When you're in the market for dividend income, it's important to keep your eye on the long term. An attractive payout today isn't worth much if the company might be forced to reduce or cut its dividend down the road.

On the other hand, seasoned businesses like medical devices maker Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) have a track record of paying investors for decades on end without flinching. But is that enough to make Abbott shares worth a purchase today? Let's take a look at the underlying business and decide.

There are two crucial factors for determining whether Abbott is worth buying for its dividend income: growth and sustainability. Abbott's dividend has grown like clockwork, with a most impressive 51-year history of annual increases. As of late July, its annual dividends per share have grown by an average of 7.4% per year.

Continue reading

Source Fool.com