As a longterm ABT holder I am in limbo as to the exact date of the split. This seems like a simple question... However, the answer is very hard to discover. I would like to sell before the split but after Jan 1 for tax reasons. Why the mystery???
Capital gains rates will probably increase in 2013 and price will be supported artificially by investment bankers. Just a thought. . . .................
There are no mysteries. ABT will split as of the first business day of 2013. If you like to take your gains, sell now and pay your capital gain taxes based on lower rates. Next year, you might have to pay more in taxes, because of higher rates.