ABBOTT LABORATORIES — Registration Form 2001

Feb 12, 2001

S-3 1 a2035277zs-3.htm S-3 Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION www.edgaradvantage.com QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2001

Registration No. 333-

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT Under The Securities Act of 1933

ABBOTT LABORATORIES (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Illinois	36-0698440
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

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100 Abbott Park Road Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400 (847) 937-6100 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

Jose M. de Lasa Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel Abbott Laboratories 100 Abbott Park Road Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6020 (847) 937-8905 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

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Philip J. Niehoff Mayer, Brown & Platt 190 South LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois 60603 (312) 782-0600 Charles W. Mulaney, Jr. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois) 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312) 407-0700

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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box: / /

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: /x/

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / /

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / /

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. / /

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

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Title of each class of Securities to be Registered	Amount to be Registered(1)	Amount of Registration Fee(2)(3)
Common Shares, Without Par Value, and Debt Securities	$3,500,000,000	$620,468.75

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE (1) If any Debt Securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the principal amount of such Debt Securities shall be such greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $3,500,000,000 less the aggregate dollar amount of all securities previously issued hereunder. (2) Pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, the registration fee is calculated based on the maximum aggregate offering price of all securities listed in the table above, and the table does not specify information about the amount of any particular security to be registered. (3) Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, $750,000,000 of debt securities are being carried forward from registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-63481) and $268,125,000 of common stock and debt securities are being carried forward from registration statement on Form S-3 (333-83647) for inclusion in this prospectus. The $2,481,875,000 of new securities being registered hereby consist only of debt securities. Registration fees of $221,250 were previously paid with respect to the debt securities being carried forward from registration statement 333-63481 and $74,538.75 with respect to the securities being carried forward from registration statement 333-83647 calculated using the registration fees in effect in September 1998 and July 1999, respectively.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Abbott may not sell the securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and Abbott is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 12, 2001

PROSPECTUS

Abbott Laboratories

By this prospectus, Abbott may offer from time to time a total of up to $3,500,000,000 of common shares and debt securities, which may include up to:

—$268,125,000 of common shares —$3,500,000,000 of debt securities

Abbott will provide you with the specific terms and the public offering prices of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the prospectus supplements carefully before you invest. This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus is dated February , 2001

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that Abbott filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the shelf process. Abbott may sell common shares for up to $268,125,000 and debt securities for up to $3,500,000,000 under this prospectus, but the total sales of all securities sold under this prospectus may not exceed $3,500,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities Abbott may offer. Each time Abbott sells securities, Abbott will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

ABBOTT LABORATORIES

Abbott Laboratories is an Illinois corporation incorporated in 1900. Abbott's principal business is the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad and diversified line of health care products and services.

Abbott has five revenue segments:

Abbott also has a 50 percent owned joint venture, TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc. TAP and its subsidiary develop and market pharmaceutical products in the United States and Canada.

Abbott purchases, in the ordinary course of business, necessary raw materials and supplies essential to Abbott's operations from numerous suppliers worldwide. Abbott markets products in approximately 130 countries through affiliates and distributors. Most of Abbott's products are sold both in the United States and internationally. Abbott employs approximately 60,600 persons in its various offices, plants and facilities located throughout the world. Abbott's corporate offices are located at 100 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400, and the telephone number is (847) 937-6100.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Abbott will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between Abbott and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. The following is a summary of the material provisions of the indenture and is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the indenture, including definitions of certain terms used in the indenture. Wherever Abbott refers to particular sections or defined terms of the indenture, those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference in this prospectus or prospectus supplement. You should review the indenture that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement for additional information.

The following summarizes certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. Each time Abbott offers debt securities, the prospectus supplement relating to that offering will describe the terms of the debt securities Abbott is offering.

General

Abbott may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series without limitation as to aggregate principal amount. The debt securities will be Abbott's unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally and ratably with Abbott's other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations.

Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities will be payable, and the transfer of debt securities will be registrable, at any office or agency maintained by Abbott for that purpose. The debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but Abbott may require you to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection with the transfer or exchange.

The prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of the debt securities Abbott is offering:

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Abbott may offer and sell the debt securities as original issue discount securities at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. The prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to original issue discount securities and any debt securities the federal tax laws treat as having been issued with original issue discount. "Original issue discount securities" means any debt security which provides for an amount less than its principal amount to be due and payable upon the declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt security upon the occurrence and continuation of an "Event of Default."

The indenture does not contain covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, change in credit rating or other similar occurrence.

Book-Entry Securities

The debt securities will be represented by one or more global securities. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the global security representing the debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or other successor depository Abbott appoints and registered in the name of the depository or its nominee. The debt securities will not be issued in definitive form unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement.

DTC will act as securities depository for the securities. The debt securities will be issued as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee). One fully-registered global security will be issued with respect to each $400 million of principal amount, and an additional certificate will be issued with respect to any remaining principal amount of debt securities.

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve

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System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to indirect participants such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

Purchases of debt securities under the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the debt securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each debt security will be recorded on the direct and indirect participants' records. These beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but beneficial owners are expected to receive a written confirmation providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which the beneficial owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the debt securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in debt securities, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the debt securities is discontinued.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all debt securities deposited by participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of debt securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. will not change the beneficial ownership of the debt securities. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts the debt securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Delivery of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all of the debt securities within an issue are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in such issue to be redeemed.

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co will consent or vote with respect to debt securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an omnibus proxy to Abbott as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts the debt securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy).

Principal and interest payments, if any, on the debt securities will be made to Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC's practice is to credit direct participants' accounts, upon DTC's receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from Abbott or the trustee, on the applicable payable date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of that participant and not of DTC, the trustee or Abbott, subject to any statutory or

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regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal and interest to Cede & Co. is the responsibility of Abbott or the trustee. Disbursement of payments from Cede & Co. to direct participants is DTC's responsibility. Disbursement of payments to beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.

A beneficial owner must give notice through a participant to a tender agent to elect to have its debt securities purchased or tendered. The beneficial owner must deliver debt securities by causing the direct participants to transfer the participant's interest in the debt securities, on DTC's records, to a tender agent. The requirement for physical delivery of debt securities in connection with an optional tender or a mandatory purchase is satisfied when the ownership rights in the debt securities are transferred by direct participants on DTC's records and followed by a book-entry credit of tendered debt securities to the tender agent's account.

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository for the debt securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to Abbott or the trustee. Under these circumstances, if a successor securities depository is not obtained, then debt security certificates must be delivered.

Abbott may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, debt security certificates will be printed and delivered.

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that Abbott believes to be reliable, but Abbott takes no responsibility for their accuracy.

Certain Covenants of the Company

Restrictions on Secured Debt. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement with respect to any series of the debt securities, if Abbott or any domestic subsidiary incurs, issues, assumes or guarantees any indebtedness for borrowed money represented by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar evidences of indebtedness and that indebtedness is secured by a mortgage, pledge or other lien on any principal domestic property or on any shares of stock or debt of any domestic subsidiary, Abbott will secure, or cause its domestic subsidiary to secure, the debt securities equally and ratably with, or prior to, that indebtedness, so long as that indebtedness is to be secured. Abbott is not required to secure the debt securities, however, if after securing such debt securities the aggregate amount of all secured indebtedness, together with all attributable debt in respect of sale and leaseback transactions involving principal domestic properties, would not exceed 15% of Abbott's consolidated net assets. This restriction will not apply to, and there shall be excluded in computing secured indebtedness for the purpose of this restriction, indebtedness secured by:

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The following are the meanings of terms that are important in understanding the restrictive covenants previously described:

Restrictions on Sales and Leasebacks. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement with respect to any series of the debt securities, neither Abbott nor any domestic subsidiary may enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving any principal domestic property, the acquisition or completion of construction and commencement of full operation of which has occurred more than 120 days prior thereto, unless:

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Events of Default

With respect to a series of debt securities, any one of the following events will constitute an event of default under the indenture:

If any event of default occurs and continues, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities, the portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of those debt securities, of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by a notice in writing to Abbott, and to the trustee if given by holders. The principal amount (or specified amount) will then be immediately due and payable. After acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration has been obtained, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul the acceleration.

