Qtron Investments LLC Takes Position in STERIS plc (NYSE:STE)

Qtron Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of STERIS plc (NYSE:STE) in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 1,900 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock, valued at approximately $391,000.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Avalon Trust Co acquired a new stake in STERIS during the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Human Investing LLC purchased a new position in STERIS during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC raised 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 valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division lifted its holdings in STERIS by 65.5% in the fourth quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division now owns 192 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares during the period. Finally, Manchester Capital Management LLC boosted its position in STERIS by 182.7% in the 4th quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 212 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 137 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.69% of the company’s stock.

STERIS Stock Performance

STE opened at $221.18 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $21.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.96 and a beta of 0.87. The firm’s fifty day simple moving average is $222.61 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $219.50. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. STERIS plc has a 52-week low of $197.82 and a 52-week high of $248.24.

STERIS (NYSE:STE) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 5th. The medical equipment provider reported $2.32 earnings per share 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%. Equities analysts anticipate that STERIS plc will post 9.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

STERIS Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, February 20th were paid a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.03%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 20th. STERIS’s dividend payout ratio is currently 48.41%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently issued reports on STE. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of STERIS in a research note on Monday, April 7th. Stephens reiterated an “overweight” rating and issued a $240.00 price objective on shares of STERIS in a research report on Thursday, February 6th. Piper Sandler raised their target price on 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 target on shares of STERIS in a report on Thursday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target 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.