01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 8-K filed January 6, 2026. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) has filed an 8-K report detailing a temporary suspension of trading for participants in its 401(k) Plan.
This "blackout period" is necessary to facilitate the integration of Waters Corporation (Waters) common stock interests into the plan, following a pending transaction between the two companies. The blackout will prevent participants from making any transactions involving their holdings in the BD Common Stock Fund, including exchanges, loans, withdrawals, or distributions, for a specified period around the transaction's closing. Investors should note that this filing primarily concerns the operational mechanics of employee benefit plans and does not appear to disclose new financial performance data or significant strategic shifts beyond the integration of Waters' stock.
The primary impact is on BDX employees' ability to manage their retirement savings invested in company stock during the transition. Further details on the exact timing of the blackout will be made available through Fidelity, the plan administrator.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- BDX 401(k) Plan is entering a blackout period for its Common Stock Fund.
- The blackout is due to a pending transaction with Waters Corporation.
- The purpose is to integrate Waters Common Stock Fund interests into the BDX plan.
- During the blackout, participants cannot make transactions (exchanges, loans, withdrawals, distributions) in the BD Common Stock Fund.
- The blackout period begins after the transaction's closing date and ends the following week.
- Fidelity will provide specific blackout dates and handle inquiries at 1-866-715-2068.
03—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blackout period in the context of this filing?
A blackout period is a temporary suspension of trading for participants in the BDX 401(k) Plan's Common Stock Fund. During this time, employees cannot make any transactions related to their investments in that specific fund, such as buying, selling, taking loans, or withdrawing funds.
Why is BDX implementing this blackout period?
The blackout is necessary to facilitate the addition of Waters Corporation Common Stock Fund interests into the BDX 401(k) Plan. This is a procedural step required due to a pending transaction between Becton, Dickinson and Company and Waters Corporation.
When will the blackout period start and end?
The blackout period is scheduled to begin after the market closes on the closing date of the transaction with Waters Corporation and will end during the week following the closing date. Specific dates will be provided by Fidelity.
How can I get more information about the blackout period?
You can obtain the actual beginning and ending dates of the blackout period and direct other inquiries to Fidelity, the plan administrator, at 1-866-715-2068. This information is available free of charge.
04—Continue