STERIS plc (STE) vs Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (ZBH)

A side-by-side comparison of STERIS plc and Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — STE vs ZBH

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
STE +252.8% (+13.4%/yr)ZBH -14.2% (-1.5%/yr)STE compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$353$86
STE ZBH

STE vs ZBH: by the numbers

  • •STE is the larger company ($20.35B vs $17.35B market cap).
  • •ZBH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.82 vs 25.52 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •STE converts more revenue to profit (13.33% vs 9.48% net margin).
  • •STE grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.13% vs 2.89% CAGR).
  • •STE pays the higher dividend yield (1.20% vs 1.01%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricSTEZBH
P/E ratio25.5221.82
Forward P/E18.6310.51
P/S ratio3.372.04
P/B ratio2.821.37
EV / EBITDA12.0810.44
FCF yield4.55%7.34%

Profitability

MetricSTEZBH
Gross margin44.43%61.62%
Operating margin18.91%15.73%
Net margin13.33%9.48%
ROE11.17%6.39%
ROIC8.74%5.51%

Dividends

MetricSTEZBH
Dividend yield1.20%1.01%
Payout ratio30.81%23.36%

Growth (annualized)

MetricSTEZBH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.13%2.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.22%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)16.89%6.49%
Total return CAGR (5Y)1.08%-6.74%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, STE or ZBH?
ZBH has the lower trailing P/E: STE trades at 25.52 and ZBH at 21.82. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, STE or ZBH?
Over the past five years, STE grew revenue faster — STE at a 12.13% CAGR versus ZBH at 2.89%.
Does STE or ZBH pay a bigger dividend?
STE yields 1.20% and ZBH yields 1.01% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is STE or ZBH more profitable?
STE runs the higher net margin — STE at 13.33% versus ZBH at 9.48%.
How have STE and ZBH total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, STE delivered 12.75% and ZBH delivered -1.67% annualized total return. 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 September 13, 2026.