Price movement over the last 24 hours
AFLAC Incorporated vs Baxter International Inc — how do they compare? AFLAC Incorporated trades at $121.42 (market cap $61.84B), while Baxter International Inc trades at $22.09 (market cap $11.81B). The key difference: AFLAC Incorporated is far larger — about 5.2× Baxter International Inc's market cap, and AFLAC Incorporated pays the higher dividend (2.01%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AFL | BAX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $61.84B | $11.81B |
Sector | Financials | Health |
52-Week High | $121.49 | $30.66 |
52-Week Low | $98.09 | $15.80 |
Enterprise Value | $70.50B | $19.48B |
Dividend Yield | 2.01% | 0.87% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aflac (AFL) trades at $121.49, up 0.5% with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The stock shows strong fundamentals with a 25.32% net income margin and 16.47% ROE, though recent Q1 2026 earnings missed expectations. Analyst consensus is mixed with 28% buy ratings and a $113.57 price target below current levels. Recent developments include strong dividend performance and upcoming Q2 2026 results announcement on August 6, 2026.
The outlook remains cautiously optimistic with solid profitability and dividend stability, but faces headwinds from recent earnings misses and premium valuation pressure. Key opportunities include continued growth in Japan and U.S. markets, while risks involve medical cost inflation and uneven revenue trends. The stock's current premium to analyst targets suggests limited near-term upside potential.
Baxter International (BAX) trades at $22.86, up 0.93% today, near the consensus price target of $22.67. The stock shows a bullish technical trend with recent earnings beats in Q1 2026, though profitability remains weak with a negative net income margin of -9.7% and ROE of -16.73%. Cash flow trends indicate operational challenges, with net cash flow negative in recent periods. Recent news highlights sustainability initiatives and strategic partnerships, supporting a turnaround narrative amid ongoing financial restructuring.
Outlook: BAX presents a mixed opportunity with analyst consensus leaning Hold (52.77%) amid valuation concerns (P/E 87.85) and persistent losses. Key risks include high debt, margin pressure, and execution hurdles in stabilizing the business. Upside potential exists if operational improvements and AI integration drive sustained earnings recovery, but investors should weigh the high volatility and competitive pressures in the medtech sector.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in the two largest insurance markets in the world, the U.S. and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accidents, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling most of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work.
Read more on AFL →Baxter offers a variety of medical instruments and supplies to caregivers. It enhanced its portfolio of hospital-focused offerings by acquiring Hillrom in late 2021. Legacy Baxter offers tools to help patients with acute and chronic kidney failure. It also sells a variety of injectable therapies for use in care settings, such as IV pumps, and administrative sets.
Read more on BAX →