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are original issue discount securities will contain the particular provisions relating to acceleration of the stated maturity of a portion of the principal amount of that series of original issue discount securities upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default.

The indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the trustee during default to act with the required standard of care, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable indemnity. Generally, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee.

A holder of any series of debt securities will not have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy, unless:

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However, these limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder for enforcement of payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on their debt security on or after the respective due dates.

Abbott is required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to its performance of certain obligations under the indenture and as to any default.

Modification and Waiver

Abbott and the trustee may modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than the majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series which is affected. Neither Abbott nor the trustee may, however, modify or amend the indenture without the consent of the holders of all debt securities affected if such action would:

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of that series, waive compliance by Abbott with certain restrictive provisions of the indenture. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of that series, waive any past default under the indenture, except (1) a default in the payment of principal, premium or interest and (2) in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of those holders of each outstanding debt security of that series who were affected.

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Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

Abbott may not consolidate with or merge into any other company or entity or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety and may not permit any company or entity to merge into or consolidate with Abbott or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to Abbott, unless:

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The indenture provides, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement relating to that particular series of debt securities, that, at Abbott's option, Abbott:

Abbott may establish this trust only if, among other things:

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If Abbott fails to comply with its remaining obligations under the indenture after a defeasance of the indenture with respect to the debt securities of any series as described under the second item of the preceding sentence and the debt securities of such series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount of money and U.S. Government obligations on deposit with the trustee may be insufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. Abbott will, however, remain liable for those payments.

Concerning the Trustee

Bank One Trust Company, N.A. is trustee under the indenture. The trustee performs services for Abbott in the ordinary course of business.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES

Authorized and Outstanding

As of December 31, 2000, Abbott had 2,400,000,000 authorized common shares, of which 1,545,934,133 were outstanding, and 1,000,000 authorized preferred shares, of which none were outstanding. Abbott's board of directors determines the terms and the manner in which the preferred shares may be issued.

Listing

Abbott's common shares are listed on the New York, Chicago, Pacific and London exchanges, as well as the Swiss stock exchange. They are traded on the Boston, Cincinnati and Philadelphia exchanges. The ticker symbol for Abbott's common shares is ABT.

Dividends

The board of directors may authorize, and Abbott may make, distributions to its common shareholders, subject to any restriction in Abbott's articles of incorporation and to those limitations prescribed by law.

Fully Paid

All of Abbott's outstanding common shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Any additional common shares that Abbott issues will be fully paid and non-assessable.

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Voting Rights

Each of Abbott's outstanding common shares is entitled to one vote in each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders. In addition, in all elections for directors, every shareholder has the right to vote the number of shares owned by it for as many persons as there are directors to be elected, or to cumulate its votes and give one candidate as many votes as shall equal the number of directors multiplied by the number of shares or to distribute its cumulative votes in any proportion among any number of candidates. Abbott's shareholders may vote either in person or by proxy.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent; Meetings

Under Illinois corporate law, any action required to be taken by Abbott's shareholders may be taken without a meeting and without a vote if a consent in writing is signed by holders of shares having at least the number of votes necessary at a shareholder meeting.

Abbott's by-laws provide that special meetings of the shareholders of the corporation may be called only by:

Transfer Agent and Registrar

BankBoston, N.A. is Abbott's transfer agent and registrar. BankBoston is located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Shareholder Rights Plan

On November 10, 1999, the Abbott board of directors declared a dividend distribution of one right for each outstanding common share of Abbott to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 1999, the record date. Except as described below, each right, when exercisable, entitles the registered holder to purchase from Abbott one ten-thousandth of a share of series A junior participating preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, at a purchase price of $200 for each one ten-thousandth of a share, subject to adjustment.

Initially, the rights automatically attached to all common share certificates representing shares then outstanding, and no separate certificates evidencing the rights were distributed. Rights will be attached to all shares of common stock issued in the future prior to the termination of the rights agreement. The rights will be evidenced by the common share certificates and not by separate certificates until the earlier to occur of:

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The earlier of these two dates is referred to in the rights agreement as the distribution date.

