ABBV vs HSTM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ABBV (AbbVie Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. ABBV offers the higher yield at 2.42%, ABBV has the higher dividend-safety score, and HSTM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).
Key facts: ABBV vs HSTM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.42%, versus 0.41% for HealthStream, Inc. (HSTM).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ABBV's dividend safety A (80/100) and HSTM's B (72/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ABBV has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and HSTM for 2.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ABBV pays out 190% of its earnings as dividends and HSTM pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ABBV's fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price and HSTM's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price, so HSTM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ABBV vs HSTM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/abbv-vs-hstm
| Metric | ABBV | HSTM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.42% | 0.41% |
| Annual dividend | $6.92 | $0.14 |
| Payout ratio | 190% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.8% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 148% | 43% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 72 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $195.66 | $41.79 |
| Upside to fair value | -31% | +26% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $504.4B | $1.0B |
| P/E ratio | 80.6 | 46.0 |
Higher yield
ABBV
2.42%
Safer dividend
ABBV
Grade A
Faster growth
ABBV
6.8%
Better value
HSTM
+26% upside
ABBV vs HSTM — FAQ
Is ABBV or HSTM a better dividend stock?
On the data, ABBV wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). ABBV offers the higher yield (2.42%), while ABBV has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ABBV or HSTM?
ABBV has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.42%, versus 0.41% for HSTM.
Is ABBV or HSTM safer?
ABBV has the higher dividend-safety score (80/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ABBV or HSTM better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price (undervalued). For ABBV, its fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.