UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
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): January 25, 2006
ASHLAND INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Kentucky
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
1-32532 20-0865835
(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard, Covington, Kentucky 41012-0391
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
P.O. Box 391, Covington, Kentucky 41012-0391
(Mailing Address) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (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:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 2230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 8.01. Other Events
On January 25, 2006, Ashland Inc. announced that its board of
directors increased the amount of the remaining authorization under the
share repurchase program by an additional $176 million.
Originally authorized in July 2005 in the amount of $270 million, the
stock repurchase program is designed to purchase shares from time to time
in the open market. Through December 31, 2005, $196 million of Ashland
shares had been repurchased under the original authorization at an average
price of $55.40 per share, with $74 million authorization remaining. The
increased authorization brings the total amount of the program to $250
million.
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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 thereunto duly authorized.
ASHLAND INC.
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(Registrant)
Date: January 25, 2006 /s/ J. Marvin Quin
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Name: J. Marvin Quin
Title: Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
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