form8k.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): March 16, 2011
ASHLAND INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Kentucky
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
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1-32532 |
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20-0865835 |
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(Commission File Number) |
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard
P.O. Box 391
Covington, Kentucky 41012-0391
Registrant’s telephone number (859) 815-3333
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
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Item 8.01. Other Events
Today, Ashland Inc. (the “Company”) announced that the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $400 million stock repurchase program. Under the program, the Company’s common shares will be purchased through a combination of a 10b5-1 automatic trading plan and discretionary purchases on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of any purchases will depend on a number of factors, including trading price, trading volume and general market conditions.
The Company also announced that the Board of Directors intends to increase the annual dividend to 70 cents per share from its current annual rate of 60 cents per share, commencing with the June 15, 2011 dividend payment.
The stock repurchase program and the intended increase in annual dividend are discussed further in the news release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibit Description
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99.1
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News Release dated March 16, 2011.
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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 hereunto duly authorized.
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ASHLAND INC.
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(Registrant)
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| March 16, 2011 |
/s/ Lamar M. Chambers
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Lamar M. Chambers
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Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description
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99.1
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News Release dated March 16, 2011.
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