Replies to post #6196 on The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[DewDiligence]

ABT/ABBV—If you want to own both companies, you may as well buy now insofar as the combined share prices will likely to be higher at the split than the current share price. If you want to own only one of the successor companies, buy in January—or on a “when-issued” basis in December after such shares begin trading.

[DewDiligence]

Abbvie—the ABT pharma spinoff—begins trading on a when issued basis on 12/10/12 under the symbol ABBV.WI. Also on 12/10/12, the “new” Abbott (i.e. the existing Abbott minus Abbvie) begins trading on a when-issued basis under the symbol ABT.WI:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/abbott-announces-effectiveness-abbvie-form-224700270.html

Will be interesting to see how each component is valued

Existing ABT shares that include the right to receive one share of both successor companies will continue trading through the close on 12/31/12. Starting 1/2/13, the “new” Abbott will trade under the symbol ABT, and Abbvie will trade under the symbol ABBV.