Abbott Labs: A Boring Dividend Machine That Could Quietly Make You Rich

By Prosper Junior Bakiny – Feb 23, 2026 at 3:00PM ESTKey PointsAbbott Laboratories' business, if not exciting, is resilient and consistent.The company is a leader in multiple markets and has attractive growth avenues.The medical device leader boasts a strong dividend program that can boost long-term returns. These 10 Stocks Could Mint the Next Wave of Millionaires ›NYSE: ABTAbbott LaboratoriesMarket Cap$195BToday's Changeangle-down(2.75%) $3.08Current Price$115.29Price as of February 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET"Boring" may be just what the doctor ordered in this volatile market.Over the past few years, the exciting field of artificial intelligence (AI) has captured much of Wall Street's attention and headlines. And sure enough, some of the leaders in AI have produced incredible returns and might continue doing so. However, investors shouldn't ignore businesses that may not be as exciting, but more than make up for that with other qualities that can slowly increase wealth over time. One such company is Abbott Laboratories (ABT +2.75%). Here's how this healthcare leader could slowly make investors richer. Image source: Getty Images. Healthcare never sleeps Abbott Laboratories' healthcare business spans pharmaceuticals, nutrition, diagnostic solutions, and, arguably, its most important segment: medical devices. The company is a leader in several of the niches where it competes. In nutrition, Abbott is one of the biggest players in the baby formula space. And in medical devices, it leads the market for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. Abbott generates consistent revenue and earnings. In 2025, its sales increased by 5.7% year over year to $44.3 billion, while earnings per share rose 10.3% to $5.15. The company should have plenty of long-term tailwinds. Its CGM franchise will be one of them, as CGM technology still hasn't been widely adopted worldwide, despite its significant advantages for diabetes patients. Abbott is also betting on the cancer diagnostics market, expanding its footprint there through an acquisition. There will be others. ExpandNYSE: ABTAbbott LaboratoriesToday's Change(2.75%) $3.08Current Price$115.29Key Data PointsMarket Cap$195BDay's Range$112.05 - $115.3152wk Range$105.27 - $141.23Volume9.1MAvg Vol8.9MGross Margin52.72%Dividend Yield2.14% Abbott is an innovator and has made plenty of highly successful breakthroughs. That's what it did with its FreeStyle Libre CGM system, which has now become the best-selling medical device of all time. The company's innovative culture will benefit from an aging population and a growing need for a range of medical services. Don't forget about the dividend Dividends can significantly boost long-term returns for investors who opt to reinvest them. And it's through this mechanism that Abbott Laboratories can slowly make investors much richer over the next couple of decades (and beyond). The company is a Dividend King (a corporation with at least 50 consecutive years of annual dividend increases), with an active streak of 54 years. Abbott's returns over the past 30 years with and without dividends reinvested are strikingly different: ABT data by YCharts. Investors will need to be patient. Abbott Laboratories, like most stocks, won't make anyone rich quickly. But holding its shares as part of a well-diversified portfolio, and reinvesting dividends, could lead to outstanding returns over the long run.Read NextFeb 12, 2026 •By Adria CiminoAbbott Labs: The Healthcare Dividend Stock I'd Happily Hold ForeverFeb 2, 2026 •By Prosper Junior BakinyThe Best Dividend King to Buy With $150Jan 31, 2026 •By Adria CiminoLooking for Passive Income in 2026? 3 Dividend Kings to Buy Hand Over FistJan 26, 2026 •By Keith Speights3 Reasons to Buy This Dividend King After Its Steep Sell-OffJan 22, 2026 •By Prosper Junior BakinyWant Decades of Passive Income? 2 Stocks to Buy Right Now.Nov 30, 2025 •By Prosper Junior BakinyThis Top Dividend King Just Became an Even Better BuyAbout the AuthorProsper Junior Bakiny is a contributing Motley Fool healthcare analyst covering biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare stocks.

Before The Motley Fool, Prosper wrote about investing topics ranging from stock market news to private equity for various companies. He holds a master’s degree in corporate finance from the University of Maryland Global Campus.TMFPBakinyStocks MentionedAbbott LaboratoriesNYSE: ABT$115.29 (+2.75%) $+3.08*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.