STERIS plc (STE) vs Veeva Systems Inc. (VEEV)

VEEV leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics, though STE is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of STERIS plc and Veeva Systems Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 26, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — STE vs VEEV

growth of $100 · last 13y
STE +371.8%VEEV +355.4%STE compounded faster
0200400600800Start $1002016201920222025$472$455
STE VEEV

STE vs VEEV: by the numbers

  • VEEV is the larger company ($27.55B vs $21.05B market cap).
  • STE trades at the lower earnings multiple (26.56 vs 28.18 P/E).
  • VEEV converts more revenue to profit (28.37% vs 13.18% net margin).
  • VEEV grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.28% vs 13.82% CAGR).
  • STE pays a dividend (1.20% yield) while VEEV does not currently pay one.

Which is better, STE or VEEV?

Metric tally: STE 6 · VEEV 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueSTE(lower P/E)
GrowthVEEV(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityVEEV(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricSTEVEEV
P/E ratio26.5628.18
Forward P/E20.6515.76
P/S ratio3.497.91
P/B ratio2.883.59
PEG ratio1.031.42
EV / EBITDA12.2624.15
FCF yield4.69%6.27%

Profitability

MetricSTEVEEV
Gross margin44.25%74.95%
Operating margin18.56%28.79%
Net margin13.18%28.37%
ROE10.89%12.89%
ROIC8.47%9.48%

Dividends

MetricSTEVEEV
Dividend yield1.20%
Payout ratio31.78%

Growth (annualized)

MetricSTEVEEV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.82%16.28%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.22%17.11%
FCF CAGR (5Y)16.64%17.43%
Total return CAGR (5Y)1.84%-11.54%

Frequently asked

Which is better, STE or VEEV?
It depends on your goal. value: STE (lower P/E); growth: VEEV (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: VEEV (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, VEEV leads 10 to 6.
Is STE or VEEV cheaper?
On trailing earnings, STE is cheaper: STE trades at a 26.56 P/E and VEEV at 28.18.
Which has grown faster, STE or VEEV?
Over the past five years, VEEV grew revenue faster — STE at a 13.82% CAGR versus VEEV at 16.28%.
Does STE or VEEV pay a bigger dividend?
STE pays a dividend (1.20% yield) while VEEV does not currently pay one.
Is STE or VEEV more profitable?
VEEV runs the higher net margin — STE at 13.18% versus VEEV at 28.37%.
Which has been the better investment, STE or VEEV?
Over the past 10-year, VEEV delivered the higher annualized total return — STE at 13.89% versus VEEV at 17.30%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 June 26, 2026.