Choosing the right dividend stock isn’t just about chasing the highest yields. The best dividend stocks are often the ones that quietly raise their payouts year after year while continuing to grow the underlying business. This is precisely why Abbott Laboratories (ABT) has been a favorite among income-seeking investors. The healthcare giant has a five-decade track record of dividend increases, earning a spot among the market's prestigious Dividend Kings.
Despite another strong quarter where it beats consensus forecasts, ABT stock is down 19% year-to-date (YTD), trailing the S&P 500 Index ($SPX). But this dip could be a great opportunity for long-term dividend investors to grab one of the safest income stocks.
