Waters Corp Shareholders Approve Merger with Becton, Dickinson
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jul 14 2025
0mins
Should l Buy WAT?
Source: WSJ
Waters Corp shares fell 3.22% today, hitting a 20-day low amid broader market declines, with the Nasdaq-100 down 1.50% and the S&P 500 down 0.91%.
The significant catalyst for Waters Corp is the recent approval of the merger proposal with Becton, Dickinson & Company, where approximately 99% of shareholders voted in favor. This merger is expected to enhance Waters' market position in life sciences and diagnostics, with the transaction anticipated to close on February 9, 2026, coinciding with the release of its Q4 2025 financial results. Additionally, Becton, Dickinson has received a favorable Private Letter Ruling from the IRS regarding tax implications, ensuring a smoother merger process.
This merger represents a pivotal moment for Waters Corp, potentially leading to increased growth opportunities and innovation in the life sciences sector. The upcoming financial results announcement will be closely watched by investors as it may provide insights into the company's future performance post-merger.
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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: 376.890
Low
360.00
Averages
419.78
High
480.00
Current: 376.890
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.
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- Inflation Metrics Analysis: The January Consumer Price Index is projected to rise by 0.29% month-over-month and 2.5% year-over-year, showing improvement but still falling short of the Fed's 2% target, potentially affecting investor rate expectations.
- Market Reaction and Risks: Recent signs of labor market weakness, including an ADP report indicating only 22,000 new private sector jobs, may heighten expectations for further Fed rate cuts, although investors remain optimistic about economic resilience.
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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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- 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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BD Sets Spin-Off and Merger Date with Waters Corporation
- Spin-Off and Merger Timeline: BD has announced that the record date for the spin-off will be February 5, 2026, with the merger with Waters expected to complete on February 9, 2026, marking a significant restructuring step for the company.
- Cash and Equity Distribution: BD will receive $4 billion in cash, while its shareholders will hold 39.2% of the combined company in Waters common stock, demonstrating BD's strong negotiating position in the transaction.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: BD shareholders will receive Waters stock without any payment, ensuring their rights are preserved post-transaction, which enhances investor confidence.
- Tax Compliance Advantage: BD has received a favorable Private Letter Ruling from the IRS regarding the tax implications of the transaction, reducing potential legal and financial risks and facilitating a smoother transaction process.
See More
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Focus on Biosciences: The spin-off aims to enhance focus on the biosciences and diagnostics sectors, potentially leading to improved operational efficiency and growth.
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U.S. Jobs and Inflation Data Set for Release
- Job Data Expectations: The U.S. is expected to add 60,000 jobs in January, up from 50,000 in December, which could influence the Fed's monetary policy direction amidst ongoing economic uncertainty.
- Inflation Metrics Analysis: The January Consumer Price Index is projected to rise by 0.29% month-over-month and 2.5% year-over-year, showing improvement but still falling short of the Fed's 2% target, potentially affecting investor rate expectations.
- Market Reaction and Risks: Recent signs of labor market weakness, including an ADP report indicating only 22,000 new private sector jobs, may heighten expectations for further Fed rate cuts, although investors remain optimistic about economic resilience.
- Stock Market Rotation Trend: A significant rotation within the stock market is underway, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising over 2% this week, reflecting confidence in economic recovery, despite ongoing weakness in tech stocks.
See More
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.
See More
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.
See More
BD Sets Spin-Off and Merger Date with Waters Corporation
- 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.
See More
BD Sets Spin-Off and Merger Date with Waters Corporation
- Spin-Off and Merger Timeline: BD has announced that the record date for the spin-off will be February 5, 2026, with the merger with Waters expected to complete on February 9, 2026, marking a significant restructuring step for the company.
- Cash and Equity Distribution: BD will receive $4 billion in cash, while its shareholders will hold 39.2% of the combined company in Waters common stock, demonstrating BD's strong negotiating position in the transaction.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: BD shareholders will receive Waters stock without any payment, ensuring their rights are preserved post-transaction, which enhances investor confidence.
- Tax Compliance Advantage: BD has received a favorable Private Letter Ruling from the IRS regarding the tax implications of the transaction, reducing potential legal and financial risks and facilitating a smoother transaction process.
See More
BD Sets Record Date for Spin-Off of Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions Division
Announcement of Record Date: The company has announced a record date for the spin-off of its biosciences and diagnostic solutions business.
Focus on Biosciences: The spin-off aims to enhance focus on the biosciences and diagnostics sectors, potentially leading to improved operational efficiency and growth.
See More
