This Dividend Aristocrat Just Gave Shareholders a Great Gift

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) has a gift on the way for all of its shareholders. And it's the kind of gift that keeps on giving throughout the entire year.

Last week, the company's board of directors approved a 12.5% dividend increase. The announcement came just in time for the holidays, so the higher dividend could be viewed as a Christmas gift. However, it might be better seen as a Valentine's Day present: The dividend will actually be paid on Feb. 14, 2020, to shareholders of record as of Jan. 15, 2020.

Abbott's dividend increase brings the healthcare giant's dividend yield to nearly 1.7%. If that's not enough to entice you to invest in the stock, there are several other reasons you might want to consider buying Abbott.

Source Fool.com