Ashland (ASH) vs Innospec (IOSP)
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 Innospec (IOSP) over the past year, gaining 48.8% versus a gain of 24.7%. Over five years, IOSP leads with a +13.7% price change compared with -26.2% for ASH. Ashland is the larger company by market cap ($3.24 billion vs $2.41 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while Innospec is growing revenue faster (-3.7% vs -13.7%).
On valuation, Innospec trades at a lower forward P/E (15.9x vs 16.4x for Ashland). Ashland offers the higher dividend yield (2.36% vs 1.83%). Innospec converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.6% 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 | IOSP |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $70.69 | $97.69 |
| Market cap | $3.24B | $2.41B |
| 1-day change | +0.03% | +0.28% |
| YTD return | +20.45% | +27.28% |
| 1-year return | +48.81% | +24.74% |
| 5-year return | -26.19% | +13.68% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 45.31 | 19.94 |
| Forward P/E | 16.44 | 15.88 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.56 | $4.90 |
| Dividend yield | 2.36% | 1.83% |
| Annual dividend | $1.67 | $1.79 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.82B | $1.78B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -13.68% | -3.65% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-845.00M | $116.60M |
| Gross margin | 30.10% | 27.69% |
| Operating margin | -42.49% | 7.28% |
| Net margin | -46.33% | 6.56% |
| 52-week high | $78.25 | $100.48 |
| 52-week low | $47.12 | $65.51 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -9.66% | -2.78% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +13.04% | +3.39% |
| Average volume | 685.23K | 187.41K |
| Shares outstanding | 45.79M | 24.63M |
| Employees | 2,900 | 2,450 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Industrials |
| Industry | Specialty Chemicals | Major 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 IOSP by 24.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Ashland trades at a higher earnings multiple (45.3x vs 19.9x trailing P/E).
- Innospec is more profitable, keeping 6.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -46.3 cents for Ashland.
- Innospec grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (-3.65% vs -13.68%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Ashland in Consumer Discretionary and Innospec in Industrials.
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 Innospec
IOSP stock →Innospec Inc. develops, manufactures, blends, markets, and supplies specialty chemicals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 2,450 employees
ASH vs IOSP FAQ
Which is bigger, Ashland or Innospec?
Ashland (ASH) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.24B compared with $2.41B for Innospec (IOSP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ASH or IOSP?
ASH returned +48.81% over the past 12 months, compared with +24.74% for IOSP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ASH or IOSP?
IOSP has the lower trailing P/E at 19.9, versus 45.3 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 Innospec?
Ashland has the higher yield at 2.36%, compared with 1.83% for Innospec.
Are Ashland and Innospec in the same industry?
No. Ashland is in the Consumer Discretionary sector, while Innospec is in Industrials.