Boston Scientific (BSX) vs STERIS (Ireland) (STE)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
STERIS (Ireland) (STE) has outperformed Boston Scientific (BSX) over the past year, losing 13.2% versus a loss of 56.6%. Over five years, BSX leads with a -4.2% price change compared with -6.8% for STE. Boston Scientific is the larger company by market cap ($60.26 billion vs $20.44 billion), about 2.9 times the size.
On valuation, Boston Scientific trades at a lower forward P/E (12.3x vs 17.1x for STERIS (Ireland)). STERIS (Ireland) pays a dividend yielding 1.20%, while Boston Scientific does not currently pay one. Boston Scientific converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.4% versus 13.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BSX | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $41.58 | $209.68 |
| Market cap | $60.26B | $20.44B |
| 1-day change | -1.45% | +0.49% |
| YTD return | -56.39% | -17.29% |
| 1-year return | -56.64% | -13.20% |
| 5-year return | -4.19% | -6.85% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 16.83 | 25.63 |
| Forward P/E | 12.29 | 17.12 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.47 | $8.18 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.20% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $2.52 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $20.07B | $5.94B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +19.87% | +8.73% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.89B | $782.30M |
| Gross margin | 69.01% | 44.25% |
| Operating margin | 18.00% | 18.56% |
| Net margin | 14.41% | 13.18% |
| 52-week high | $105.65 | $269.44 |
| 52-week low | $41.50 | $195.14 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -60.64% | -22.18% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +44.06% | +25.49% |
| Average volume | 19.67M | 692.78K |
| Shares outstanding | 1.45B | 97.50M |
| Employees | 59,000 | 17,937 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Medical/Dental Instruments | Industrial Specialties |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Boston Scientific is about 2.9 times larger than STERIS (Ireland) by market value ($60.26B vs $20.44B).
- STE has outperformed BSX by 43.4 percentage points over the past year.
- STERIS (Ireland) trades at a higher earnings multiple (25.6x vs 16.8x trailing P/E).
- STERIS (Ireland) offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.20% vs 0.00%).
- Boston Scientific grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+19.87% vs +8.73%).
About Boston Scientific
BSX stock →Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. The company operates in two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular.
Health Care · Medical/Dental Instruments · 59,000 employees
About STERIS (Ireland)
STE stock →STERIS plc provides infection prevention products and services in the United States, Ireland, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Healthcare, Applied Sterilization Technologies, and Life Sciences.
Health Care · Industrial Specialties · 17,937 employees
BSX vs STE FAQ
Which is bigger, Boston Scientific or STERIS (Ireland)?
Boston Scientific (BSX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $60.26B compared with $20.44B for STERIS (Ireland) (STE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BSX or STE?
STE returned -13.20% over the past 12 months, compared with -56.64% for BSX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BSX or STE?
BSX has the lower trailing P/E at 16.8, versus 25.6 for STE. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Boston Scientific or STERIS (Ireland)?
STERIS (Ireland) pays a dividend yielding 1.20%, while Boston Scientific does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Boston Scientific and STERIS (Ireland) in the same industry?
Both are in the Health Care sector, but in different industries: Medical/Dental Instruments for Boston Scientific and Industrial Specialties for STERIS (Ireland).