STERIS plc (NYSE:STE) Shares Sold by Prudential PLC

Prudential PLC lessened its position in STERIS plc (NYSE:STE) by 5.8% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 45,055 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock after selling 2,781 shares during the period. Prudential PLC’s holdings in STERIS were worth $9,262,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of STE. Avalon Trust Co purchased a new stake in STERIS in the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Human Investing LLC acquired a new position in STERIS in the fourth quarter valued at $31,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC lifted its position in STERIS by 100.0% during the fourth quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 182 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division boosted its stake in 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 buying an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in STERIS by 182.7% in the 4th quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 212 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.69% of the company’s stock.

STERIS Price Performance

STERIS stock opened at $213.16 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.26 and a beta of 0.92. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $223.23 and a 200-day moving average of $220.72. STERIS plc has a 52-week low of $197.82 and a 52-week high of $248.24.

STERIS (NYSE:STE) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 5th. The medical equipment provider reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.33 by ($0.01). STERIS had a net margin of 8.66% and a return on equity of 13.91%. As a group, analysts predict that STERIS plc will post 9.08 EPS for the current year.

STERIS Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 21st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 20th were given a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.07%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 20th. STERIS’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 48.41%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently issued reports on STE. Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of STERIS from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, February 3rd. JMP Securities reissued a “market outperform” rating and set a $265.00 price objective on shares of STERIS in a research note on Thursday, February 6th. Finally, Stephens reaffirmed an “overweight” rating and issued a $240.00 target price on shares of STERIS in a research report on Thursday, February 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $258.75.

STERIS Company Profile

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.