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): October 21, 2003 ASHLAND INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Kentucky (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 1-2918 61-0122250 (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 Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits ------ --------------------------------- (c) Exhibits 99.1 Press Release dated October 21, 2003 Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure ------- ------------------------ (Information Furnished Under Item 12 - Results of Operations and Financial Condition) On October 21, 2003, Ashland Inc. reported its fourth quarter and fiscal 2003 results, which are discussed in more detail in the press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. The information, furnished under "Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure," is intended to be furnished under "Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition," in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Release No. 33-8216. -2- 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. ---------------------------------------- (Registrant) Date: October 21, 2003 /s/ David L. Hausrath ---------------------------------------- Name: David L. Hausrath Title: Vice President and General Counsel -3- EXHIBIT INDEX 99.1 Press Release dated October 21, 2003 -4-