Abbott Increases Quarterly Dividend by 9% to $0.48

The board of directors of Abbott ABT today increased the company's quarterly common dividend 9 percent to 48 cents per share. This marks the 39th consecutive year that Abbott has increased its dividend payout and the 349th consecutive quarterly dividend to be paid by Abbott since 1924. The cash dividend is payable May 16, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2011.