February 22, 2010 (FinancialWire) — The board of directors of Abbott (NYSE: ABT) have increased the company’s quarterly common dividend 10 percent to 44 cents per share.

The move marks the 38th consecutive year that Abbott has increased its dividend payout and the 345th consecutive quarterly dividend to be paid by Abbott since 1924.

The cash dividend is payable May 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2010.

Illinois-based Abbott is focused on the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs around 83,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

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