Abbott Laboratories: A Steady Dividend Growth King
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ABT?
Source: Fool
- Diversified Business Structure: Abbott Laboratories operates across four business units—diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and established pharmaceuticals—ensuring that if one segment faces challenges, others can compensate, thereby enhancing overall financial stability.
- Medical Device Growth: Despite a decline in coronavirus testing sales impacting the diagnostics segment, the medical devices division reported double-digit sales growth in the latest quarter, demonstrating the company's strong performance in innovation and market demand.
- Acquisition-Driven Growth: Abbott is set to complete its acquisition of Exact Sciences, a leader in the cancer screening market, in the second quarter, a strategic move expected to further drive earnings growth and solidify its leadership in the healthcare sector.
- Sustained Dividend Growth: Abbott has increased its dividend for 54 consecutive years, with a 70% increase over the past five years, currently paying $2.52 per share with a yield of 2.2%, showcasing the company's robust cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
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Analyst Views on ABT
Wall Street analysts forecast ABT stock price to rise
19 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 112.650
Low
136.00
Averages
148.11
High
169.00
Current: 112.650
Low
136.00
Averages
148.11
High
169.00
About ABT
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company. The Company’s principal business is the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of a broad and diversified line of healthcare products. Its segments include Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. Established Pharmaceutical Products segment is engaged in the international sales of a broad line of branded generic pharmaceutical products. Diagnostic Products segment is involved in the worldwide sales of diagnostic systems and tests for blood banks, hospitals, commercial laboratories and alternate-care testing sites. Nutritional Products segment is engaged in the worldwide sales of a broad line of adult and pediatric nutritional products. Medical Devices segment is involved in the worldwide sales of rhythm management, electrophysiology, heart failure, vascular, structural heart, neuromodulation and diabetes care products. It serves people in more than 160 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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