Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION www.edgaradvantage.com
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

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):
March 12, 2001


CERIDIAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State of other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  1-1969
(Commission File Number)
  52-0278528
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

3311 East Old Shakopee Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55425
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (952) 853-8100




Item 7.  Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.

Item 9.  Regulation FD Disclosure.

    On March 12, 2001, we issued a press release reporting fourth quarter and full year 2000 earnings results for our Arbitron division. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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.

  CERIDIAN CORPORATION

 

/s/ GARY M. NELSON
GARY M. NELSON
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Dated: March 12, 2001

3



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

  Item

  Method of Filing
99.1   Ceridian Corporation News Release dated March 12, 2001.   Filed electronically

4




QuickLinks

SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS