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) September 1, 2004
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THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland 1-1553 52-0248090
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
701 East Joppa Road, Towson, Maryland 21286
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 410-716-3900
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
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
230.425)
[ ] 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))
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ITEM 2.03. CREATION OF A DIRECT FINANCIAL OBLIGATION OR AN OBLIGATION UNDER AN
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENT OF A REGISTRANT
Effective September 1, 2004, The Black & Decker Corporation (the "Corporation")
increased the maximum amount authorized for issuance under its commercial paper
program from $500 million to $1 billion. Standard & Poor's Rating Services and
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. have notified the Corporation that they have
reaffirmed their short-term debt ratings of A-2 and P2, respectively, for the
increased program. The Corporation's commercial paper program, which has been in
existence since 2002, allows the Corporation to issue debt securities with
maturities of up to 365 days. At August 31, 2004, outstanding commercial paper
under the program totaled approximately $245.1 million. Commercial paper under
this program is offered and sold privately through selected dealers engaged by
the Corporation, and the paper is sold without registration under Federal
securities laws pursuant to exemptions from those registration requirements.
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THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION
S I G N A T U R E S
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.
THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION
By: /s/CHRISTINA M. MCMULLEN
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Christina M. McMullen
Vice President and Controller
Date: September 1, 2004