Until the distribution date, the rights will be transferred only with the Abbott common shares. As soon as practicable following the distribution date, right certificates will be mailed to holders of record of the Abbott common shares as of the close of business on the distribution date. After the distribution date, the separate right certificates will evidence the rights. Any Abbott common shares issued after the distribution date will generally be accompanied by right certificates only if such Abbott common shares are issued pursuant to the exercise of options or under any employee plan or arrangement or upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities issued by Abbott, or if the issuance of accompanying right certificates is deemed necessary or appropriate by the Abbott board of directors.

The rights are not exercisable until the distribution date and will expire at the earliest of:

If any person, other than Abbott, its affiliates or any person receiving newly-issued common shares directly from Abbott, becomes the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the then outstanding common shares, each rightsholder will have the right to receive, upon exercise at the then current exercise price of the right, common shares, or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of Abbott, having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right.

If, after an acquiring person obtains 10% or more of the outstanding Abbott common shares, Abbott is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of Abbott's assets or earning power are sold, each holder of a right will have the right to receive, upon exercise at the then current exercise price of the right, common stock of the acquiring or surviving company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right.

Following the occurrence of any of the events set forth in the preceding two paragraphs, any rights that are, or, under certain circumstances specified in the rights agreement, were, beneficially owned by any acquiring person will immediately become null and void.

At any time after the acquisition by a person or group of affiliated or associated persons of beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding common shares and prior to the acquisition by that person or group of 50% or more of the outstanding common shares or the existence of a solicitation participant, the board of directors may exchange the rights, other than rights owned by that person or group, which have become void, in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one common share for each right, subject to adjustment.

Subject to the following paragraph, at any time after the date of the rights agreement until the earlier of the time that a person becomes an acquiring person or November 10, 2009, the Abbott board of directors may redeem the rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.0001 for each right, which may, at the option of Abbott be paid in cash, common shares or other consideration deemed appropriate by the board. Upon the effectiveness of any action of the board ordering redemption of the rights, the rights will terminate, leaving the rightsholders with only the right to receive this redemption price.

If at any time prior to a person becoming an acquiring person:

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then the approval by holders of at least 85% of the outstanding common shares, known as the shareholder approval, would be required prior to any redemption of the rights or any amendment of the rights agreement that would adversely affect the interests of rightsholders or facilitate a transaction with a solicitation participant.

The rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire Abbott without conditioning the offer on the rights being redeemed or a substantial number of rights being acquired, and under certain circumstances the rights beneficially owned by that person or group may become void. The rights should not interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by the board of directors because the board may, at its option subject to shareholder approval, if applicable, at any time prior to the time that any person becomes an acquiring person, redeem all, but not less than all, of the then outstanding rights at the redemption price.

This summary description of the rights does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the rights agreement.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Abbott may sell the securities:

Abbott may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

Abbott may designate agents to solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. These agents may be deemed to be underwriters, as defined in the Securities Act of 1933, involved in the offer or sale of the securities. The prospectus supplement will name the agents and any commissions Abbott pays them. Agents may be entitled to indemnification by Abbott against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, under agreements between Abbott and the agents, and the agents or their affiliates may extend credit to or engage in transactions with or perform services for Abbott in the ordinary course of business. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a reasonable efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

If Abbott uses any underwriters in the sale, Abbott will enter into an underwriting agreement with them at the time of sale. The names of the underwriters and the terms of the transaction will be set forth in the prospectus supplement that the underwriters use to make resales of the securities. The underwriters may be entitled under the relevant underwriting agreement to indemnification by Abbott against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, and the underwriters or their affiliates may extend credit to or engage in transactions with or perform services for Abbott in the ordinary course of business.

If Abbott uses dealers in the sale of the securities, Abbott will sell the securities to those dealers, as principal. The dealers may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by them at the time of resale. Dealers may be entitled to indemnification by Abbott against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, and the dealers or their affiliates may

14

ZEQ.=13,SEQ=15,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=572063,FOLIO='14',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]DE1099B.;7',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='12-FEB-2001;12:03'

extend credit to or engage in transactions with or perform services for Abbott in the ordinary course of business.

