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 6, 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 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On January 6, 2006, Ashland Inc. ("Ashland") announced that earnings
for its fiscal first quarter, ended December 31, 2005, are expected to be
higher than analyst estimates, which currently range from $0.41 to $0.71
per share. Strong performances by the Ashland Paving And Construction, Inc.
(APAC), Ashland Distribution and Ashland Specialty Chemical businesses are
expected to drive the quarter's results.
Ashland plans to report preliminary results for its fiscal first
quarter at 8 a.m., EST, on January 25, 2006, and follow with a conference
call and webcast at 10:00 a.m., EST.
Ashland's earnings expectations and related matters are discussed in
more detail in the press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, which is
incorporated by reference into this Item 2.02.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
99.1 Press Release dated January 6, 2006.
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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.
-------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: January 6, 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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EXHIBIT INDEX
99.1 Press Release dated January 6, 2006.
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