BD Sets Spin-Off and Merger Date with Waters Corporation
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Source: PRnewswire
- Spin-Off and Merger Timing: BD has announced that the record date for the spin-off will be set on February 5, 2026, with the merger with Waters expected to complete on February 9, 2026, potentially leading to significant shareholder value enhancement.
- Cash and Equity Distribution: BD will receive $4 billion in cash, while its shareholders will own 39.2% of the combined entity, a structure that is likely to strengthen BD's competitive position in the market.
- Tax Compliance Advantage: BD has received a favorable Private Letter Ruling from the IRS regarding the tax implications of the transaction, which mitigates potential financial risks for shareholders.
- Transaction Conditions and Market Reaction: The merger is subject to customary closing conditions, and BD's stock price is expected to adjust to reflect the business transfer, prompting investors to monitor equity changes post-transaction.
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Analyst Views on WAT
Wall Street analysts forecast WAT stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for WAT is 419.78 USD with a low forecast of 360.00 USD and a high forecast of 480.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
10 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 385.030
Low
360.00
Averages
419.78
High
480.00
Current: 385.030
Low
360.00
Averages
419.78
High
480.00
About WAT
Waters Corporation offers analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software, serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences. The Company's segments include Waters and TA. The Company primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC and together with HPLC, referred to as LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products and comprehensive post-warranty service plans. The Company designs, manufactures, sells and services thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments through its TA Instruments (TA) product line. The Company is also a developer and supplier of advanced software-based products that interface with the Company’s instruments, as well as other manufacturers’ instruments. It operates directly in over 35 countries and has products available in more than 100 countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Waters Corporation Shareholders Approve Merger Proposal
- Shareholder Vote Outcome: At today's Special Meeting, approximately 99% of shareholders voted in favor of issuing Waters common stock to Becton, Dickinson & Company shareholders, marking a significant milestone in the merger process that is expected to enhance the company's market position in life sciences and diagnostics.
- Transaction Completion Timeline: The transaction is anticipated to close on February 9, 2026, coinciding with Waters' release of its Q4 2025 financial results, indicating the company's readiness to rapidly integrate resources post-merger to drive growth and innovation.
- Tax Ruling Support: Becton, Dickinson & Company has received a favorable Private Letter Ruling from the IRS regarding the federal income tax consequences of the transaction, further ensuring a smooth merger process and mitigating potential financial risks.
- Regulatory Approvals Secured: Waters and Becton, Dickinson & Company have obtained all necessary regulatory approvals, indicating compliance with relevant laws and regulations, thereby laying a solid foundation for future business integration and synergy realization.
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Waters Corporation Shareholders Approve Merger Proposal
- Shareholder Vote Outcome: At today's Special Meeting, approximately 99% of shareholders present voted in favor of issuing Waters common stock to Becton, Dickinson shareholders, marking a significant milestone in the merger process that is expected to enhance the company's market position in life sciences.
- Transaction Closing Timeline: Waters anticipates closing the merger with BD on February 9, 2026, and the successful advancement of this transaction will open new avenues for growth and innovation, further solidifying its leadership in the industry.
- Tax Ruling Support: BD has received a favorable Private Letter Ruling from the IRS regarding the federal income tax consequences of the transaction, providing legal assurance and reducing potential financial risks associated with the merger.
- Financial Results Announcement: Waters will release its Q4 2025 financial results and hold a conference call on February 9, 2026, coinciding with the expected close of the merger, showcasing the company's future financial health and growth potential.
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