The debt securities are not proposed to be listed on a securities exchange, and any underwriters or dealers will not be obligated to make a market in debt securities. Abbott cannot predict the activity or liquidity of any trading in the debt securities.

LEGAL OPINIONS

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for Abbott by Jose M. de Lasa, Esq., Abbott's Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and by Mayer, Brown & Platt, Chicago, Illinois, and for the underwriters, dealers and agents, if any, by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois), Chicago, Illinois. As of February 12, 2001, Mr. de Lasa beneficially owned approximately 192,069 Abbott common shares and held options to acquire 556,428 shares, of which options to purchase 276,295 shares are currently exercisable. (These amounts include approximately 1,287 shares held for the benefit of Mr. de Lasa in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Trust pursuant to the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan). The opinions of Mr. de Lasa, Mayer, Brown & Platt and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois) may be conditioned upon, and may be subject to certain assumptions regarding, future action required to be taken by Abbott and any underwriter(s), dealer(s) or agent(s) in connection with the issuance and sale of any securities. The opinions of Mr. de Lasa, Mayer, Brown & Platt and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois) with respect to securities may be subject to other conditions and assumptions, as indicated in the prospectus supplement. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois) from time to time also represents Abbott in connection with certain other matters.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, which are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Abbott files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document Abbott files with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Abbott's SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. Abbott's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange, and information about Abbott also is available there.

15

ZEQ.=14,SEQ=16,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=695669,FOLIO='15',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]DE1099B.;7',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='12-FEB-2001;12:03'

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that Abbott filed with the SEC. The SEC allows Abbott to "incorporate by reference" the information Abbott files with the SEC. This means that Abbott can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents that Abbott identifies as part of this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Abbott incorporates by reference the documents listed below:

Abbott also incorporates by reference any future filings it makes with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1) after the date of the filing of this registration statement and before its effectiveness and (2) until Abbott has sold all of the securities to which this prospectus relates or the offering is otherwise terminated. Abbott's subsequent filings with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus.

You may obtain a copy of these filings at no cost by writing to or telephoning Abbott at the following address and telephone number:

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any supplement. Abbott has not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. This prospectus is an offer to sell or buy only the securities described in this document, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current and accurate only as of the date of this prospectus.

16

ZEQ.=15,SEQ=17,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=90956,FOLIO='16',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]DE1099B.;7',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='12-FEB-2001;12:03' Generated by Merrill Corporation (www.merrillcorp.com)

TOC_END

PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the estimated expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities registered hereby:

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SEC registration fee	$
Printing and engraving costs	$ 35,000
Legal fees and expenses	$ 25,000
Accounting fees and expenses	$ 10,000
Trustee fees and expenses	$ 15,000
Rating agency fees	$ 515,000
Miscellaneous	$ 33,742
Total	$ 1,550,000

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Item 15. Indemnification of Officers and Directors.

Restated Article R-VI of Abbott's Restated Articles of Incorporation provides that Abbott shall, in the case of persons who are or were directors or officers of Abbott, and may, as to other persons, indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by law any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of Abbott, or is or was serving at the request of Abbott as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The provisions of Article R-VI are applicable to all expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by Abbott in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, as authorized by Abbott's Board of Directors in the specific case, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount, unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled to indemnification.

Section 8.75 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act provides that a corporation may indemnify any person (or his or her personal representatives) who, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of such corporation, is made (or threatened to be made) a party to any pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than one brought on behalf of the corporation, against reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and settlement payments, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be not opposed to the best interests of such corporation and, in criminal actions, in addition, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In the case of actions on behalf of the corporation, indemnification may extend only to reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) and only if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, provided that no such indemnification is permitted in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person is adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or her duty to the corporation except to the extent that the adjudicating court otherwise provides. To the extent that such person has been successful in defending any action, suit or proceeding (even one on behalf of the corporation) or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person is entitled to indemnification for reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by such person in connection therewith.

