Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Boosts Stake in STERIS plc (NYSE:STE)

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans increased its stake in STERIS plc (NYSE:STE - Free Report) by 1,563.4% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 67,400 shares of the medical equipment provider's stock after buying an additional 63,348 shares during the quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans owned 0.07% of STERIS worth $13,855,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in STE. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in STERIS by 171.2% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 838,569 shares of the medical equipment provider's stock valued at $191,370,000 after acquiring an additional 529,308 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in STERIS by 30.8% in the fourth quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 10,970 shares of the medical equipment provider's stock valued at $2,275,000 after purchasing an additional 2,583 shares during the last quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB purchased a new position in STERIS in the third quarter valued at approximately $9,949,000. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its position in STERIS by 13.2% in the third quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 4,283 shares of the medical equipment provider's stock worth $1,039,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Merit Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of STERIS during the 4th quarter valued at $260,000. Institutional investors own 94.69% of the company's stock.

STERIS Price Performance

Shares of STE stock traded up $1.25 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $223.03. The stock had a trading volume of 578,151 shares, compared to its average volume of 503,667. The stock's fifty day simple moving average is $221.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $221.60. The company has a current ratio of 2.13, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.91 billion, a PE ratio of 47.35 and a beta of 0.92. STERIS plc has a 12 month low of $197.82 and a 12 month high of $248.24.

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

STERIS Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 21st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 20th were issued a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 20th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.02%. STERIS's payout ratio is currently 48.41%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

STE has been the subject of several recent research reports. Stephens reissued an "overweight" rating and issued a $240.00 price objective on shares of STERIS in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on shares of STERIS from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research report on Monday, February 3rd. Finally, JMP Securities reaffirmed a "market outperform" rating and issued a $265.00 price objective on shares of STERIS in a report on Thursday, February 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, STERIS has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $258.75.

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.