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ABT vs STE
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Abbott Laboratories (ABT) vs. STERIS plc (STE) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ABT is a diversified healthcare conglomerate with roughly $218 billion in market value, while STE is a specialized infection-prevention and sterilization leader worth around $25 billion.
- Abbott's growth is being led by medical devices and diabetes care, even as its diagnostics segment faces China and COVID-testing headwinds.
- STERIS delivered broad-based growth across all three segments and recently raised its full-year earnings guidance, though tariffs are pressuring margins.
- Abbott offers a larger, more diversified revenue base and a 54-year dividend-growth streak; STERIS carries stronger near-term momentum and margin expansion.
- Both stocks contend with tariff-driven cost pressures, making execution and pricing power key differentiators in the current environment.
Introduction
Investors evaluating healthcare exposure often weigh a diversified, large-cap medical device and diagnostics leader against a focused, mission-critical service provider. This stock comparison examines ABT (Abbott Laboratories) and STE (STERIS plc), two names that serve overlapping healthcare end markets yet operate with very different business models. Growth-oriented traders may find STERIS's consistent revenue expansion and improving profitability appealing, while income-focused and diversified investors may favor Abbott's scale, product pipeline, and dividend reliability. Understanding their relative performance and market positioning can help both experienced investors and newer readers decide which profile better fits their objectives.
ABT Overview and Recent Performance
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company spanning medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition, and established pharmaceuticals, with operations across more than 160 countries. In recent market activity, ABT has underperformed its peer group, with shares trading below both the 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages in recent weeks. Its most recent quarterly results showed revenue rising 6.9% year over year to $11.37 billion, with adjusted earnings per share up 7.4%. Medical Devices grew 14.8%, led by Diabetes Care (up 16.2%) and Structural Heart, while Diagnostics declined 6.6%, weighed by declining COVID-19 test sales and volume-based procurement pressures in China. Tariffs have also compressed gross margin. On the positive side, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Abbott's Volt pulsed-field ablation system for atrial fibrillation, reinforcing its cardiovascular pipeline, and the company extended its dividend-growth streak to 54 consecutive years.
STE Overview and Recent Performance
STERIS plc is a specialized provider of infection-prevention products, sterilization services, and medical equipment, operating through three segments: Healthcare, Applied Sterilization Technologies (AST), and Life Sciences. In recent weeks, STE has shown firmer relative momentum, aided by a quarterly report in which adjusted earnings per share rose 15.4% and revenue increased 9.8%, both exceeding consensus estimates. Growth was broad-based, with Healthcare up 9%, AST up 10%, and Life Sciences up 13% on a constant-currency organic basis. Gross margin expanded 68 basis points and adjusted operating margin rose 161 basis points, even as management flagged roughly $55 million in annualized tariff costs. The company subsequently raised its full-year adjusted earnings-per-share guidance. These results reflect consistent demand for mission-critical sterilization and infection-prevention services, tempered by tariff and inflation-driven cost pressures.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
These two companies differ fundamentally in scale and focus. Abbott is a diversified healthcare conglomerate whose growth rests on high-barrier device franchises such as continuous glucose monitoring and electrophysiology, balanced against a large diagnostics business facing China and post-COVID normalization. STERIS is a narrower, capital-efficient operator whose recurring service and consumable revenue provides stability, with demand tied to surgical volumes and pharmaceutical manufacturing rather than product innovation cycles. On recent momentum, STE has outperformed, sustaining high-single-digit organic growth and expanding margins, while ABT has lagged amid diagnostics softness. Risk profiles also contrast: Abbott carries currency and China-related exposure plus tariff pressure on a global supply chain, whereas STERIS faces tariff costs on inputs and sensitivity to hospital capital-spending cycles. From a valuation standpoint, both trade at elevated forward earnings multiples relative to historical averages.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, recent earnings momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI framework would likely lean toward STE in the current environment. STERIS has demonstrated more consistent trend strength, raised guidance, expanding margins, and broad-based segment growth, which tend to align with algorithmic preferences for steady, quantifiable momentum. Abbott retains a compelling long-term catalyst set, including its recently approved Volt PFA system and diversified pipeline, but its recent underperformance, below-average-moving-price action, and diagnostics headwinds introduce greater near-term uncertainty. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: a favorable rotation in Abbott's diagnostics business or sustained tariff relief for either company could shift relative positioning quickly.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ABT is a Hold and STE is a Hold.
ABT in +2.49% Uptrend, rising for three consecutive days on October 16, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where ABT advanced for three days, in 172 of 306 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where ABT's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 37 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ABT as a result. In 46 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ABT just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where ABT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 25 of 54 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 28 of 54 cases where ABT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ABT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
ABT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ABT entered a downward trend on October 13, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 5 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ABT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 70 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.403) is normal, around the industry mean (2.874). P/E Ratio (32.423) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.324). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.853) is also within normal values, averaging (11.052). Dividend Yield (0.025) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.836) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ABT’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 95, placing this stock worse than average.
STE in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026
STE moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 25 of 44 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on STE as a result. In 47 of 96 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for STE just turned positive on September 29, 2026. Looking at past instances where STE's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 20 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 43%.
The 10-day moving average for STE crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 7 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 41%.
Following a +3.90% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where STE advanced for three days, in 152 of 315 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 98 of 200 cases where STE Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 49%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 8 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where STE declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
STE broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. STE’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 74 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.996) is normal, around the industry mean (2.874). P/E Ratio (26.944) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.324). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.760) is also within normal values, averaging (11.052). Dividend Yield (0.012) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.423) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 74 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 82 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. STE’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 95, placing this stock better than average.
ABT | STE | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 14 | 19 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 70 Overvalued | 74 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 82 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 68 | 66 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 5 | 74 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ABT's Valuation (70) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as STE (74). This means that ABT’s stock grew similarly to STE’s over the last 12 months.
STE's Profit vs Risk Rating (82) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as ABT (100). This means that STE’s stock grew similarly to ABT’s over the last 12 months.
STE's SMR Rating (66) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as ABT (68). This means that STE’s stock grew similarly to ABT’s over the last 12 months.
STE's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as ABT (55). This means that STE’s stock grew similarly to ABT’s over the last 12 months.
ABT's P/E Growth Rating (5) in the Medical Specialties industry is significantly better than the same rating for STE (74). This means that ABT’s stock grew significantly faster than STE’s over the last 12 months.
| ABT | STE | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 49% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 46% | 1 day ago 43% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 52% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 47% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 56% | 11 days ago 48% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 4 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 49% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ABT’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while STE’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- ABT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- STE’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ABT’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while STE’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ABT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- STE’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ABT (@Medical/Nursing Services) experienced а -2.07% price change this week, while STE (@Medical/Nursing Services) price change was +1.94% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical/Nursing Services industry was -1.50%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.64%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.25%.
Reported Earning Dates
ABT is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
STE is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical/Nursing Services (-1.50% weekly)The medical/nursing services includes companies that provide medical-related services such as ambulance services, dialysis centers, respiratory therapy, blood testing and rehabilitation services. DaVita Inc., Chemed Corporation and Guardant Health, Inc. are examples of companies in this industry.
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STE and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, STE has been loosely correlated with SYK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 53% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if STE jumps, then SYK could also see price increases.