKN?
ASH returned +48.81% over the past 12 months, compared with -24.84% for HWKN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ASH or HWKN?
HWKN has the lower trailing P/E at 34.3, versus 45.6 for ASH. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Ashland or Hawkins?
Ashland has the higher yield at 2.36%, compared with 0.57% for Hawkins.
Are Ashland and Hawkins in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Specialty Chemicals industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.