8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co 8-K Report, Temporary Suspension of Trading Under Employee Benefit Plans (Feb 19, 2013)

Filed February 19, 2013For Securities:ADM

Summary

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) filed an 8-K on February 19, 2013, to report a temporary suspension of trading under its employee benefit plans. This "blackout period" affects the ADM 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) for both salaried and hourly employees. The suspension is necessary due to the transition of these plans to a new administrator. Investors should note that this filing primarily concerns internal plan administration and does not contain significant financial results or strategic business updates. The blackout period is scheduled to begin on March 19, 2013, and is expected to last until April 5, 2013, though it may conclude earlier. During this time, participants will be restricted from making changes to contributions, enrollments, withdrawals, loans, or ESOP dividend elections. Additionally, the company has notified its directors and executive officers about trading restrictions on ADM common stock that coincide with this blackout period.

Key Highlights

  • 1Temporary suspension of trading in ADM's 401(k) and ESOP plans will occur.
  • 2The blackout period is due to a transition to a new plan administrator.
  • 3The blackout period is scheduled to begin after 3:00 p.m. central time on March 19, 2013.
  • 4The blackout period is expected to end by April 5, 2013, but may end sooner.
  • 5Plan participants will be unable to make various transactions (contributions, withdrawals, loans, etc.) during the blackout period.
  • 6Directors and executive officers will face common stock trading restrictions during the blackout period.
  • 7Information on the exact start and end dates can be obtained from ADM Investor Relations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for this 8-K filing is to notify the public about a temporary "blackout period" that will affect Archer-Daniels-Midland Company's (ADM) employee retirement and stock ownership plans. This is a regulatory requirement when plan administration changes.

The blackout period is expected to begin after 3:00 p.m. central time on March 19, 2013, and is anticipated to last until April 5, 2013. However, it's possible the period could end sooner than April 5th.

During the blackout period, employees who participate in the ADM 401(k) and ESOP plans will be unable to perform several actions. These include changing contribution percentages, enrolling in the plans, submitting withdrawal requests, initiating or processing loan requests or payoffs, exchanging balances, or making or changing ESOP dividend elections.

This filing specifically addresses trading restrictions related to ADM's internal employee benefit plans. While directors and executive officers are subject to restrictions on trading ADM common stock (including derivatives) during this period, it does not directly restrict the ability of the general investing public to trade ADM shares on the stock exchange.