STERIS (Ireland) (STE) vs Zimmer Biomet (ZBH)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Zimmer Biomet (ZBH) has outperformed STERIS (Ireland) (STE) over the past year, losing 9.6% versus a loss of 13.0%. Over five years, STE leads with a -6.4% price change compared with -37.5% for ZBH. STERIS (Ireland) is the larger company by market cap ($20.55 billion vs $16.95 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, Zimmer Biomet trades at a lower forward P/E (9.8x vs 17.2x for STERIS (Ireland)). STERIS (Ireland) offers the higher dividend yield (1.20% vs 1.08%). STERIS (Ireland) converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.2% versus 8.6%.
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 | STE | ZBH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $210.76 | $88.88 |
| Market cap | $20.55B | $16.95B |
| 1-day change | +0.52% | +0.44% |
| YTD return | -16.87% | -1.16% |
| 1-year return | -13.03% | -9.64% |
| 5-year return | -6.37% | -37.45% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 25.77 | 21.57 |
| Forward P/E | 17.21 | 9.80 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.18 | $4.12 |
| Dividend yield | 1.20% | 1.08% |
| Annual dividend | $2.52 | $0.96 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.94B | $8.23B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.73% | +7.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $782.30M | $705.10M |
| Gross margin | 44.25% | 69.71% |
| Operating margin | 18.56% | 13.34% |
| Net margin | 13.18% | 8.57% |
| 52-week high | $269.44 | $106.88 |
| 52-week low | $195.14 | $79.12 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -21.78% | -16.84% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +24.85% | +20.65% |
| Average volume | 681.26K | 2.17M |
| Shares outstanding | 97.50M | 190.74M |
| Employees | 17,937 | 17,000 |
| 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.
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
About Zimmer Biomet
ZBH stock →Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a medical technology company worldwide. The company designs, manufactures, and markets orthopedic reconstructive products, such as knee and hip products; S.E.T.
Health Care · Industrial Specialties · 17,000 employees
STE vs ZBH FAQ
Which is bigger, STERIS (Ireland) or Zimmer Biomet?
STERIS (Ireland) (STE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $20.55B compared with $16.95B for Zimmer Biomet (ZBH).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, STE or ZBH?
ZBH returned -9.64% over the past 12 months, compared with -13.03% for STE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, STE or ZBH?
ZBH has the lower trailing P/E at 21.6, versus 25.8 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, STERIS (Ireland) or Zimmer Biomet?
STERIS (Ireland) has the higher yield at 1.20%, compared with 1.08% for Zimmer Biomet.
Are STERIS (Ireland) and Zimmer Biomet in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Specialties industry within the Health Care sector.