STERIS plc (NYSE:STE) Given Average Rating of "Moderate Buy" by Analysts

STERIS plc (NYSE:STE - Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" by the five analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $258.75.

STE has been the subject of several research analyst reports. JMP Securities restated a "market outperform" rating and set a $265.00 price objective on shares of STERIS in a research report on Thursday, February 6th. Stephens restated an "overweight" rating and set a $240.00 price objective on shares of STERIS in a research report on Thursday, February 6th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a "hold" rating on shares of STERIS in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Piper Sandler increased their target price on shares of STERIS from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a report on Monday, February 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of STERIS from a "strong-buy" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Tuesday, October 29th.

STERIS Price Performance

Shares of STE traded up $0.31 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $219.54. 322,511 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 513,142. The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. STERIS has a fifty-two week low of $197.82 and a fifty-two week high of $248.24. The company has a market cap of $21.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.61 and a beta of 0.84. The firm's fifty day moving average is $212.95 and its 200 day moving average is $224.09.

STERIS (NYSE:STE - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 5th. The medical equipment provider reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $2.33 by ($0.01). STERIS had a return on equity of 13.91% and a net margin of 8.66%. On average, equities analysts anticipate that STERIS will post 9.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

STERIS Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 21st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 20th will be given a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.04%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 20th. STERIS's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 48.41%.

Insider Transactions at STERIS

In related news, SVP Cary L. Majors sold 1,682 shares of STERIS stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $217.32, for a total value of $365,532.24. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 11,372 shares of the company's stock, valued at $2,471,363.04. The trade was a 12.88 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 1.14% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in STE. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of STERIS during the third quarter worth $25,000. Avalon Trust Co bought a new stake in STERIS during the fourth quarter valued at $30,000. Human Investing LLC acquired a new stake in STERIS during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in STERIS by 100.0% during the 4th quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 182 shares of the medical equipment provider's stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the period. Finally, Central Pacific Bank Trust Division raised its position in shares of STERIS by 65.5% in the 4th quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division now owns 192 shares of the medical equipment provider's stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.69% of the company's stock.

About STERIS

STERIS plc provides infection prevention products and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Healthcare, Applied Sterilization Technologies, Life Sciences, and Dental. The Healthcare segment offers cleaning chemistries and sterility assurance products; automated endoscope reprocessing system and tracking products; endoscopy accessories, washers, sterilizers, and other pieces of capital equipment for the operation of a sterile processing department; and equipment used directly in the operating room, including surgical tables, lights, and connectivity solutions, as well as equipment management services.