II-1

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=18,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=282964,FOLIO='II-1',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]JA1099A.;8',USER='LCOUTU',CD='10-FEB-2001;05:18'

The indemnification provided for by the Illinois Business Corporation Act is not exclusive of any other rights of indemnification, and a corporation may maintain insurance against liabilities for which indemnification is not expressly provided by the Illinois Business Corporation Act. Abbott's directors and officers are insured under a directors and officers liability insurance policy maintained by Abbott.

Item 16. Exhibits.

A list of exhibits filed herewith or incorporated by reference is contained in the Exhibit Index which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 17. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

II-2

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=19,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=162513,FOLIO='II-2',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]JA1099A.;8',USER='LCOUTU',CD='10-FEB-2001;05:18'

(5) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(6) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant, pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-3

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=20,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=113011,FOLIO='II-3',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]JA1099A.;8',USER='LCOUTU',CD='10-FEB-2001;05:18' Generated by Merrill Corporation (www.merrillcorp.com)

TOC_END

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the County of Lake, State of Illinois, on February 12, 2001.

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

ABBOTT LABORATORIES
/s/ MILES D. WHITE Miles D. White Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Each person whose signature appears below on this registration statement hereby constitutes and appoints Jose M. de Lasa and Gary P. Coughlan and each of them, with full power to act without the other, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities (unless revoked in writing), to sign any and all amendments to the Registrant's Form S-3 registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to such attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might and could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on February 12, 2001.

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

/s/ MILES D. WHITE Miles D. White Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Director	/s/ JEFFREY M. LEIDEN Jeffrey M. Leiden, M.D., Ph.D. Executive Vice President, Pharmaceuticals, Chief Scientific Officer and Director
/s/ GARY P. COUGHLAN Gary P. Coughlan Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)	/s/ GARY L. FLYNN Gary L. Flynn Vice President and Controller (principal accounting officer)
/s/ ROXANNE S. AUSTIN Roxanne S. Austin Director	/s/ A. BARRY RAND A. Barry Rand Director

insert table folio

II-4

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=21,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=950970,FOLIO='II-4',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]JC1099A.;19',USER='DHOLBRO',CD='10-FEB-2001;07:30' end of table folio

/s/ H. LAURANCE FULLER H. Laurance Fuller Director	/s/ W. ANN REYNOLDS W. Ann Reynolds, Ph.D. Director
/s/ JACK M. GREENBERG Jack M. Greenberg Director	/s/ ROY S. ROBERTS Roy S. Roberts Director
/s/ DAVID A. JONES David A. Jones Director	/s/ WILLIAM D. SMITHBURG William D. Smithburg Director
/s/ DAVID A. L. OWEN David A. L. Owen Director	/s/ JOHN R. WALTER John R. Walter Director
/s/ BOONE POWELL, JR. Boone Powell, Jr. Director

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

II-5

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=22,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=243494,FOLIO='II-5',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]JC1099A.;19',USER='DHOLBRO',CD='10-FEB-2001;07:30' Generated by Merrill Corporation (www.merrillcorp.com) TOC_END

EXHIBIT INDEX

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Exhibit Number	Description
4.1	Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2001, between Abbott Laboratories and Bank One Trust Company, N.A. (including form of Security)
5.1	Opinion of Jose M. de Lasa
23.1	Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
23.2	Consent of Jose M. de Lasa (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this registration statement)
24.1	Power of Attorney (included on signature page of this registration statement)
25.1	Statement of Eligibility of Bank One Trust Company, N.A. on Form T-1

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE ZEQ.=1,SEQ=23,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1",CHK=964701,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK013:[01CHI9.01CHI1099]KA1099A.;8',USER='LCOUTU',CD='10-FEB-2001;05:18' Generated by Merrill Corporation (www.merrillcorp.com)

QuickLinks

TOC_BEGIN ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS ABBOTT LABORATORIES USE OF PROCEEDS DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION LEGAL OPINIONS EXPERTS WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION TOC_BEGIN PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS TOC_BEGIN SIGNATURES TOC_BEGIN EXHIBIT INDEX SEQ=,FILE='QUICKLINK',USER=JKANTOR,SEQ=,EFW="2035277",CP="ABBOTT LABORATORIES",DN="1" TOCEXISTFLAG