Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. Has $15.98 Million Holdings in STERIS plc (NYSE:STE)

Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. cut its position in shares of STERIS plc (NYSE:STE) by 14.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 77,717 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock after selling 13,524 shares during the quarter. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P.’s holdings in STERIS were worth $15,976,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Avalon Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of STERIS during the fourth quarter worth $30,000. Human Investing LLC acquired a new stake in STERIS in the fourth quarter worth $31,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in STERIS by 100.0% in the fourth quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 182 shares of the medical equipment provider’s stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the period. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division grew 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 worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the period. Finally, Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in STERIS by 182.7% in the fourth 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 during the period. 94.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

STERIS Stock Down 1.3 %

Shares of NYSE STE opened at $225.44 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $22.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 47.86 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $220.41 and a 200-day moving average price of $222.24. STERIS plc has a 1 year low of $197.82 and a 1 year high of $248.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 2.13 and a quick ratio of 1.40.

STERIS (NYSE:STE) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 5th. The medical equipment provider reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) 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%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that STERIS plc will post 9.08 EPS for the current fiscal year.

STERIS Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.01%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 20th. STERIS’s payout ratio is currently 48.41%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. JMP Securities restated a “market outperform” rating and issued a $265.00 price target on shares of STERIS in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Stephens restated an “overweight” rating and issued a $240.00 price target on shares of STERIS in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of STERIS from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Monday, February 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus 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.