Smith & Nephew SNATS (SNN) vs STERIS (Ireland) (STE)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
STERIS (Ireland) (STE) has outperformed Smith & Nephew SNATS (SNN) over the past year, losing 13.2% versus a loss of 24.7%. Over five years, STE leads with a -6.8% price change compared with -24.0% for SNN. STERIS (Ireland) is the larger company by market cap ($20.44 billion vs $11.25 billion), about 1.8 times the size.
On valuation, Smith & Nephew SNATS trades at a lower forward P/E (11.2x vs 17.1x for STERIS (Ireland)). Smith & Nephew SNATS offers the higher dividend yield (1.48% vs 1.20%). STERIS (Ireland) converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.2% versus 10.1%.
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 | SNN | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $26.89 | $209.68 |
| Market cap | $11.25B | $20.44B |
| 1-day change | +0.07% | +0.49% |
| YTD return | -18.04% | -17.29% |
| 1-year return | -24.74% | -13.20% |
| 5-year return | -24.02% | -6.85% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 18.29 | 25.51 |
| Forward P/E | 11.16 | 17.12 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.47 | $8.22 |
| Dividend yield | 1.48% | 1.20% |
| Annual dividend | $0.397 | $2.52 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.16B | $5.94B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.09% | +8.73% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $625.00M | $782.30M |
| Gross margin | 68.01% | 44.25% |
| Operating margin | 12.88% | 18.56% |
| Net margin | 10.14% | 13.18% |
| 52-week high | $37.51 | $269.44 |
| 52-week low | $26.12 | $195.14 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -28.31% | -22.18% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +20.19% | +25.49% |
| Average volume | 1.67M | 694.18K |
| Shares outstanding | 418.52M | 97.50M |
| Employees | 17,000 | 17,937 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Industrial Specialties | 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
- STE has outperformed SNN by 11.5 percentage points over the past year.
- STERIS (Ireland) trades at a higher earnings multiple (25.5x vs 18.3x trailing P/E).
About Smith & Nephew SNATS
SNN stock →Smith & Nephew plc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells medical devices and services in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT, and Advanced Wound Management.
Health Care · Industrial Specialties · 17,000 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
SNN vs STE FAQ
Which is bigger, Smith & Nephew SNATS or STERIS (Ireland)?
STERIS (Ireland) (STE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $20.44B compared with $11.25B for Smith & Nephew SNATS (SNN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, SNN or STE?
STE returned -13.20% over the past 12 months, compared with -24.74% for SNN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, SNN or STE?
SNN has the lower trailing P/E at 18.3, versus 25.5 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, Smith & Nephew SNATS or STERIS (Ireland)?
Smith & Nephew SNATS has the higher yield at 1.48%, compared with 1.20% for STERIS (Ireland).
Are Smith & Nephew SNATS and STERIS (Ireland) in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Specialties industry within the Health Care sector.