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ABT or BAX or STE
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Abbott Laboratories (ABT) vs. Baxter International (BAX) vs. STERIS (STE) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ABT (Abbott Laboratories) is a diversified healthcare leader whose strong medical-device momentum is being partly offset by diagnostics and tariff headwinds.
- BAX (Baxter International) is in a post-divestiture turnaround marked by margin pressure, a product recall, and recent credit-rating downgrades.
- STE (STERIS plc) has delivered the most consistent recent relative performance, beating estimates and raising its forward guidance.
- The three names offer sharply different risk profiles: a premium-priced growth franchise (ABT), a discounted recovery story (BAX), and a steadier compounding model (STE).
- Balance-sheet strength diverges meaningfully, with STE carrying low leverage while BAX is still deleveraging after its Vantive divestiture.
Introduction
Healthcare and medical-technology investors often compare names that appear similar on the surface but diverge sharply in business model, growth quality, and risk. ABT, BAX, and STE each operate in hospital and clinical markets, yet their market positioning and recent momentum tell very different stories. This stock comparison examines relative performance, growth drivers, and risk factors to help traders and longer-term investors assess which profile best fits current market conditions.
ABT Overview and Recent Performance
Abbott Laboratories is a diversified healthcare company spanning medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition, and established pharmaceuticals. In recent weeks, ABT has demonstrated solid top-line resilience, with its medical-device segment growing in the low double digits on an organic basis, led by diabetes care and electrophysiology (the treatment of heart-rhythm disorders). A notable catalyst arrived with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the company's Volt pulsed field ablation (PFA) system for atrial fibrillation, strengthening its cardiovascular portfolio. At the same time, sentiment has been tempered by declining COVID-19 testing sales, pricing pressure in China's core-laboratory diagnostics market, and tariff-related margin compression. The company has maintained a strong dividend record, recently extending its long streak of consecutive annual dividend increases.
BAX Overview and Recent Performance
Baxter International is a hospital-focused supplier of essential products including intravenous (IV) solutions, infusion pumps, surgical products, and connected hospital equipment. After completing the divestiture of its Kidney Care business (Vantive) in early 2025, BAX has been repositioning under a new chief executive. Recent market activity has been challenging: revenue growth has been modest, while adjusted margins have contracted and earnings have fallen short of consensus in the latest reported quarter. The company has also contended with a Class I FDA recall for its Novum IQ large-volume infusion pump and securities litigation headlines, alongside credit-rating downgrades from major agencies reflecting still-elevated leverage. These factors have kept investor sentiment cautious and the stock volatile relative to peers.
STE Overview and Recent Performance
STERIS plc provides infection-prevention products, sterilization services, and medical equipment across healthcare, life sciences, and applied sterilization (AST) markets. In recent quarters, STE has reported consistent revenue growth in the high single to low double digits, with services and consumables driving expansion and margin improvement. The company beat both earnings and revenue expectations in its most recent fiscal period and raised its forward adjusted earnings-per-share (EPS) outlook. Although tariffs and inflation have pressured margins at the segment level, pricing and productivity have largely offset these effects. STERIS maintains comparatively low financial leverage and strong free cash flow, contributing to steadier relative performance and a market-cap profile positioned between its two peers in this comparison.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Although all three companies serve healthcare end markets, their business models and risk profiles contrast sharply. ABT is the largest and most diversified, offering breadth across devices, diagnostics, and nutrition, but it trades at a premium valuation and is dealing with near-term earnings noise in diagnostics and tariffs. BAX sits at the opposite end of the spectrum: a leaner, turnaround-oriented operator with lower valuation multiples, a higher debt burden, and execution and quality issues that have dampened momentum. STE occupies a middle ground, combining steadier compounding revenue, expanding margins, a modest dividend, and a conservative balance sheet, though its smaller scale and more focused portfolio make it less diversified than ABT.
