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: MAY 28, 1998
RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
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(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
MISSOURI 1-4582 NO. 43-0470580
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(STATE OR OTHER (COMMISSION (IRS EMPLOYER
JURISDICTION OF FILE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION
INCORPORATION) NUMBER)
CHECKERBOARD SQUARE, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63164
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(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES (ZIP CODE)
(314) 982-1000
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(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
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On May 28, 1998, the Registrant issued the following press release:
"Ralston Purina Company's Board of Directors at a regular meeting today declared
a three-for-one stock split to shareholders of record at the close of business
on June 22, 1998. Ralston shareholders will receive two additional shares of
Ralston Common Stock for each share then owned. The additional shares will be
distributed to shareholders on July 15, 1998.
The Company's Board of Directors also declared a quarterly cash dividend of 10
cents per share payable on September 11, 1998, to shareholders of record at the
close of business on August 24, 1998, reflecting the stock split."
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.
RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
By: /s/ James R. Elsesser
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James R. Elsesser
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: May 29, 1998
