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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Ashland raises dividend, buybacks after Jana picks up stake, (NYSE: ASH), (NYSE: TRI), (TSE: TRI.TO)

Chemical maker Ashland Inc raised its quarterly dividend by more than 50 percent and nearly doubled its share buyback program, a month after hedge fund Jana Partners LLC picked up a large stake. Ashland's board raised the quarterly cash dividend to 34 cents per share from 22.5 cents. This is the highest dividend the company has paid, according to Thomson Reuters data.The chemical maker also unveiled a $600 million stock repurchase plan, replacing a previous program that had about $330 million remaining."We will continue to look for ways to unlock value and generate significant returns for Ashland shareholders," Chief Executive James O'Brien said in a statement.Barry Rosenstein's Jana Partners had said Ashland's shares were undervalued when it picked up a 7.4 percent stake in April.

Ashland Inc. (Ashland) is a global specialty chemical company that provides products, services and solutions throughout a variety of industries. Shares of ASH remained unchanged at $88.26. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $58.96 and as high as $90.21. On average, 1237200 shares of ASH exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 0.

Thomson Reuters Corporation (Thomson Reuters) is a provider of information for the world?s businesses and professionals. Shares of TRI remained unchanged at $34.42. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $26.20 and as high as $34.71. On average, 1131720 shares of TRI exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 0.

Thomson Reuters Corporation (Thomson Reuters) is a provider of information for the world?s businesses and professionals. Shares of TRI traded higher by 0.43% or $0.15/share to $35.01. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $26.65 and as high as $34.82. On average, 1213660 shares of TRI.TO exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 1315555.



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