Chemical maker Ashland Inc said it was considering selling its water technologies business, which supplies chemicals to industries including pulp, paper, mining, food and wastewater treatment.
The company's third-quarter income from continuing operations fell to $117 million, or $1.47 per share, from $160 million, or $2.00 per share.
Revenue fell 4 percent to $2.1 billion.
Ashland makes a wide range of specialty chemicals, including Valvoline motor oil and materials for the packaging and water purification industries.
