Medline Inc. (MDLN) vs STERIS plc (STE)
A side-by-side comparison of Medline Inc. and STERIS plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
MDLN
Medline Inc.
$33.91HealthcareAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
STE
STERIS plc
$236.91HealthcareAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — MDLN vs STE
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 1yMDLN -17.3% (-17.3%/yr)STE -5.6% (-5.6%/yr)STE compounded faster over this window
MDLN STE
MDLN vs STE: by the numbers
- •MDLN is the larger company ($28.67B vs $23.09B market cap).
- •STE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (28.96 vs 39.43 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •STE converts more revenue to profit (13.33% vs 2.31% net margin).
- •STE pays a dividend (1.06% yield), while MDLN has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MDLN | STE |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 39.43 | 28.96 |
| Forward P/E | 22.16 | 23.23 |
| P/S ratio | 0.98 | 3.84 |
| P/B ratio | 2.52 | 3.22 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.34 | 13.66 |
| FCF yield | 6.94% | 3.99% |
Profitability
| Metric | MDLN | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 25.02% | 44.43% |
| Operating margin | 6.07% | 18.91% |
| Net margin | 2.31% | 13.33% |
| ROE | 5.97% | 11.17% |
| ROIC | 4.05% | 8.74% |
Dividends
| Metric | MDLN | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 1.06% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 31.78% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MDLN | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 12.13% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 11.22% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 16.89% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 2.94% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MDLN or STE?
- STE has the lower trailing P/E: MDLN trades at 39.43 and STE at 28.96. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Does MDLN or STE pay a bigger dividend?
- STE pays a dividend (1.06% yield), while MDLN has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is MDLN or STE more profitable?
- STE runs the higher net margin — MDLN at 2.31% versus STE at 13.33%.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Medline P/E ratioSTERIS P/E ratioSTERIS dividend yieldMedline ROESTERIS ROEMedline operating marginSTERIS operating marginMedline revenue growthSTERIS revenue growthMedline free cash flowSTERIS free cash flow
Medline & STERIS appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 20, 2026.