Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) is seen as a solid safe-harbor stock because of the company's 135-year history, its diversified healthcare business, and its reliable dividend.
The company is known for innovation, with two of its biggest breakthroughs being the first licensed test for the HIV virus and Humira, the first fully human monoclonal antibody drug. In July, it came out with the Aveir, which it says is the first dual-chamber pacemaker without leads and is smaller than a AAA battery. Last year, it debuted the world's smallest mechanical heart valve.
There's considerable disagreement over whether the stock is a good investment at the moment. Here's a look at Abbott from the bull and bear perspectives:
Source Fool.com