Abbott Laboratories manufactures healthcare products and medical equipment. The company's four main business segments are established pharmaceutical products, diagnostic products, nutritional products, and medical devices.
Like its spinoff AbbVie, Abbott Laboratories is a favorite of dividend investors. It has raised its dividend for more than 50 consecutive years, putting it on the list of Dividend Kings.
Drug makers and diversified giants split the top of healthcare
Many of the biggest healthcare companies are in the pharmaceutical business, which brings some unique risks, but also the potential for outsize returns. The development of new products often requires a lengthy regulatory process. If a company's product may have harmed a consumer, there's a possibility of a lawsuit.
However, companies with successful and innovative treatments often grow quickly. Eli Lilly is a good example, as it has soared on the popularity of its weight-loss drugs.
Even with the risks, healthcare can be an attractive sector for investors. Some of the top healthcare companies pay high dividends, which is great for investors looking to build passive income. Healthcare stocks also tend to be resistant to market downturns. After all, no matter how the economy is doing, people always need healthcare.