Abbott Laboratories (ABT) engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of health care products worldwide. This dividend champion has boosted distributions for 40 years in a row.
The company’s last dividend increase was in February 2012 when the Board of Directors approved a 6.30% increase to 51 cents/share. The company’s peer group includes Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) and Merck (MRK)