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): November 19, 2002 CABOT CORPORATION ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 1-5667 04-2271897 - ---------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer of incorporation) Identification No.) TWO SEAPORT LANE, SUITE 1300, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02210-2019 -------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (617) 345-0100 ---------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) -------------------- Page 1 of 5

Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure. On November 19, 2002, Cabot Corporation ("Cabot") issued a press release announcing that U.S. and European antitrust authorities have initiated a joint investigation into alleged price-fixing within the carbon black industry. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (c) Exhibits The following exhibit is filed herewith: 99.1 Text of Cabot Corporation News Release, dated November 19, 2002. 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 hereunto duly authorized. CABOT CORPORATION Date: November 19, 2002 By: /s/ Brian A. Berube ---------------------------- Brian A. Berube Vice President and Business General Counsel 3

INDEX TO EXHIBIT Exhibit Number Title 99.1 News Release of Cabot Corporation, dated November 19, 2002. 4

Exhibit 99.1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: James P. Kelly Director, Investor Relations 617-342-6244 jim_kelly@cabot-corp.com Ethel Shepard Media Relations 617-342-6254 ethel_shepard@cabot-corp.com CARBON BLACK INDUSTRY INVESTIGATION INITIATED BOSTON, MA (November 19, 2002) - Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) announced today that U.S. and European antitrust authorities have initiated a joint investigation into alleged price-fixing within the carbon black industry. As part of this procedure, European antitrust authorities are reviewing documents at Cabot's European headquarters in Suresnes, France, and U.S. authorities have contacted Cabot's Boston, Massachusetts headquarters. Cabot Corporation takes its compliance responsibilities seriously and is cooperating fully with the investigation. Neither Cabot nor its employees has been charged with any wrongdoing. ABOUT CABOT CORPORATION Founded in 1882, Cabot Corporation is a global specialty chemicals and materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Cabot's major products are carbon black, fumed silica, inkjet colorants, and capacitor materials. Cabot operates more than 45 manufacturing plants and offices located in 23 countries around the world. The website address is www.cabot-corp.com