ABBV vs STE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, STE (STERIS plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ABBV offers the higher yield at 2.40%, STE has the higher dividend-safety score, and STE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price).
Key facts: ABBV vs STE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.40%, versus 1.11% for STERIS plc (STE).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ABBV's dividend safety A (80/100) and STE's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, ABBV has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and STE for 20.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, ABBV pays out 117% of its earnings as dividends and STE pays out 31%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, ABBV's fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price and STE's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so STE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ABBV vs STE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/abbv-vs-ste
| Metric | ABBV | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.40% | 1.11% |
| Annual dividend | $6.92 | $2.76 |
| Payout ratio | 117% | 31% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.8% | 8.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 156% | 4% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $192.09 | $192.08 |
| Upside to fair value | -33% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $509.5B | $24.8B |
| P/E ratio | 50.7 | 30.1 |
Higher yield
ABBV
2.40%
Safer dividend
STE
Grade A
Faster growth
STE
8.9%
Better value
STE
-24% upside
ABBV vs STE — FAQ
Is ABBV or STE a better dividend stock?
On the data, STE wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ABBV offers the higher yield (2.40%), while STE 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 STE?
ABBV has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.40%, versus 1.11% for STE.
Is ABBV or STE safer?
STE has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ABBV or STE better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, STE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price (overvalued). For ABBV, its fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.