In terms of recent momentum and market positioning, STE has shown the most consistent upward trajectory and outperformed the broader market, while ABT has been relatively range-bound and BAX has lagged amid operational and credit concerns. Valuation sensitivity also differs: ABT's premium multiple leaves less room for disappointment, BAX's discount reflects elevated uncertainty, and STE's multiple sits between them but is supported by strong cash generation and low leverage.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor STE among the three, given its combination of consistent revenue growth, expanding margins, strong free cash flow, low leverage, and positive estimate revisions. ABT would likely register as a fundamentally strong but currently range-bound holding, with near-term headwinds in diagnostics and tariffs offsetting robust device momentum. BAX would likely rank lowest on trend consistency and stability, given margin compression, the recall, credit downgrades, and elevated leverage. These conclusions are probabilistic and reflect current conditions rather than a definitive forecast.
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.
ABT in +2.49% Uptrend, growing 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 Oscillator 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 (3.471) is normal, around the industry mean (2.874). P/E Ratio (33.068) 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.
BAX in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
The 10-day moving average for BAX 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 9 of 13 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 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on September 30, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on BAX as a result. In 48 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BAX just turned positive on September 30, 2026. Looking at past instances where BAX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 21 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
BAX moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +4.65% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BAX advanced for three days, in 166 of 288 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 143 of 210 cases where BAX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 68%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for BAX moved out of overbought territory on October 16, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 33 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 18 of the 33 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 55%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 33 of 55 cases where BAX's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BAX 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 68%.
BAX 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. BAX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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 SMR rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable 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 96 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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 (2.137) is normal, around the industry mean (4.961). P/E Ratio (-12.391) is within average values for comparable stocks, (37.232). BAX's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (36.677) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (4.143). Dividend Yield (0.002) settles around the average of (0.005) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.057) is also within normal values, averaging (56.876).
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. BAX’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 (3.142) is normal, around the industry mean (2.874). P/E Ratio (28.251) 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 | BAX | STE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 14 | 10 | 19 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 70 Overvalued | 96 Overvalued | 74 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | 82 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 68 | 94 | 66 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 16 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 5 | 56 | 74 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 85 | 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) and is in the same range as BAX (96). This means that ABT's stock grew similarly to STE’s and similarly to BAX’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) and is in the same range as BAX (100). This means that STE's stock grew similarly to ABT’s and similarly to BAX’s over the last 12 months.
STE's SMR Rating (66) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as ABT (68) and is in the same range as BAX (94). This means that STE's stock grew similarly to ABT’s and similarly to BAX’s over the last 12 months.
BAX's Price Growth Rating (16) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as STE (47) and is somewhat better than the same rating for ABT (55). This means that BAX's stock grew similarly to STE’s and somewhat faster than ABT’s over the last 12 months.
ABT's P/E Growth Rating (5) in the Medical Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for BAX (56) and is significantly better than the same rating for STE (74). This means that ABT's stock grew somewhat faster than BAX’s and significantly faster than STE’s over the last 12 months.
| ABT | BAX | STE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 49% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 43% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 52% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 47% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 58% | 12 days ago 48% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 4 days ago 68% | 5 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 58% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days 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 BAX’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s), and STE’s FA Score reflects 0 green FA rating(s).
- ABT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- BAX’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 BAX’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s), and STE’s TA Score reflects 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ABT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- BAX’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- STE’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ABT (@Medical/Nursing Services) experienced а -2.07% price change this week, while BAX (@Pharmaceuticals: Other) price change was -0.43% , and STE (@Medical/Nursing Services) price fluctuated +3.52% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical/Nursing Services industry was -0.53%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -9.75%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.71%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Pharmaceuticals: Other industry was +2.86%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.31%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
ABT is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
BAX is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
STE is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical/Nursing Services (-0.53% 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.
@Pharmaceuticals: Other (+2.86% weekly)Pharmaceuticals (Other) comprise companies that are involved in the discovery, development or manufacturing of therapeutic and preventative medicines. They often collaborate with or acquire other pharmaceutical/healthcare firms. Examples of companies in this segment include Bausch Health Companies Inc., Icon Plc and Perrigo Company Plc.
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BAX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BAX has been loosely correlated with LUNG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 53% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if BAX jumps, then LUNG could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To BAX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAX | 100% | +3.85% | ||
| LUNG - BAX | 53% Loosely correlated | +2.73% | ||
| ICUI - BAX | 52% Loosely correlated | +4.66% | ||
| STE - BAX | 51% Loosely correlated | +4.85% | ||
| SYK - BAX | 51% Loosely correlated | +3.19% | ||
| BDX - BAX | 49% Loosely correlated | +3.13% | ||
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